Outfitted: The Beau*Ties Edition

The Beau-ld & The Beautie-ful

Over the months, we have reported on a myriad of topics regarding fashion and style.  From chronicling various collections, to professing our undying love of certain pieces, we have strived to document the world of menswear.  So it is this passionate pursuit of evolutionizing not only men in Toronto, but of ourselves, that we introduce a new weekly series that  we simply like to dub, Outfitted.  Birthed from the love of the art form that is fashion, every week we will showcase various pieces that make up a look, all in the effort of inspiring each other.  And though our interpretation of style will be reflected in each outfit, this is intended for you to utilize the concept and make it your own.  Thus, in honour of an event that is close to our hearts, we present two looks that we feel capture the magical essence that is Beau*Ties…

Obsession de la Semaine

Polo Ralph Lauren's Fithian Seersucker Sport Coat ($325)

We must make a confession of sorts.  Although we do very much admire and adore the avant garde-rock/punk inspired-draping au curant look, we are chumps to the ever timeless hybrid look of the prepster and dandy.  It is perhaps the mixing of old and new that inspires our consciousness, or the very ideal of classicism that drives us each day.  Whatever the reason, this upcoming Spring season’s mood is one that will guide us on a path of dandyness.  We couldn’t be more elated.  And the leader of this season’s journey may well be the creator of American dapperness himself, Ralph Lauren.

Having provided styles to the set of The Great Gatsby in 1974, Ralph Lauren has continually delivered a certain sense of American panache to every look.  This Spring season will further highlight this with the introduction of his Maidstone collection.  Inspired from the fine gentlemen of East Hampton, New York and their quintessential preppy styles, it is this influence that birthed the Fithian Seersucker Sport Coat (and one that has our tongues wagging).  Crafted in a trim fit from traditionally preppy cotton seersucker, this double-breasted gem creates the perfect balance of a modern silhouette with vintage details.  Ad0rned with genuine mother-of-pearl buttons that are unfinished for a vintage look and consisting of a notched collar with peaked lapels, the Fithian Seersucker Sport Coat is the epitome of the “Beau Brummel” style.  We have already envisioned some dark denim (and for days when we feel daring, some madras-print trousers) and brown tassel loafers to compliment this jacket.  The dandies will be out in full force this Spring.

Available in mid-late February at The Bay Queen Street, 176 Yonge Street, (416) 861-4033; Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West, (416) 922-2333; http://www.ralphlauren.com/.

My Toronto

A picture says 1000 words.  In this age of hustle and bustle, we tend to forget that our city has amazing visuals that tell our story.  We may pass by an intersection, a road, a building, a person, a shop many times without appreciating its beauty.  Every week we want to give you a unique perspective from a local Toronto photographer through their eyes.

What they capture may tell an untold story.

so much shouting, so much laughter. - "//amidst shouting, chanting, marching and hollerin'... laughter. Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament rally. Jan 23, 2010."

Shot by Tanja Tiziana of http://doublecrossed.ca/.

BEAU*TIES | 1 yr anniversary

Beau*Ties

Friday February 12 2010 @ Maro (135 Liberty Street)

The air is thick with an aroma of excitement as we embark on a journey of majestic proportions.  We can see the horizon, we can taste the growing sense of sartorial consciousness among Toronto men.  We watch as their wizardry of fashion will once again take centre stage as they showcase their sumptuous concoctions and picturesque neckwear for the evening.  Converging in a sartorially-charged environment, we once again tip our hats in celebration of  each others’ individual expression.  There is no doubt that style and decadence will be the orders of the night.  And while some may perceive this affair as a celebration of vanity, we are here to declare that this…this gathering will be a celebration of life and individuality.

Thy fellow men of taste, let us rejoice in this momentous occasion…

The Book Lover’s Ball

Words frozen in time.  An everlasting impression on the minds of those that read them.  A cataclysmic array of words, images, sounds and smells that surge through our bodies as we hold in our last breath.  How will it end?  What impact shall it have on us, on history?  Will they remember?  Are we to judge or be judged?  A wise man by the name of Edward Bulwer-Lytton once said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and no truer words have ever been spoken.  There is something to be said of the mystical power that surges through a writer when he or she connects pen to paper and brings to life a story so powerful.  Books have been around for centuries and through the course of time, have been there for us like a member of our family.  They enlighten us, transport us, helped us heal and at times, made us laugh.  In honour of a gift that keeps on giving, the Toronto Public Library is hosting its 5 Book Lover’s Ball at the Fairmont Hotel on Thursday February 11th 2010. More importantly, proceeds from this extraordinary event will enhance the work of Toronto’s Library, the busiest urban public library system in the world.

The Upper Echelon’s Long Weekend Takeover

Mood Music & SNL

As we are inching closer to the first long weekend of 2010, the men behind The Upper Echelon (recently awarded the “Best Party Throwers of 2009″ by our friends over at Liveagl.com) are set to takeover the nightlife industry with two of Toronto’s most popular events.  Making its long-awaited return, Mood Music will once again induce romanticism to even the most hard-hearted individual with music that has defined a generation of lovers.  Since its inception, Mood Music has catapulted into a cult-like event that has truly left a mark in the nightlife circuit.  And if that wasn’t enough, Sunday Night Live – Toronto’s most acclaimed long weekend event – will celebrate its 3 year anniversary with what is sure to be an extraordinary night.  All hail The Upper Echelon!

Please be advised that in order to avoid disappointment, arrive early for these two events.  As history and experience dictate, these two fêtes will be sold out by midnight.  To put matters into perspective, at last count there are currently over 400 confirmed guests for Mood Music alone (on its Facebook page).

S/S 2010 Paris Fashion Week: Balmain Hommes

Balmain Hommes.

Renown for its sexy yet ever so effortless chic aesthetic (under the guiding hand of Christophe Decarnin), over the years, Balmain has literally become a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry.  Its womenswear has catapulted to cult-like status, and the mere mention of the name “Balmain” makes many weak in the knees.  So it came as no surprise that Decarnin’s Spring 2010 menswear collection was one of the most anticipated.  Though the collection was subtle in comparison to its sister counterpart, there was an element of classic James Dean working against a rough modern military edge this season.  The rock-inspired lineup offered slouchy track pants and knits contrast against sharp tailored emblem blazers.  Leather jackets are immaculately crafted, paired with distressed tees and slim fit army pants.  Although it was nothing revolutionary, there was much to take away in respect to the styling equation.  Simple, elegant, yet with a dash of the je ne sais quoi that the French are masters of.  What more could a man ask for?

S/S 2010 Paris Fashion Week: Hugo by Hugo Boss

S/S 2010 Paris Fashion Week: Comme des Garçons

Comme des Garçons.

Throughout the Paris shows, designers have shown tartans, African prints and nautical stripes, but Rei Kawakubo was the only one to pack all three themes into the same garment. That she did, in patchwork trousers and blazers with collages of colorful panels, pockets and silk neckwear appliqués. Skullcaps and ornamental strands dangling from hips, at times worn with dark suits and white shirts, seemed to reference Orthodox Jews. The garments were familiar, such as loose suits and mini kilts over trousers — only the embellishments were new.

Available at TNT Man, 87 Avenue Road, (416) 972-1593.

S/S 2010 Paris Fashion Week: Hermès