Since launching this site in the summer of 2014, I have posted almost two hundred articles about why I think dressing well matters. These include a number of reviews and recommendations for local artisans. I realise that since the site is now so large, these reviews can be hard to find. I have grouped my stories here in the hopes of drawing more attention to Toronto’s artisans.
Please note: this a list of the artisans I have used and recommend, not an exhaustive list of every craftsperson in Toronto.
Suits, Jackets and Trousers
Signor Francesco is Canada’s finest tailor. I know that’s a bold statement, and I have not visited or commissioned garments from every tailor in the country, never mind our city, but I have yet to hear or read about another tailor with the pedigree of Signor Francesco. Full bespoke service offered.
Sebastian Richard Espinosa is a young tailor with a strong vision, remarkable skill and enormous potential. Trained in Toronto and London, with a style influenced by Savile Row. Bespoke and semi-bespoke.
I have a long relationship with Canada’s oldest custom tailor, Walter Beauchamp, briefly working at their old store as well as co-writing their history. Now re-opened as an appointment only Made-to-Measure service.
Shirts
Alexandra Yiannikakos is one of this city’s best kept secrets, an excellent shirt maker who operates out of her home atelier. Before I started working with MAROL of Bologna, I went to Alexandra for all my custom shirts and have sent many friends her way. I would suggest stopping off first at Sultan’s Fine Fabrics for the shirting, then heading over to Alexandra. I recommend her full roll button-down collar and single needle side seam. Her shirts are made-to-measure and she can be contacted via her website.
Shoes
Peter Feeney is, as far as I know, Canada’s only bespoke shoe maker. He also happens to be quite good. Trained in Florence, the Italian centre of the industry, he has recently moved to a bright, airy location in our city’s west end. Full bespoke offered.
Emmanuel Farré first came to Toronto a few years ago as a patina artist: breathing new life into shoes and leather with his colour work. Recently, his business has grown to include shoes of his own making and a stand-alone store in Yorkville.
Nick’s Shoe Repair on Dupont is my go-to place in the city for shoe care and alterations, like metal toe taps, rubber sole protectors and minor repairs.
Hats
Not only is Stephen Temkin of Leon Drexler Canada’s only, and one of the world’s finest hat makers, he is a good friend. Stephen makes classic dress hats to the highest standards.
Jeans
Ben Viapiana has dedicated himself, for the past decade and a half, to making the best jeans he can in the most authentic, traditional way, using the finest denim available. Fully made-to-measure/bespoke.
Leathergoods
Steve Gircys, the man behind Oak & Honey Leathergoods, continues to impress me with his commitment to craftsmanship. In 2017, he dove in by quitting his day job to focus on leatherwork and he also travels regularly to Japan to further develop his craft.
Special Mention
Sultan’s Fine Fabrics is the place to go in Toronto for suiting and shirting, or as normal people call it, the fabric for suits, jackets, trousers and shirts. His selection can be overwhelming, so it’s best to have a general idea of what you want but be guided by Sultan himself. If you keep an open mind, you are likely to find some fantastic fabrics.
The Fabric Room is an incredible resource for the city’s craftspeople, with a massive selection of buttons and notions. But I encourage the average sartorially minded person to check it out too because swapping buttons is a simple yet effective way to breath new life into an old garment.