6ixess Academy x Sully Wong Launch the Wolf Sneaker
CTA’s, 6ixess Academy have partnered up with Canadian business and fashion leaders for the ultimate collaboration. The Wolf Sneaker – conceptualized by the students, is brought to life by Sully Wong.
Students at the Central Toronto Academy have been hard at work with the help of staff and Fashion Helps founder Sheila McElrea for the exclusive project. From idea development to production, the art students stretched their skills set for a common goal.
CTA Arts Director Beckie Dileo is determined to encourage students to think outside the classroom and into the community. “The program goes beyond traditional arts programming. Our goal is to inspire students to apply their creative skills set into real life experiences and build social entrepreneurship,” says Dileo.
Approximately 70 students are enrolled in the program, all of whom lent a hand in the six-month long project – taking the concept from a thought, to paper to real life. Dileo reached out to various industry leaders to mentor the students and provide guidance as the project came to fruition. Mentors for the program include: Melissa Austria, Founder of Gotstyle, Amanda Lao, Director at Liquid Communications, Roger Gingerich from Gingerich Group, George Sully + Henry Wong of Sully Wong, Sheila McElrea founder of Fashion Helps, and Shannon Passero from The Post Office.
George + Henry have been supporters of the program for some time and have donated product on a number of occasions, making Sully Wong a natural fit for the project. “We did it for the kids,” says designer George Sully. “Everyone has a dream, this is a great way to help students understand that if you have the right people helping you facilitate them, those dreams can become a reality.”
The Wolf Sneaker Launch will be taking place at Toronto’s Spoke Club {1stfloor- free admission} on Nov. 3rd, 2016 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, with theexclusive media preview from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.
The limited edition, unisex sneakers will be available in November and sold exclusively at Gotstyle. All proceeds from sales will be put back into the Arts Department at CTA to continue building the community connection program and giving the students opportunities like this.
A great blazer is one of the most reliable and versatile pieces in any guy’s wardrobe. The classic way to wear a blazer is similar to a suit jacket — with a dress shirt and tie — but slightly less formal (the jacket isn’t a matching set with the suit pants). The differences between a blazer, sport coat, and suit jacket can be subtle, but they’re important to know.
Think you’ve got the classic blazer look covered? Great. Let’s step up your style to the next level, and explore 5 new looks to make the most of your awesome blazers that have been trapped in the confines of nine to five.
A double breasted blazer with dark denim is a modern power look any guy can pull off. The double breasted blazer is bold, so pair it with a solid colour dress shirt and let the blazer do the talking. Always keep the inside button and upper outside button fastened when standing. The only time you shouldn’t do up a button is if your blazer has multiple rows of buttons on the centre. If that’s the case, the same rule as with single breasted blazers applies — leave the bottom button undone.
Make sure that when wearing jeans with dress shoes the jeans are well tapered at the bottom, like on our model above. This will add height and slim down your look. If the front cuff of your jeans covers either of the monkstraps, it’s a sign the cuffs are too wide.
It may not be what you’re used to, but trust me, tapered lower legs are the way to avoid the dreaded “dad jean flare” you may not even realize you’ve been rocking. Once you wear one pair of properly tapered jeans and see the difference, you’ll never go back.
Throw your best dark blazer on over a designer tee, jeans, and military style boots to pull off a Justin Theroux inspired rocker look. Some tips to make sure you do it right:
Treat this as a casual look. A t-shirt with a blazer is cool. A t-shirt with a blazer when everyone else is wearing a suit? Not so cool.
Make sure your jeans are tapered right. Come on man, we already talked about this.
Let your boots develop some character.
Leave the blazer unbuttoned — with a t-shirt, better to keep it casual.
The t-shirt should hit just below your belt.
Avoid tight tees. When wearing a t-shirt with a blazer, try not to look too…slick. I like to gently tug on the collar of my shirts before wearing them under a blazer. A bit of a slouchy look is perfect. You’re not wearing this to a black tie event anyways, so it’s cool to grunge up this particular blazer look.
Here’s where a blazer can be useful as a transitional layering piece. Pair a casual, natural shoulder blazer like this one with a hoodie, joggers, and luxe sneakers for a super comfy outfit that will turn heads. In the right way.
Make sure the hoodie is thin. Not just any hoodie will work — too thick and it won’t layer nicely with a properly tailored blazer. As much as you love your college sweater, save it for the couch and opt for a sleeker fitting piece.
Seize this opportunity to wear your coolest, boldest sneakers (as long as they match what you’re wearing above the ankles). Joggers were made popular by sneakerheads because they show off a guy’s kicks — so go all out! An eye-catching pair like these ones from Sully Wong elevate the look from good to great.
Gotstyle Navy Wool Notch Lapel Blazer with Metal Buttons: $695, Selected Homme Charcoal Skinny Fit Stretch Chino: $95, Swims Navy Sport Loafer: $100, Taft No-Show Socks: $60 (4-pack)
This preppy spring/summer look works best with a navy blazer. Start with a polo, tucked or untucked (I prefer untucked, but either can work). Roll up your blazer sleeves a bit, even cuff your pants at the ankle if you feel like it. Slim fit chinos are a must, especially when your loafers tie in to the rest of the outfit as well as these ones do.
Pro tip: when going “sockless,” wear no-show socks. The exact same look is achieved, minus the blisters and lingering stink. You’re welcome.
This is a great transitional layering outfit for fall days when you don’t quiiite need a jacket yet, or the end of winter when you’ve ditched your parka for the season. The different textures (fuzzy flannel on the blazer, herringbone pattern pants) complement well and are way comfier than you’re used to for a look this sharp. The thin crew neck sweater under the blazer gives you some flexibility on whether to button or unbutton.
Last thing — show some cuff. Having that sweater peek out from both the chest and sleeves may not be something everyone notices, but those who do will appreciate the attention to detail.
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Ready to pull the trigger on your new blazer look? Our team of stylists is here to help, with private appointments and free wardrobe consultations. Book your appointment today at 416-260-9696 or info@gotstyle.ca.
Remember to bring your blazer(s) with you when you shop. Try layering them with different pieces, and see what works best for you!
For the inaugural issue of the Gotstyle MAN and in celebration of our 10 year anniversary our founder Melissa Austria goes back in time to recall the varying moments when she met and fell in love with the 10 of her favourite Canadian menswear brands. Here they are (in no particular order).
When I first saw Vitaly jewelry in 2011, I immediately loved it. But I knew it was too fast for my guys. They were just getting into jewelry and a double ring would be too much for them. Fast forward two years and the men of Toronto have caught up to Shane and Jason. Their jewelry is edgy, masculine and well priced making it easy for the accessory newbie to get initiated.
When Dave came onto the menswear scene colourful socks were in their early stages of popularity and I was looking for another great colourful accessory line to add to our mix. I picked up other coloured laces, but the quality wasn’t up to snuff. Then I heard the story of Stolen Riches. They have been in the local industry for generations and got their start lacing our WW1 soldiers. I was also amazed at how Dave saved his family’s business from the brink of closing by revamping with coloured laces. I knew this would be a winner.
George Sully walked into our King Street store over 8 years ago selling his t-shirt line. But, he kept talking about a sneaker collection he was developing with his business partner Henry Wong. I’m no sneaker head, but I loved the clean aesthetics of their shoes and how passionate Sully was. We were one of the first stores to carry them and he’s still as passionate about them as he ever was.
Matteo’s collection was always tightly designed with great fabrics. I dabbled with the line for a few seasons unsure if it was the right look for us. Then I realized that he had one of the best fits in shirts and a great eye for fabrics that get better the more you wash them. Our once dabbles turned into an obsession for his entire collection that extended to pants and outerwear.
I was out at a charity event and saw this well dressed guy. When I took another look, I noticed his pocket square and that it was made of wood! I immediately approached him wanting to know where he had bought it. To my delight, Ayman said it was from his own company that he had started with his equally dapper business partner, Michael. They were always complaining that their pocket squares kept falling down when they were out, so they wanted to design a product that would always give a crisp pocket square look. The fact that it’s made out of wood also makes it very Canadian.
After many trips to Europe, I searched for many seasons to find the right portfolio briefcases. I soon found out that Ken was making exactly what I was looking for, and in our very own backyard. With design stints at Marc Jacobs and Robert Kellar and coming from FIT New York, these utilitarian, masculine, yet streamlined, portfolio cases really showcase Ken’s great design pedigree.
– HALF WITS –
I found Half Wits when I was walking through the Agenda trade show in New York, which isn’t really my style since it’s more of a street style/urban show. I think it’s always good to look outside of where I would normally buy to get inspired. There I was walking through the aisles pretty quickly when a henley with a floral patterned cuff caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, I immediately noticed the designed in Canada stamp on the inside collar. If I’m going to bring in well priced, young and fun collections, I would rather buy them from Jesse, James and Mark who fit the bill perfectly.
David got started by sewing and designing his own clothes at an early age. I’ve always liked the pieces he was doing, but thought they were still too fast for our customers. When street brands like Zanerobe started selling out in store, I knew it was time to give Kollar Clothing a serious look. Their styles are on trend and comfortable with an edgy aesthetic. And, of course, I love the sweet spot price for my younger guys.
When the Monte and Coe boys (Ron, Andrew and Matt) walked into the Bathurst store in 2013, I was immediately struck by how well dressed they all were and by the fact that they were all carrying these cool duffle bags. I found out they were made in Canada with great fabric combinations and leather details, so we placed an order on the spot. And what do you know, our first delivery completely sold out. It’s the perfect bag for the man about town.
– LOFT 604 –
Willy first came into our King West store over 5 years ago; I loved his story. He had worked for some bigger design labels but wanted to build a brand that was closer to his design aesthetic – effortless, easy and stylish. I was sold on his chunky shawl collar sweaters with awesome horn buttons and rich cabled cardigans. He was also the first guy to offer luxe loungewear years before it was trendy.
Gotta love some good press! Today, we learned that our passion project got featured on global powerhouse Hypebeast thanks to an amazing photo series done by Toronto streetstyle photographer @TheBrightestHour.
In 2014, Gotstyle launched the #LupulStyleinitiative with Maple Leafs superstar Joffrey Lupul to raise money and awareness for the True Patriot Love foundation. A Canadian not-for-profit organization designed to help military families in need. Even though that phase of our initiative through #LupulStyle project came to a close and raised over 25k our commitment to TPL and our veterans never did. To keep the momentum alive we teamed up with our good friends George and Henry of Sully Wong to create an exclusive commemorative digi-camo sneaker that celebrated our Canadian Armed Forces and continued our commitment to them.
To all you shoe aficionados, Sully Wong is back with a brand new sneaker for your collection. Inspired by 1830’s Scottish Master Weaver H. Tweed best known for the creation of the handwoven Scottish Wool fabric Tweed. The leather / Tweed fabric combination Hi-Tops highlight the subtleties and design lines of the time, and are reflective of the immense care and attention to detail that Sully Wong is known for. Easy to wear, these kicks can be styled down with a great pair of nudie’s or dressed up with a slim modern cut suit like the ones from Tiger of Sweden.
Subtle as David and just as intimidating as Goliath, the KYOJIN, Japanese for “giant” is the true work horse. Sully Wong’s tactile KYOJIN backpack brings unexpected sophistication to a piece that is classically considered outward bound. The minimal design and tonal accents are super sleek. The very straight edges add geometric polish- a triumph of cool practicality. Whether your carrying light or in a tight jam, the KYOJIN handles it with stride.
Product details:
Micro woven nylon + faux leather construction.
Roll up top side access point. – Cross chest harness adjust.
Reinforced bottom w/ faux leather.
Main compartment equipped with padded laptop sleeve and pocket w/ zip closure.
Side panel nylon gear straps w/ removable fastener.
