New School Dandy Profile: Michael Andrew

Since the shop launched two years ago we have been introduced to hundreds of stylish guys who embrace their "inner-dandy". With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, Michael Andrew, with photos by Rose Callahan.




Where did you grow up? I grew up in Austin, TX.

Where do you live now? HarlemWorld USA.

Where did you go to school? I enjoyed quite a few universities during my matriculation.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? My self and my style are forever evolving and reflect my position in life.

How would you describe your style? A Retreat to 1920’s Harlem.

What are your sources of inspiration? People and my surroundings.

Who is your style icon? There are actually a few: my mentor Leonard Gresham, Lino Ieluzzi of Al Baazar, Jay Kos.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? Dressing The Man by Alan Flusser. Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke (forever inspiring me to find and embrace myself). The Art Of Seduction (because style is more than just clothing).

Do you have a favorite website? Why Fine and Dandy of course! I also enjoy Men’s Flair, Street Etiquette, Made to Measure NY.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My iPhone and my notebook.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? My white double breasted gabardine blazer.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Lake Como, Italy and Provence, France.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? I’m still enjoying exploring the city (New York) therefore I don’t have a regular place as of yet.

What would you be doing ten years from now? In ten years I will be traveling, and enjoying the fullness of life.

What is your current obsession? NYC nightlife; it’s so eclectic so vibrant I can’t get enough of it.

Currently inspired by? The people I come in contact with daily and love.

Currently annoyed with? Labels and people trying to put others in a box.

What else do you want to tell us? If clothing truly is a reflection of a man’s state of mind don’t ever be afraid to be and express yourself. And love always begets love so spread it!

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New School Dandy Profile: José Lemus

Since the shop launched two years ago we have been introduced to hundreds of stylish guys who embrace their "inner-dandy". With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, José Lemus, with photos by Rose Callahan.



Where did you grow up? Born in Guatemala but grew up all over South America, until I arrived to Los Angeles at the age of sixteen.

Where do you live now? Los Angeles, California. Glendale to be exact, sits at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains, 15 minutes north of Downtown L.A. , quiet and not really a tourist place but with the best Cuban Bakery in Los Angeles called Portos.

What's your occupation? Menswear, Sales Supervisor for Barneys Co-Op at The Americana.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? My style has been established for a while now and it always includes a tie. My influence: I still remember the day my Grandfather sat me on his lap in front of grandma's vanity and showed me how to knot a Windsor on one of his old ties, patient with me until I got it right. I was so excited, kept it on all day I even played outside with it on, until my mother got home and I got to show her my new trick. I think of that day as my pivotal moment in wearing a tie almost every day...around the age of five or so.  ...because I have seen so many trends come and go (season after season), the need to look current at work is very important, I keep it classic with with an extra shot of sprezzatura: the canvas clean, classic and painted with vintage and modern accents. History has shown neckwear is essential, ties have been around since the 1600's, I don't think they will become a time of the past...

How would you describe your style? Inspired by the vintage and the classics but with eyes staring at the present.

What are your sources of inspiration? Old photographs and movies, blogs and websites, vintage menswear books, I like to see how some things refuse to be a part of trends and are here to be a part of life.

Who is your style icon? Cary Grant if I have to choose one, Mr. Grant had a passion for clothes and later in his career even ran a menswear boutique. Hamish Bowles, Lappo Elkann, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Yves Saint Laurent, Thom Browne are others: I have always admired personal style.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? Vintage books on menswear, my favorite this month is Cally Blackman's 100 Years Of Menswear.

Do you have a favorite website? I love Tumblr, something about connecting with people you have never met and sharing same interests. But my bookmarks include: An Affordable Wardrobe, Ivy Style, Mister Crew, Mister Mort, New Dandyism, Prepidemic Magazine, GQ UK, Selectism, Street Etiquette, The Prepster, Sartorially Inclined and of course both Charles Henry and Fine and Dandy Shop.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My phone, it takes the best pictures for Today's Tie.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? My tie collection of course! But in general my favorite accessories are the ones that have a story about where they come from, the vintage Leopard bow tie from my best friend Lisa, my Grandfather's silver tie bar, the key and nail stacked on my finger, both from Richard.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Until recently Hawaii but we love going back to New York. Dream vacation would be Milan, the classic- nonchalant attitude way of dressing is so respected and admired by the entire world that I just would love to visit.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. The vintage shops down San Fernando Blvd, I have gotten some of my favorite Repp ties from there.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? Saint Vincent's De Paul but definitely The Coffee Bean, can't function without my caffeine fix.

What would you be doing ten years from now? Continuing my fight against embellished jeans and contributing to the fight for a society of men well dressed for every occasion, the fight for men to own more than just one tie. Would love to run a men's fashion house.

What is your current obsession? Mixing prints and textures.

Currently inspired by? Inspired by all the new wave of men wanting to dress better and flaunting it, the confidence they bring and the clothes to back it up.

Currently annoyed with? The bow tie being remembered as trendy rather than the suggestive trait of iconoclasm of an Old World sort.

What else do you want to tell us? Style is done by instinct and it is an extension of one's personality, the same style that will not only show you where to fit in, but also how to stand out.

Check out José's Today's Tie and Fashion4Addict.

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New School Dandy Profile: James Jimenez

Since we launched the shop we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, James Jimenez a.k.a. Mr. Burton, with photos by Rose Callahan.





Where did you grow up? In Colombia and New York, talk about opposites.

Where do you live now? God's backside in New York...Ozone Park (yeah, I never heard of it before either).

Where did you go to school? In a third world country.

What's your occupation? I have a day job, but my nights are devoted to being a playwright, novelist, poet, and tie designer.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? A person's style is a life long progress, you go along with it. A pivotal moment was when I was in my early 20's and I was thinking about what kind of man I wanted to be and what I wanted to look like. My earliest influences were men's Victorian, Edwardian, and 1920's looks. Then I realized that Gomez Addams was the perfect man, but with him being fictional, a mere cartoon, I felt it was a wonderful creation.  My style through the years has grown a bit more. I also love the 1930's and 1940's and have also wanted to go even back further in time, I think the early 1800's would suit me fine too and I'm working on that. Who knows what the future will bring.

How would you describe your style? Another place and time.

What are your sources of inspiration? The aesthetics of the past, silent films, art, music,travel, and my heroes...

Who is your style icon? I can't pick one person because so many people have had such an influence on me that goes on beyond a look. If I had to pick one or a few, Oscar Wilde, Rudolph Valentino, Robert de Montesquiou. ( I'm old school)  There are people that influence me to dress up too, like some of my favourite women, Marlene Dietrich, Sarah Bernhardt and the Marchesa Casati.

One of my absolute favorite living dandies is Maximilliano Mocchia di Coggiola, he by far is the true definition of a dandy, he's so adventurous with his color schemes, he's a hard one to top!

What is your favorite personal item? My jewelry collection. I can't pick out one item, although I am quite attached to a 1920's intaglio ring that has the profile of a flapper on it.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? I don't think there is such an answer, everything in my dressing room is special and each piece is like a historical artifact. I do like my coats a lot though.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? I love Paris with a passion. I have yet to discover Spain and Italy.

What is the best kept secret in your city? No matter how long you've lived here, there's always something you haven't seen, new people you haven't met, something always happening, one of the great things about living in NY.

At what establishment would you consider yourself a regular? At Dances of Vice and Wit's End, I love a chance, any chance, to dress up.

What else do you want to tell us? Since we are on the topic of style, know yourself. That will determine your style, it can also be the greatest discovery you'll ever make...

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Lassi Patokorpi

Since we launched the shop we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, blogger Lassi Patokorpi of the blog Flanööri.


Where did you grow up? In short: Finland. I'm not going to bore you with the details of my migration.

Where do you live now? I currently live here surrounded by a lake in inland Finland. Ha! That came out funny.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? I pretty much was a run-of-the-mill young man studying in Senior High until I met my current girlfriend. She was one to dress up, unlike myself who barely ever looked in the mirror. After we had started seeing each other she very gently and inconspicuously noted my appearance. I personally hadn't cast even the faintest thought in the matter of clothes: basic jeans and a t-shirt (well, I had some standards.. I always wore solids, no prints never). After getting the hint I began to ponder about it all and decided to buy a new pair of trousers as I was getting tired of the same old rags. So I set out to find some nice ones – and this time with thought! I pretty much knew what I wanted: a pair of brown wool tweed trousers and definitely not jeans. After a hideous search I finally tracked a pair down and after that the whole thing has just gone out of hand... Suits, bow ties, shirts, shoes you name it. It's a slippery slope!

My style has gone back in time quite a bit. At first it was a 50's dad-look with the checked dress shirt, bow tie, suspenders (braces for you Brits) and dress trousers. But after finding out 'bout "the good stuff" I have moved backwards in time to the Edwardian-1930's era. This time period is really the right one for me as I have always loved art deco, industrial design of the 20's and 30's as well as the architecture and cars. When I discovered so much to my liking in the era I just couldn't let go! It simply had all that I hold dear and essential to my sense of aesthetics.

You could say that a woman has put forth the interest but I myself have been maneuvering it. She has no say in what I wear! In fact me getting so into it all I've very much fueled her enthusiasm as well and we are now both fiery vintage-enthusiasts. Though I think she some times regrets that she sparked the interest in me... Yes, It's that bad!

It was just a wake up call. I had never before thought about it all, but when I did I just woke up and saw it in different eyes. In today's world I bet it's safe to say that this kind of realization is fairly common: there rarely is a need to dress neatly. Though it can also be our Finnish culture. In fact, we have a saying here "rumat ne vaatteilla koreilee" which roughly means that it's the ugly people who dandy up. And yes, Finns dress badly.

How would you describe your style? I can't describe it in one word but I can try my best to put it in a single phrase. I think of my style as very early 30's young Finnish middle-class male. I very much like what Finland had to offer in terms of style in the era and I am getting more and more into it. It's not too busy but elegant and stylish.

What are your sources of inspiration? I have never been able to source my inspiration. I'm sure it comes from all the old photos of people I see every now and then. Oh, and I often do visit The Fedora Lounge where I see a lot of inspiration material.

Who is your style icon? I can't say I have a style icon. I've never felt it to be me to have someone to look up to but I have to admit that Clark Gable had the best grooming ever. I love the pencil mustache and that's on my list of to-dos.

Do you have a favorite website? I like The Fedora Lounge and the ambassador of classic men's style in Finland: Keikari.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? Even if my style is in the past tense that doesn't mean everything I own is (hence me writing this on a computer). My essential every day item is my cellphone. Can't say it's my favourite but I think it's the best I can provide to this question, sorry!

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? A-ha, now this I can answer accurately! I have to say that I love my Finnish made black dress boots from 1935. I found them at a recycling center for 1 (one) euro! They were in immaculate shape and the best part is that they fit my largeish US 11 feet!

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? I would like to visit Belgium. I love Belgian ales and I find the country charming.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. If I were to live in a city (by international standards or even national) I would gladly tell you. At the moment I reside somewhere that doesn't have any secrets that I'd even want to know.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? If there is one place I go regularly it's a thrift store, recycling center or a flea market. They are pretty much the only places I ever visit if you don't count the groceries.

What would you be doing ten years from now? I will hopefully be teaching English unless my path takes me elsewhere.

What is your current obsession?  I. Need. New. Plus-Fours. Exclamation mark.

Currently inspired by? The beautiful and sunny summer. I love that I can utilise my straw boaters!

Currently annoyed with?  Stress.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Raymond Chu

Over the past year we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, actor/student Raymond Chu, with photos by Rose Callahan.





Where did you grow up? I grew up in Nassau County (Port Washington and Manhasset), Long Island, NY.

I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 7th grade, and then moved to Manhasset, where I attended public school, and rebelled against all of the prep going on there. I find it interesting that I go back to oxford shirts and ties now, when I hated everyone who wore that sort of stuff when I lived in Ralphlaurensville. I wore Quiksilver, skateboarding clothes, hoodies, Pumas, Adidas.

When I was 14, I moved to Taipei, Taiwan, where my style solidified itself. When I was in Taiwan, I was also in another sort of cultural identity crisis, and was trying to keep my American identity, and romanced old American films, and dressed as American as I could to offset the Taiwanese/Japanese trends there.

Where do you live now? For the last three years I’ve lived in the East Village, NY, with some time spent abroad in Shanghai.

Where did you go to school? I am actually still in school. I’m a junior year drama major at NYU.

What’s your occupation? I suppose I can only say I am a student of theater right now. I spent some time last year as a sales rep at the Ralph Lauren Mansion and at Rugby Ralph Lauren, and before that spent two summers as an intern for my uncle, David Chu, who is famous for being the founder of Nautica.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? My personal style came about when I rented Raiders of the Lost Ark on Netflix when I was 14. I loved Indiana Jones’ style, fixated on the hat. I spent the next few months sourcing the hat, starting with the crappy wool felt ones on eBay and eventually finding forums that lead me to good quality fur felt fedoras. This lead me to further interest in hats, and then researching all sorts of films from the 1930s and 1940s that inspired Indiana Jones. I watched a ton of Bogart movies, Fred Astaire movies, Cary Grant movies, James Cagney movies…anything I could get my hands on really. I wanted to be one of those men. These days, I’m a little more interested in dressing my age rather than dressing to look like an older man. Being an actor, I am looking at inspiration from younger actors, and trying to bring young feeling clothes into my wardrobe. Stuff that maybe James Dean would’ve worn.

How would you describe your style? My style is, at the moment, a roguish collegiate young man who is struggling with being a boy and being a man. Getting dressed in the morning is about preparing for anything, being versatile and utilitarian, but being presentable. I prefer not to have my clothes speak for me, anymore. Mostly, I dress for the weather.

What are your sources of inspiration? Mostly pictures of old and dead actors that I admire, old Esquire and Apparel Arts illustrations, my time at David Chu Design, Ralph Lauren, and my mother.

Who is your style icon? I really don’t have just one….it’s really a mixture of who I want to emulate at the moment. I like Tony Leung in In the Mood for Love and 2046.Some days, I want to be Cary Grant. Other days, I want to be Humphrey Bogart. Certain days, I want to be James Dean in his portraits in New York City. When it’s sunny, maybe, I want to be more dandyish like Fred Astaire. If I want to be ready for a rough and tumble day, Indiana Jones.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? The J.C. Leyendecker coffee table book.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? A pack of Lucky Strikes and my black crackle WWII lighter.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Hong Kong.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city.  A little Japanese-owned French café on 13th St. between University and 5th Ave. There’s a big tree outside the window on the second floor, with enough sanded wood tables for a handful of people. It’s a great place to talk over a bowl of coffee with a croissant.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? Netflix and my living room couch.

What would you be doing ten years from now? A professional actor, doing a film for Ang Lee or Wong Kar-Wai.

What is your current obsession? The perfect gray sweatshirt and Levi’s 501 shrink to fits.

Currently inspired by? James Dean on "doing" instead of "acting", Leonardo DiCaprio's furrowed brow, and Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver.

Currently annoyed with? Too many things, but I don’t like dwelling on what annoys me. Instead, I try to focus on trying to solve those problems.

What else do you want to tell us? Stop reading this, and go outside and enjoy the springtime. It’s raining outside now…even still. Put on your trench coat and take a walk. Look up and admire a building.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Barima Owusu-Nyantekyi

Over the past year we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, blogger Barima Owusu-Nyantekyi.



Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in London, keeping in touch with my Ghanaian roots by vacationing there once or twice a year.

Where do you live now? In Accra and in London. This knowledge doesn’t make me feel well travelled, but I’m established in both cities, so it makes perfect sense.

Where did you go to school? Most recently, the University of Manchester. Prior to that, Slough Comprehensive. I’d liked to have been educated outside of the UK at some points, although I found certain summer camps rather distasteful.

What’s your occupation? That’s rather hyphenated. Communications Executive-Copywriter-Marketer-Researcher-Style Journalist-Blog Columnist. And that counts none of my bad habits like Seedy Establishment Frequenter-Freestyle Dancer-Consummate Hobbyist-Bad Historian.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? Despite some music scene-related teenage conflagrations, I’ve always dressed in ways that relate to both of my heritages. What you refer to as my personal style relates aesthetically to the British one and palette-wise to the Ghanaian one, and that could be said to have come into its own around 2004 when I was young and needed the money. The core style has rather remained the same. The attention to detail is evolving at the pace of a slug, but at least it’s improving matters.

How would you describe your style? “Offbeat formality” is my usual response; it encapsulates the conservative and flagrant elements in a Q&A-friendly soundbite all of my own. I also like “Dead Posh,” “Fake Gay” and “Fonzworth on Acid” but a friend devised those, so they don’t count.

What are your sources of inspiration? My father is the prime source for developing, rather than encouraging, my vanity, since he has a creative take on traditional forms. The majority are from the world of popular culture; luminaries of the arts and design fields, fantastic showmen and musical scenes; the rest seem to be politicians and businessmen. I’ve always liked, for example, how Japanese Shibuya-kei, Neo-Shibuya-kei and picopop music absorbed decades of sonic trends, pop music references, production techniques and samples, stripped them of context and blended these elements with a spirit that’s uniquely theirs, creating something new-but-old and nullifying distinctions between high and low culture. I like to apply such a spirit to my ensembles. Success is in the eye of the beholder.

Who is your style icon? I can’t really name an icon; the men of style that I appreciate are no better or worse than each other. I tend to derive much inspiration from a number of fashion and tailoring houses, especially pre-1980.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? I enjoy memoirs and autobiographies by espionage agents, businessmen, scoundrels and record executives, such as Howling At The Moon by former CBS Records President, Walter Yetnikoff, and Spymaster by Peter Wright. I’m an admirer of most forms of fiction, Bret Easton Ellis being an easy favourite, and also enjoy tomes about business empires and the magic of Tony Robbins. And where would we be without Taschen?

Do you have a favorite website? The Materialist and Polite Dissent’s medical reviews of House M.D.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My iPod, as soon as it’s finally replaced. I also own a pre-war chest of drawers in which the first drawer folds out into a desk with compartments for stationery, envelopes and assorted debris; a better incarnation of the one I used at school. It’s an essential.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? A rarely worn woven houndstooth shirt from the 1960s by Turnbull & Asser. The needlework is incredible.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? I’ve a strange hankering to go to Cambodia. I also love New York like no other.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. In Accra, it’s a new drinking establishment in the fun part of town named Bella Roma. In London, it would be Shoreditch House, although that’s hardly a secret, well kept or otherwise.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? Seemingly most of Mayfair and Piccadilly, including Dover Street Market, where I can be found distracting the staff with my colour choices, many of the art and photography galleries and the Arts Club, also on Dover Street. I’m also fond of Notting Hill and its different shops and eateries.

What would you be doing ten years from now? Developing brand presences in Africa and globally, travelling the world, continuing to write and finally using my powers for good.

What is your current obsession? House M.D., Glee and Doctor Who.

Currently inspired by? Gregory House and the history of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana.

Currently annoyed with? People devoid of common sense; a resource scarce enough to be a traded commodity.

What else do you want to tell us? I suffer from mild road rage, own too much unplayed vinyl and thought that Meet Dave was an example of avant-garde cinema.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Michael Salerno

Over the past year we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, Michael Salerno.  Michael is the first profilee to be photographed by our new collaborator, photographer Rose Callahan.

Where did you grow up?  I was born on Christmas Eve 1962 and was nearly delivered in the car since my mother refused to leave for the hospital until all the gifts were wrapped. I was raised in White Plains, NY a city of some historical significance in the American Revolutionary war. It was, for the most part a quiet and law abiding place so as a child I was able to walk or bike anywhere I liked exploring old neighborhoods and going into places I shouldn’t. It was during this time I began to develop my deep and abiding love of all things old.

Where do you live now? These days my family and I live in Mahopac, NY (pronounced May-OH-pac or Muh-HOE-pac depending on which side of the politically correct fence you stand.) It is neither a city, a town nor even a village but a Hamlet. After 15 years of rural life we have become part of the community.

What’s your occupation? I currently work as an I.T. Manager for a small family owned insurance company. It is a job into which I fell more than attained by effort. My job history is quite varied. In fact I have held more and different jobs than anyone I know: House painter, cable TV installer, computer systems buyer, private detective, patio furniture salesman to name just a few.

When did you establish your personal style? College was no doubt the time when I began to develop my style. Being a young man out on his own and wanting to impress his new friends, I found consignment shops and vintage clothing stores an ideal place for a cash strapped shopper. It was in these places I discovered vintage clothing was much more stylish and well made than most modern offerings; so I began to collect 60+ year old items. It was perhaps a reflection of my love for antiques but I found suits, waistcoats, dressing gowns, hats and ties all of significant vintage to be very well made and quite distinct from modern fashions.

Like other antiques, I love the fact not that they still exist but that they ever existed at all. To me they represent a time when quality and craftsmanship still meant something.

Was there a pivotal moment? There was indeed a pivotal moment and her name was Angela. I wanted more than anything to impress this young lady so to make myself stand out I became the only fellow in class to wear a dress shirt and tie every day. It became my social signature. Sadly, Angela eventually promised herself to another and I was forced to drown my sorrows with long binges of retail therapy. I amassed such a collection of clothing that it eventually became the subject of a feature story for a local newspaper. We calculated that if I were to mix and match my over 100 ties with my 25 pairs of shoes and my 15 suits and 45 dress shirts plus jackets plus waistcoats etc, that I could wear a different ensemble every single day for over 47,000 years. (That calculation has yet to be confirmed.)

How has it changed? During the 1980s fashion was much more about ‘keeping up’ and wearing what was in vogue but I found after a while there was little satisfaction in looking like everyone else. As time marches forward my focus seems to be moving backward. In the last two years I find myself more interested in longcoats, ascots, detachable wing collar shirts and even high button shoes.

How would you describe your style? Some might call it Walking Antique Store. I make it a point to wear or carry a piece of vintage or antique clothing or accessory every time I dress. It runs the gamut from something as simple as the silk braces no one sees to my 110 year old double breasted waistcoat. These touches harken back to the days when men put some effort into getting dressed each day. Not effort because it was hard but because you wanted to show that you took some pride in your appearance and demonstrate your self-respect. There was a time, before the days of Walmart, before Departments stores, when clothing was looked at as an investment; and you treated your possessions with respect. The ‘look’ I aim for is, if someone sees a black and white photo of me they should have trouble telling in what year it was taken. I’d be happy to have them guess anywhere from 1900 to 1950. My sister, who works in the same office as me, will introduce me to guests by saying: “This is my brother who lives in another century.”

What are your sources of inspiration? For fashion: 19th century period films and vintage advertisements for Brooks Brothers, Arrow Shirt Collars and Kuppenheimer. For life in general: My grandmother who was collector of ephemera and something of an eccentric.

Who is your style icon? Oh goodness must there be only one? For a night on the town I’d attempt to emulate Cary Grant. For an evening of deep thought and quiet introspection by the fire, Sherlock Holmes. For a photo shoot in Central Park, Sir Henry M. Stanley! If I were to pick only one I’d go with Fred Astaire.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? I love 19th Century fiction. I also have a soft spot for Wilkie Collins, Alexander Dumas, Daniel Defoe and very much enjoy the golden age of science fiction by the likes of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.

Do you have a favorite website?  www.flickr.com. Flickr is a photo sharing social networking site. I joined a little over 3 years ago and it changed my life. It reawakened my long-standing interest in photography and gave me a new way to look at the world. Life is a photo op!

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? It is a strange one. In centuries past when men would gather for a pint and a smoke, it was common practice for them to keep their pipes at the pub. They’d provide their own tobacco of course but the publican would provide matches. Back then matches did not come in flimsy cardboard packs or even in tidy little boxes with strikers on the outside. Matches came packed hundreds at a time in paper wrapped bundles and you struck your match on the nearest rough surface. As it happens an ancestor of mine was a publican and for his patrons he set out matches in what was called a ‘match stone’; a cigar box sized object made of stone with a depression carved in the top to hold matches and indented sides on which one strikes the match. The ancestor and all traces of his pub are long gone but that match stone is mine.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? For the clothing I’d pick my 1940 red silk smoking jacket. (Every dandy needs a smoking jacket even if, like me, you don’t smoke.) As to the accessory I’d have to say my 1895 Waltham gold pocket watch.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? “Favorite” and “Dream” are two different things. For favorite (so far) I’d have to say Ireland. My wife and I honeymooned there and it was wonderful. It’s a beautiful country rich in scenery and genuinely warm people. As to my dream spot, I say London. For me there could be no finer destination than an ancient city filled with riches of architecture, history and culture. England is the land of my ancestors having come from Kent to the new world in 1635. When I go I will be, to the best of my knowledge, the first of my family to return in almost 400 years.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. Holy Smoke BBQ and Rt 6N in Mahopac, NY. As much as I play the part of the refined gentleman of grace and polish, I cannot resist the draw of good ol’ down home wood smoke BBQ. The excellent food, fun staff and 18 types of beer on the line make a delightfully fattening, artery clogging evening for all.

What would you be doing ten years from now? Ha! The easiest question yet. I shall be working furiously to pay for college for my triplet boys.

What is your current obsession? Steampunk! I’ll spare you my ravings on the subject but I confess freely I am a die-hard Steampunk. It takes the scientific wonders of the steam age, 19th century fashions and science fiction and sets them all on their ears. If you are unfamiliar with the genre, Google it, you’ll be amazed.

Currently inspired by? Absinthe. I’ve only recently discovered this wondrous liquid but I’m already devoted. Despite being a sturdy alcoholic beverage it seems to have the unique ability to focus one’s attention on a single task. Be warned however, a glass of Absinthe is like a woman’s breasts; one is not enough and three is too many.

Currently annoyed with? Drivers. (*fumes*) As a parent I have developed a cautious driving style. I drive the posted limits, I come to a full stop before turning right on red and I know (and obey) the rules of ‘right of way’. All of this, apparently, makes me some kind of alien minority who is treated with disdain and disrespect. Can it be that everyone else is so poor at planning their time that they are always in a hurry? Is driving some kind of transformative experience that turns otherwise fine people into rude hand gesturing animals and I somehow am immune to this? Or I am the only one on the road who has read their driver’s manual?

Perhaps my fashion choices are a reflection of my life philosophy. If I were to give advice in that arena I’d say “Take a lesson from the past and slow down. Learn to savor the quality of life. Treat your friends and your possessions not as ‘things’ but as extensions of yourself. Life is far too short to waste on stress, intolerance and anger. Live your life on you own terms by being true to yourself and let others do the same.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Dandy Wellington

Over the past year we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. This week we feature Dandy Wellington of the blog A New York Dandy.

Where did you grow up? Born and Raised in New York City. Manhattan.

Where do you live now? Uptown Manhattan.

Where did you go to school? New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.

What’s your occupation? Producer of events (Music, Fashion, Art etc.), Fashion Stylist, Choreographer, Performer, Blogger.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? It's been a work in progress for years now. I went to private schools so I've grown accustom to dressing fairly business casual for a long time. I always wanted to take it further. In High School I would move my fashion game past the required dress code as much as possible. Finally in college though I relaxed my look, I sharpened and sharpened it till it became this. I think I had to strip it all down in order to really get to the core of my personal style. The pivotal moment was probably my junior year of college. I began to really establish my look as a gentleman and furthermore as a Dandy.

How would you describe your style? I am a Dandy. Detail oriented and distinctly gentlemanly in appearance from head to toe. From the sock garters and pocket squares to bow ties and braces, I never leave my house without looking Dandy.

What are your sources of inspiration? Besides a background of dress codes, I have been inspired largely by the Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Though their characters are very different, (Fred being the gentleman and almost dandy and Gene, the working everyman and a lot more rugged) both had a sharpness that could only be found in the Jazz and movie musical era.

Who are your style icons? Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Beau Brummel.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? I love to keep up with everything fashion related whether men's or women's fashion. So I read V Magazine, V Man, Numero, W, 10 Men, New York Times Magazine. Sunday Style etc. I also like to review the classics. Great Expectations, Little Women etc.

Do you have a favorite website? Style.com, Nymag.com, GQ.com, brianwoodonline.com,  wearevane.com.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My Blackberry, my computer, my music collection and picture of my friends.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? All my accessories make me really happy. Hats, bow ties, pocket squares, braces, sock garters, pocket watches, tie clips, collar clips, cufflinks, and spats. The right accessory can make an look.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong, Japan. All places with a strong history of fashion and culture.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. There are so many but one is that New Yorkers are inherently kind people.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? The Smith, Cafe Habana, Fabulous Fanny's, Archangel, Duane Park, Pravda, Metropolis.

What would you be doing ten years from now? Producing more events, choreographing for more artists, Growing a stronger Eschelon.

What is your current obsession? Dress shirts, frock coats, plus fours and watch fobs.

Currently inspired by? Ralph Lauren's Women's and Men's collection, Tom Ford, Sherlock Holmes.

Currently annoyed with? Men who refuse to dress well. "Tuck in your shirt!!! Clean it up already" and women with low standards. Also Uggs...the leading cause of abstinence.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: JD Elquist

Over the past several months we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. This week we feature blogger/designer JD Elquist.

Where did you grow up? Wherever the Hells Angels took me.

Where do you live now? West Village in Manhattan.

Where did you go to school? The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

What’s your occupation? I run a men’s style blog and design men’s wear. Both can be seen at http://www.jelquist.com/. I am also Editor-in-Chief of SIR Magazine, which is set to debut soon.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? Costume consumed my childhood. One day I was Batman, the next day I was Robin. I wore the mask of whatever role I was playing that day. It's the same today. My look has one thematic thread running through it, but may vary depending on what I have to accomplish that day. My pivotal moment was when I started shopping for timeless pieces rather than adhering to trends. My look is ephemeral, but solid; while trends are fleeting.

How would you describe your style? I wouldn’t, it would describe me.

What are your sources of inspiration? The places I have been and the people I have met.

Who is your style icon? Gianni Agnelli, he wore a wristwatch over his cuff and work boots with a business suit. Mr. Agnelli founded personal style.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? My favorite is WWD/Men’s.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? White pocket square - man’s best friend.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? You know it’s funny, I live in it.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. The highline park in Meatpacking. Awe inspiring.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? Esperanto Café, it’s my second home.

What would you be doing ten years from now? Coming up with new dreams to actualize.

What is your current obsession? Blogging and ice cold sunsets.

Currently inspired by? My team: Jeremy, Bradley, Nick, and John. I would be nothing without them.

Currently annoyed with? Parades, New Yorkers love their parades.

What else do you want to tell us?  It's just the beginning.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: James Field

Over the past several months we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. This week we feature James Field of The Black Nouveau.

Where did you grow up? Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the area known to many as the Poconos, but it's truly my favorite place to be. I miss it a lot.

Where do you live now? Jersey City, New Jersey, only here for school, it's closer to New York without actually living in New York.

Where do you go to school? Berkeley College on 43rd & 5th Avenue, Marketing major with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. In my junior year. (Almost done!!)

What’s your occupation? I am a full-time student, but I work part-time at Henri Bendel 5th Avenue. I also created and run my own fashion blog…(which seems to take up more time than work and school) called The Black Nouveau.

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? I established my style the moment I realized I would be going to college in New York City. Living in P.A it was mostly jeans, button shirts and sneakers, but when I began to watch fashion shows and read GQ religiously before school ended…I became a new person in a way. But the pivotal moment that sealed my new personal style was when I worked as the Assistant to Derrick & Kirk Miller, the creative design team of Barker Black shoes. They introduced me to suits, wearing wingtips, pocket squares and bow ties. Kirk actually helped launch the Thom Browne line so he wore a lot of Thom Browne suits to work and they were always well tailored and fitted, and after working there for almost a year their style rubbed off on me. I began buying cheap thrift store suits and tailoring them and wearing wingtips with no sock in the summer and getting all my dress pants hemmed above the ankle. Working with those guys really showed me a new style of dressing that I was always interested in, but was too afraid to try.

How would you describe your style? Classic meets youthful and fresh, since I have dark skin bold color shirts pop off well on me, and I'm tall so slender pants and blazers are like my best friends.

What are your sources of inspiration? Thom Browne, Michael Bastian, Robert Geller and this may sounds funny but …Steve Urkel. I just sooo wanted one of those Collegiate cardigans he would wear with the stripe on the arm!

Who is your style icon? Derrick Miller of Barker Black.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? GQ Magazine.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My Burts Bee’s lip balm.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? A double breasted, camel trench coat that I found at a vintage shop for $30. It fits like a charm and I didn’t have to tailor it or anything!

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? I’ve been to Alexandria, Egypt. That was my favorite vacation spot. I would love to move there one day.

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. “Yoga To The People” on Saint Marks Place is free yoga, it may not be a best kept secret but I sure think so! I love it.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? Housing Works Thrift Shop in Gramercy Park.

What is your current obsession? Argyle socks!

Currently inspired by? All things British-Made.

What would you be doing ten years from now? I will have evolved my blog into an online magazine with a vintage clothing section featuring pieces that I ship in from all around the world. I will also have an art gallery / café style, type space somewhere in the West Village.

C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Giuseppe Timore

Over the past several months we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. This week we feature Giuseppe Timore of An Affordable Wardrobe.

Where did you grow up? Just outside of Boston.
Where do you live now? Same place. In the house where I grew up, in fact.
Where did you go to school? I haven't finished college yet, but I had plenty of learning at the hands of Catholic nuns and Jesuit priests. My education may have been a bit strict, but it also taught me a lot, like how to present oneself and dress properly.
What’s your occupation? I sell fine wine and imported cheese in a local wine shop.
When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? I was always around it. My grandfather was a tailor, and always sharp as a tack, and my dad was a clothes horse too. My grandmother lived for fine clothes and fine food in her younger days. Plus, I'm Italian, and you how seriously we can take our clothes.

I think I really got into it in high school. At that time, I started watching a lot of old movies, taking my cues especially from the 1940's. I was also at the age of choosing my own stuff. I got a job in a men's shop in the city, and it all took off from there. In the old days, I was a fixture at the original Filene's Basement, hunting for bargains on designer clothes.
How would you describe your style? Classic Eclectic? Or something. I lean towards the standards, striped ties and button down collars, but I love color and off-beat pattern mixing.
What are your sources of inspiration? Lots of things, really. Anybody who is cool and independent, who dresses in a way that expresses who they are without regard to what's "in style" or what others might think, those are my people. Sure, I watch a lot of old movies and spend way to much time looking at stuff online, but it's the regular people on the street who really get me going.
Who is your style icon? Jazz musicians of the early 1960's. Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis when he shopped at Andover Shop....those kind of dudes.
What are your preferred dandy reading materials? The usual suspects in blog-land.
Do you have a favorite website? There are a lot of fun ones these days. Tin Tin, Heavy Tweed and Maxminimus are doing a particularly good job. None of them can hold a candle to "An Affordable Wardrobe", of course.
What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? My grandfather's Gillette safety razor. I use it every morning.
What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? My Barbour Moorland jacket. The older and more worn it gets, the better I like it. It has a way of making any outfit underneath it look better.
Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Northern Italy, or "the old country" as it was called when I was growing up.
Tell us the best kept secret in your city. The Boston area is loaded with thrift stores, and the thrift stores are loaded with fine menswear if you're persistent. But any good thrifter knows that it's a cardinal sin to reveal your spots. Nothing ruins a thrift store like popularity.
What would you be doing ten years from now? Probably trying to figure out how to loose ten pounds so I can still fit into my Barbour.
What is your current obsession? Long Playing Microgroove Phonographic Records, and giant wooden speakers for listening to them. Always has been.
Currently inspired by? The fact that more guys seem to be at least trying to take an interest in appearance these days.
Currently annoyed with? Guys who wear neckties with an untucked shirt, sloppy jeans with frayed bottoms that get caught under the heel, and white college boys with nasty dreadlocks.
What else do you want to tell us? It really only takes a couple of extra minutes to get dressed well in the morning, but the attitude improvement it can give a guy is huge. After a day or two of feeling like a million bucks, any guy is bound to be hooked. All you out there who are scared of good clothes, don't be. Give it a try and see what I mean.
C.H.

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New School Dandy Profile: Winston Ma

Over the past several months we have been introduced to many amazing people through our Facebook fan page. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. This week we feature Winston Ma of Freshly Educated Men.



Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in the T dot O dot (aka Toronto).

When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? My personal style really began when I was in grade 7. When I was younger and growing up, I was more concerned about school and hitting up the libraries to read up on random topics (ie. Ancient Egypt or the Titanic). So I guess you could say that I was a nerd back then. But grade 7, everything changed. Puberty hit and the school atmosphere was different. I had previously worn thick glasses as a child and no one paid much attention to me back then. So I decided to switch over to contact lenses at 12 years old. The first day of me wearing contacts in school was something else. People actually paid more attention to me in class and I would notice the difference when walking down the hallways. From then on, I realized that by way of fashion, it alters people’s perception of you (as shallow as that sounds). So I started wearing “proper clothing” (back then it was all about the GAP and CK Jeans) and the rest is history. I give credit to my aunt (who’s the fashionista on my mom’s side of the family) for introducing me to the world that is the fashion industry. And as for my style evolution, it’s been a diverse journey to say the least. From the early years of, well let’s just say wearing platform shoes (it was the 90’s anyways) to now conveying Chukka’s and patent lace-ups, it’s been interesting. My style is still evolving…

How would you describe your style? Paris meets New York. Luxury fused with street wear. The left bank mixed in with Savile Row. Jordans laced with Oxfords. It’s really a combination of various styles. I see style as a portrayal of who you are as a person, your passions in life, and of course, the mood you are in that day. There are times when I feel like I want to convey elegance and dandyism, so my bow ties, suits, button ups, lace-ups, pochette etc animate that feeling. But then there are times when I want to be more rugged, so my Jordans, sneakers, t-shirts etc would convey that mood. I have a deep appreciation for the world of “luxury”, yet I also have a respect for street wear as well. So I try to bring the best of both worlds and incorporate them to my dressing. Think GQ infused with Complex.

What are your sources of inspiration? Well, there are a couple of style inspirations that I relish in on a daily basis. The most important one would be people. For me, it’s the best way of being inspired, fashion-wise, as everyone has their own unique twist on style. It still amazes me that I can sit and people watch at the corner of, let’s say Bay/Bloor, and still be inspired from how others wear their clothes. It’s almost like a daily runway show for me. And sometimes I’d be in utter shock at certain ways others have worn a particular piece of clothing; and I feel as though I should take a picture and try to reproduce it myself.

Look books (from the store or a magazine) is another major inspiration. It’s a great way to see how a certain stylist put together the clothes. The look book is also a visual representation of the brand or store itself, and their idea of what a man should convey.

Who is your designer icon? The late and great Yves Saint Laurent. Don’t get me wrong, from the avant garde persona of Hedi Slimane to the new age dapperness of Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders (sidebar, his fall/winter 2009 collection is the epitome of what Paris meets New York is), they are all great. But YSL for me is on a whole new stratosphere. He innovated refinement and modern elegance in menswear, and fashion in general. He was the one that rendered ready-to-wear as a reputable collection in the industry back in the 60’s. He single handedly democratized fashion and represented multiculturalism in his shows by way of being the first to utilize black and Asian models. He introduced the safari jackets for both men and women, and the most famous, his Le Smoking suit in 1966. The man was simply brilliant and fearless. The brand itself, even after his passing, from Alber Elbaz (of Lanvin fame), Tom Ford and now Stephano Pilati at the helms is still, in my personal opinion, the perfect example of Parisian Chic. YSL stores are like shrines to me. There’s a certain mystique attached to each collection that continuously furthers my deep love for fashion. YSL can do no wrong in my eyes.

What do you find eternally stylish? Simplicity. The look of Parisian chic, one that is effortlessly put together, with no fuss, yet it still conveys a strong message to others. Trends come and go, but in menswear, it’s the classic and simple pieces that will last a lifetime.

What are your preferred dandy reading materials? From l'Uomo, GQ (and GQ Britain) and Complex to just lookbooks from Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, YSL, Hermes, J Crew and etc, it's pretty much varied from one style to the other. Web-wise, definitely The Sartorialist and what's becoming my new favourite, lookbook.nu.

Do you have a favorite website? I have a plethora of sites that I frequent on a daily basis. I'm not going to list them all but sites such as rap-up.com, concreteloop.com, nahright.com, freshnessmag.com, slamxhype.com and highsnobiety.com keep me in the know for the entertainment and fashion worlds.

What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? It would be my iPod. Music is one of my passions in life. Listening to music is a form of release in life, and a form of inspiration. It further accents the mood that I’m in that day. So, I always make sure that my iPod is with me at all times and at my disposal when I need it. For me to forget my iPod is like leaving a piece of my soul at home when I’m out.

What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? Ha! That’s like asking a mother of 5 to pick her favourite child. But if I had to choose, it would be my Uniqlo jeans…and more specifically the khaki coloured version. They are hands-down the best fitting pair of jeans that I have ever worn. I had seen them in the NY Uniqlo store a year or two ago, and tried the khaki ones on, and to my amazement, they required no alterations, at all! And that’s a rare occurrence for a man my size and height. So, eventually, I bought them in all the colours, and the best part of it all…they each cost me $50 US. Goes to show that sometimes, designers aren’t necessarily the end and be all of fashion. But the khaki ones, they just go with everything; and they can switch from casual Americana to an elegantly dressed man.

Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? Favourite vacation spot: New York. Actually it's really not a vacation for me when I'm there; it's more of a home coming. New York is like my second home, I feel at ease in the city and relish in the way of life there. It's really, in my eyes, the capitol city of the world. But since I don't "officially" reside in NY, I guess technically speaking I’m really on vacation there. Dream vacation spot: *sighs Paris, then head to Italy, then Spain and end back in Paris again. Paris is just one of those cities that have this certain mystique to it. To be able to sit at an outdoor cafe in the St. Germaine district, munching on an authentic croissant, sipping café au lait and people watch is a goal of mine. And this dream could’ve come true earlier this year, but due to unseen circumstances it was never realized. Oh, well. there's always next year!

Tell us the best kept secret in your city. The family-run, small and sometimes dive-in-the-wall restaurants in the 200+ neighbourhoods we have in Toronto. Because of our multiculturalism, we are lucky to have these restaurants because we are able to indulge in dishes from literally around the world. From Mongolian to Ethiopian, for us Torontonians, the world is our oyster.

At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular?
I'm a self-professed shopaholic so I frequent many many shops in the city. But the ones I would consider myself to be a regular: Courage My Love and Badlands for my vintage fix. These two stores have some precious treasures hanging on the racks. Jonathan & Olivia for their cool and non-fussy atmosphere (and of course for their selection of Band of Outsiders, Hyden Yoo, rag & bone and A.P.C). Nomad for their streetwear meets luxury demeanor, and Ransom for their urban Canadiana look. And I can't forget Holt Renfrew, our version of Barneys.

What would you be doing ten years from now? 10 years from now? I would like to think that in 10 years I would’ve made an impact in the lives of others in Toronto. I know that sounds extremely pretentious but it’s one of the reasons why we started FRESHLY.EDUCATED.MEN. To be able to make men in this city think differently towards fashion, Toronto and life is an achievement unto itself. In 10 years time, I would like to be working more closely in the fashion industry and being part of its evolution. Especially in menswear, to be able to witness the full potential that it has.

What is your current obsession? Americana + dandyism.

Currently inspired by? My city. Everyday at any spot in Toronto, I get inspired by something or someone. Whether it be fashion wise or a stranger helping out another stranger, my city constantly reminds me that I have it good in life, compared to others in the world.

Currently annoyed with? Opposition towards health care reform in the US. It's perplexing for us Canadians. Really, is the notion that universal health for all as a basic right that hard to fathom? I mean if we Canadians have access to universal health care, surely you Americans can too!

What else do you want to tell us? I am ½ of FRESHLY.EDUCATED.MEN. FRESHLY.EDUCATED.MEN was founded on the simple premise of evolutionizing Toronto men through fashion, arts and culture. My best friend, Sharad and I had realized that there wasn’t really a men’s lifestyle site that was specifically dedicated to men in Toronto. The majority of men in Toronto seem to be…well, left in the dark in some respects, when it came to fashion and the how to’s in menswear. So we began this journey back in June 2009 (seems like it’s been an eternity) and from then on, we quickly realized that not only were we devoted to educating men in various aspects of life, but we were also promoting Toronto as a whole. The whole notion that our city has little to offer is one that we strive to dispel. Our aim is to let our readers (and the world itself) know that Toronto is an extraordinary city, bursting with so much talent and culture. Although 50% of our content is fashion-related, the other half is devoted to the sheer talent, culture, events, music, politics etc that our city has to offer.

We have 3 mandates that we abide by on our site:
Educate Toronto men about fashion (whether it be high-end or street wear), arts and culture. Tell Toronto’s story while championing it as a city that prides itself on innovation, diversity and culture. We also aim to inspire Torontonians through the various stories that come out of our city.
Change old stereotypes that men in Toronto seem to have about certain issues and cultivate them to the 21st century.

So while we keep the men in Toronto “FRESH” through fashion and its various topics, we also keep them “EDUCATED” in various forms by way of discussing about politics, social issues that affect our city or even inspiring them through our Home Grown Talents’ stories.

Check us out and join Toronto’s evolution: http://freshlyeducatedmen.wordpress.com/.

C.H.

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