The first ever Suitable evening was held on Monday, November 20th, 2006. PJ O'Brien's at 41 Colborne St. catered the event with cocktails and hors d'oeurves in the aperitivo tradition in the newly opened Pat Quinn Lounge. There were many eager clients ready to take part in the festive experience. Awaiting in the atelier was designer Mark Peros and owner Stan Schnapp who walked the gentlemen through the process. "The consultation stage is one of the most important," describes Mark "everyone I met that night had such different personalities, worked in different professions and all needed a suit for a different purpose. Getting as much background information as possible on their lifestyle, who they are as people and what they currently have in their wardrobe is all part of finding the best design, cut and shape of suit. Enhancing their personality". On hand as well is Oresto, Italian craftsman and master tailor. You will see him is some of the pictures doing fittings and alterations. His experienced 'eye' for balance and details goes back nearly 50 years and yet he is the most humbling and inspiring person to work with.
Andrew Wells is one of the hottest young realtors this city is getting to know. He's always on the go, always on his blackberry and meeting with his vast array of clients. For someone who's constantly moving and never in one place we put Andrew in a beautiful Italian grey multi-stripe flannel. He will always be comfortable whether it be driving or meeting clients for coffee. Its cut a little bit shorter then usual to fit his miniature frame but boy does he look sharp - attaboy Wells!!
Hannes Portman, I met through a friend from Queen's University. Working right in the heart of the financial distrinct he came to us with specifics in mind. Funnily enough, with working in such a concervative profession Hannes owns everything BUT the traditional standards! So this was his time to add one of the old time favorites of Bay Street - a sleek dark navy two button. You'll never go wrong with this one, eh Hannes!
The youngest referee on the Canadian fencing circut is my buddy Mike Ivankovic. At only 20 he's way beyond his years when it comes to looking like a million dollars. The traveling, the long days in front of a fencing piste, the banquets and dinners out...I mean a guys gotta look good, right, especially when judging the ladies...fencing that is!!
Scott Hurley and Al Dickie are like two peas in pod. They showed up together for every fitting and even managed to choose the same fabric - in different colours!! But style and a well made suit is what they know. It was the little extra's and the sizzle that we added to make their suits into something different - and different they were. Thanks guys for the support, now spread the word!!
David Sevitt, the king of focus-groups in Toronto was the most eager of the group that night. So much so that he brought in two others with him, one being his father Brian. In actual fact, the whole family showed up that night, mother Carol and wife Alexa....special VIP treatment! David looks great in the black stripe ready to take on the political universe!
Two successful young gents Jon Lax and David Barclay of TeehanLax were referrals from another friend Luke McCann. These two guys were no strangers to custom made garments. They asked the right questions, knew their fabric and loved the idea of making it a truely handmade suit. Jon went with the 3-piece, very James Bond, that he carries with regal status and David added his own touches of a saddle-stitch showing off his creative ideas as designer. These are two guys who we really enjoyed doing business with....because it didn't really feel like doing business!
Another young man who loved the idea of bespoke is Benji Dempsey. Actually, he was part of the inspiration behind the suit night. When it comes to proper etiquette and how to be a gentlemen Benji heads the list. His personality and character alone was inspiration enough in creating the suit - and gave me the biggest palete to work with. It was obvious he wanted flash, but in the most discreat and humble way and that has been my philosophy for design ever since I can remember. Props to Benji, you look fantastic buddy!
These were just a few who attended that night. Honestly, there's nothing better than a men's night out. The company, the relaxation and no pressure to perform. If business was always run like that I think we all would love to go to work each morning. So stay in touch. I will be posting the info of the next Suitable Evening soon. Ciau!
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