Toronto’s Best Dressed 2013: our annual list of the city’s most stylish people

Toronto’s Best Dressed 2013: our annual list of the city’s most stylish people

These 22 sartorial heroes have a passion for fashion and a rare talent for putting together outfits that make heads turn—and this, more than anything, is a reason to celebrate them

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013

Toronto's Most Stylish: Sophie Young

SOPHIE young
Vitals

The 25-year-old entrepreneur will launch her fashion site InSepia Inc. in October.

My personal style in a sentence

“As Diana Vreeland said, ‘The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.’ ”

Fall must-have

“Two-toned leather brogues by Bally.”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“When I worked at vogue.com, I spilled coffee on a 3.1 Phillip Lim dress I’d borrowed from the Vogue closet to wear to the Met Ball. I was so worried. When I returned it in a dry-cleaning bag, the fashion associate laughed, saying it was just an old sample.”

What she’s wearing

Tevrow and Chase coat, Rag and Bone pants, Stuart Weitzman booties.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Jagmeet Singh

JAGMEET singh
Vitals

The 34-year-old MPP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton lives in Derry West Village, Mississauga.

My personal style in a sentence

“Bespoke with a splash of fun.”

Best fashion advice

“Don’t over-follow trends. Keep the trendy items to an accessory or a highlight of the outfit.”

Current obsessions

“Tom Ford’s suits for their powerful lines. But most of all, I’m obsessed with artisans, the idea of handmade things and how they’re perfection and imperfection at the same time.”

Wardrobe staples

“Suits from Trend Custom Tailors and Garrison Bespoke, plus colourful turbans and pocket squares. Fashion is both social armour and a barrier breaker—if I’m wearing a bright turban, for example, it’s a conversation starter.”

Inspiration

“For breaking into fashion, the Punjabi-American actor and jewellery designer Waris Ahluwalia.”

Fall must-haves

“A handmade briefcase—I’m searching for the right style. And it’s not fall-ish, but I’m looking to buy a Moto Guzzi motorcycle and a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece.”

What he’s wearing

Garrison Bespoke tweed blazer, custom-made oxford shirt and trousers, Dion silk pocket square, Rolex watch.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Julie Yoo

JULIE yoo
Vitals

The 37-year-old owner of I Miss You Vintage (and her five-year-old son, Jamie) are fixtures on Ossington

My personal style in a sentence

“I’ll be glamorous with an edge today, dark minimalist tomorrow, but I’m always ‘cool mom.’”

Best fashion advice

“Wear what suits you because it suits you, not because someone tells you it does.

Current obsession

“My 1963 Thunderbird.”

Inspirations

“I love fashion history—Thierry Mugler, 1980s Azzedine Alaïa and Alexander McQueen, to name a few. I never get bored of looking at my collection of vintage fashion magazines, like Vogue, Delineator, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and L’Officiel.”

Fall must-haves

“I’m asking the vintage gods to bring me something from the ’30s or ’40s in black velvet with metallic embroidery and beads à la Balmain.”

What she’s wearing

Herve Leger dress, H&M ring, Jeffrey Campbell heels.

What he’s wearing

H&M jeans and oxfords, Zara vest and hat, vintage jacket and belt.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Susie Sheffman

SUSIE sheffman
Vitals

Formerly of Fashion magazine and eLuxe, the 54-year-old Sheffman is now one of the city’s top freelance creative directors and stylists.

My personal style in a sentence

“Relentlessly casual, boyish and devoted to comfort.

Current obsessions

“Playing tennis and learning to play the cello.”

Wardrobe staples

“Men’s cardigans and loafers, white V-neck and black-and-white striped tees, skinny jeans, pencil skirts, my tennis skirt, anything in grey cashmere.”

Inspirations

“There’s a full-on carnival in my head. Photo shoot ideas strike in the shower, on my spin bike—anything, anytime, anywhere.”

Fall must-have

“The search for the perfect flat black bootie continues.”

What she’s wearing

Joe Fresh shirt, The Row jacket, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Baume and Mercier watch, Brioni necklace, Carole Tanenbaum vintage bracelet, Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Adam Martin

ADAM martin
Vitals

The 31-year-old is a designer collections buyer at Harry Rosen.

My personal style in a sentence

“A friend described me as ‘like a buyer at Pitti Uomo [the defining menswear trade show, held in Florence], but more badass.’”

Best fashion advice

“Dress for how you want to tackle the day—if you want to do something boldly, dress bold.”

Current obsessions

“Zegna designer Stefano Pilati, whose work is both architectural and fluid, and the brilliant Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani.”

Wardrobe staple

“Crisp white dress shirts. You can never have enough.”

Fall must-haves

“Chunky cardigans and a black shearling bomber jacket, both from Ralph Lauren’s black label.”

What he’s wearing

Dolce and Gabbana shirt, Danier jacket, Zegna scarf and trousers.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Emilie Martin

EMILIE martin
Vitals

The 28-year-old vintage lover runs the Etsy store InPastTimes.

My personal style in a sentence

“The older the better.”

Current obsessions

“Two-tone leather saddle shoes, oxfords and loafers.”

Wardrobe staples

“Big, bright and bold vintage costume jewellery.”

Inspirations

“Black and white movies, cheesy musicals, mid-century department store catalogues and re-runs of The Price is Right from the ’70s. I find inspiration on lookbook.nu—it’s a great way to see what people are wearing all around the world—and shorpy.com, which showcases real photographs from the 1850s to the 1950s that depict everyday life and fashion.”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“I’m wearing socks with my sandals right now.”

What she’s wearing

1960s Eaton’s faux leopard coat, vintage pink dress and jewellery, bird’s nest brooch that she made. She’s holding her Yashica Mat-124G TLR camera.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Michael Nguyen

MICHAEL nguyen
Vitals

The 32-year-old tailor and men’s stylist owns Garrison Bespoke.

My personal style in a sentence

“Sharply tailored with a Canadian twist.”

Best fashion advice

“Always keep your jacket buttoned.”

Current obsession

“Deconstructed suits. I make them in lightweight tweeds and washed fabrics, without shoulder pads or lining, which creates a tailored look but more casual feel on the body.”

Inspirations

“London tailors of Savile Row because of their commitment to tradition and precision, and Scandinavians because their lifestyle dictates their fashion. Also: Bond.”

Favourite Toronto store

“Spectacle. I love my shades—you can feel like a totally different person in glasses.”

What he’s wearing

Garrison Bespoke flannel suit, poplin shirt, pocket square and brogues; Fumagalli paisley tie.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Stacey Jordan

STACEY jordan
Vitals

The 40-year-old owner of the Jordan Group of Companies (a partner in lookbooks.com) splits her time between Rosedale and Chelsea, New York.

My personal style in a sentence

“Mix of everything new and vintage.”

Best fashion advice

“Hold on to special pieces. Fashion always comes back around.”

Current obsession

“The designers Azzedine Alaïa, Brian Atwood and Adam Lippes for their incredible taste.”

Wardrobe staples

“White tank tops from the Gap, which I pair with designer pieces by Givenchy and Christopher Kane.”

Inspirations

“Diana Ross in Mahogany and the conceptual artist James Turrell for his fantastic perspective.”

Fall must-have

“Pony-hair shoes by Brian Atwood.”

Favourite Toronto stores

“L’Atelier for home, The Room for everything pretty and Teatro Verde for beautiful flowers and gifts.”

What she’s wearing

YSL dress, Tom Ford gladiator boots, Lanvin belt, Bottega Veneta fingerless gloves.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Julia Torjman and Daniel Torjman

JULIA torjman & DANIEL torjman
Vitals

JT: The 27-year-old is an elementary school teacher at Howlett Academy.
DT: The 34-year-old is the founder and designer of the label 18 Waits.

My personal style in a sentence

JT: “Mainly boho, sometimes rocker.”
DT: “Elegantly dishevelled.”

Best fashion advice

JT: “Edit your closet every season and, as my husband, Daniel, says, make friends with a good tailor.”

Current obsession

DT: “It’s an ongoing obsession: the Rolling Stones and their style in the 1970s.”

Inspirations

JT: “The Parisian lifestyle, the Little Golden Books from the 1970s and my parents’ old photo albums from when they lived in Poland.”
DT: “Workwear from the past, including fishermen’s clothes, plus the Wild West and gypsies.”

Fall must-have

JT: “A cozy wrap-around vintage scarf.”

What she’s wearing

Vintage blazer and hat, Urban Outfitters jumpsuit, Jenny Bird canteen purse, Ka’kia necklace.

What he’s wearing

18 Waits clothing and jewellery, Lunettes Kollektion glasses, scarf from a fabric store in Paris.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Alexandra Weston

ALEXANDRA weston
Vitals

She’s 33 and the director of brand strategy at Holt Renfrew.

My personal style in a sentence

“I love adding a unique element—something with a story—to a classic look.”

Current obsessions

“Aish scarves and jewellery, Lizzie Fortunato accessories, Kenzo pants, Helmut Lang blazers.”

Wardrobe staples

“A great blazer, simple pumps and a cool accessory. I’m a working mom, and these three items transition my outfit from early morning soccer to office chic.”

Inspirations

“Stella McCartney, who stays relevant while never compromising her commitment to social awareness. Livia Firth’s work on the Green Carpet Challenge, a partnership with top designers using sustainable products.”

What she’s wearing

Burberry Prorsum skirt, Dries Van Noten top, Lizzie Fortunato clutch, Aish jewellery.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Zane Aburaneh

ZANE aburaneh
Vitals

The 30-year-old is the owner of the Queen West accessories shop Zane.

My personal style in a sentence

“Polished, relaxed, cool.”

Current obsessions

“Kenzo’s fun prints and colours and Yves Saint Laurent’s clean lines.”

Wardrobe staple

“Black leather jackets.”

Inspirations

“My friend Jamie Webster, a director at the fashion collective Common Good. I respect his work as an artist and his cutting-edge ideas. Also, New York and Paris.”

Fall must-haves

“A Sheffield watch by Daniel Wellington—it doesn’t have a second hand, so I won’t feel rushed—and a classic, hand-painted Il Bussetto wallet.”

What he’s wearing

Sandro jacket, Oak and Fort cardigan and pants, Kin dress shirt, Etiquette socks, Hugo Boss shoes.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Jenny Bird

JENNY bird
Vitals

The 36-year-old Bird is creative director of her eponymous accessories label.

My personal style in a sentence

“Free-spirited.”

Current obsessions

“Mara Hoffman’s new prints for fall-winter 2013. And Lucite, in everything from fashion to furniture.”

Wardrobe staples

“Maxi dresses and printed pants.”

Inspirations

“My mom, Linda Bird. Dressing is one of her great pleasures, and she transferred this joy to me. Designers Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, print designer Florence Broadhurst and style icons Grace Coddington and Talitha Getty. They all have a bohemian-meets-uptown style.”

Fall must-haves

“Rag and Bone knits and boots. Sass and Bide anything.”

What she’s wearing

Raquel Allegra dress, Theyskens Theory cape, Nine by Four hat, Jenny Bird jewellery.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Sean Brown

SEAN brown
Vitals

Brown, who’s 27, is the creative director at the vintage collective The Art of Reuse.

My personal style in a sentence

“Eddie Vedder graduates from Princeton and forms a jazz band.”

Best fashion advice

“You dress better when your room is clean.”

Current obsessions

“Diptyque candles burning in an all-white space with Future’s ‘Neva End’ on repeat.”

Wardrobe staple

“Abused off-white Chuck Taylors.”

Inspirations

“Eddie Vedder, Grace Coddington and the designer Richard Chai. These people brought a sense of the inner city to music and fashion. Also, the film Rockers from 1978 embodies the type of clothing I want to design, with a modern approach.”

Fall must-haves

“A varsity jacket by Needs/Wants Studios, a brand I conceived earlier this year. #shamelesspromotion”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“Purple acid-wash pants from American Apparel in 2007. Luckily, no pictures were taken and I recovered gracefully.”

What he’s wearing

New Balance T-shirt, Needs/Wants peacoat, Acne sweatpants, American Apparel socks, Adidas sneakers.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Geoffrey Roche

GEOFFREY roche
Vitals

The former ad executive publishes the apps WearToday, Dogbook and Catbook. He’s 60—“but just,” he says.

My personal style in a sentence

“As joyful as possible.”

Best fashion advice

“Colour brightens not just your day but others’ too. And layer—it’s a long winter.”

Current obsessions

“I admire Philip Sparks, I follow artcomesfirst.com—a couple of truly amazing gentlemen from the U.K. who inspire me daily—and I’m very fond of using the Paper app on my iPad.”

Wardrobe staples

“Mixing high with low—white Gap jeans with a Loro Piana jacket and a vintage scarf, for instance.”

Inspirations

“My father, Robert, wasn’t fancy but he wore clothes very well. My eldest son, Alexandre—I’m jealous of his sense of colour and pattern and how well he puts things together.”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“A salmon-coloured raw silk suit I bought in 1975. I was beaten up shortly after in a disco.”

What he’s wearing

Stenstrom shirt, Levi’s jean jacket, Brunello Cucinelli quilted jacket, Grown and Sewn pants, Etro scarf, Geier gloves, Tom Ford shoes with Stolen Riches custom laces, Opticianado glasses.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Elizabeth Cabral

ELIZABETH cabral
Vitals

The 30-something freelance stylist and creative director spends most of her time in Toronto, New York and L.A. on work assignments.

My personal style in a sentence

“Fashion-forward classicism.”

Best fashion advice

“Confidence is the first step to good style.”

Current obsessions

“Like so many others, I’m obsessed with Phoebe Philo at Céline. Besides changing the direction of fashion a few years ago, she has an authentic aesthetic and approach. It’s never trying too hard to be ‘fashion.’”

Wardrobe staple

“A black Chanel blazer.”

Inspirations

“I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of the world, from Berber villages in Morocco’s countryside to sensory overload in Tokyo. People, nature and food provide endless inspiration and creative rejuvenation.”

Fall must-haves

“The entire Givenchy collection is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.”

What she’s wearing

Comme des Garçons top and skirt, Chanel blazer, Alaïa boots.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Gregg Zaun

GREGG zaun
Vitals

The 42-year-old is a baseball analyst on Sportsnet.

My personal style in a sentence

“I dress myself like an interior designer would decorate a room: matching colours, with lots of patterns and texture.”

Best fashion advice

“Don’t be afraid to take chances. It’s only one day of looking bad if it goes awry.”

Current obsessions

“I love cufflinks, pocket silks, the double-breasted suits by my designer, Antonio Valente, and Mezlan exotic-skin shoes.”

Wardrobe staples

“Crocodile shoes in as many colours as I can get them in.”

Inspirations

“Don Cherry and Denny Crane [William Shatner’s character on Boston Legal]. My stylist Deb Berman helps me achieve my look.”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“Every Canada Day.”

What he’s wearing

Antonio Valente suit, Dion Collection tie, Rolex Daytona watch, Barclay Jewellers amethyst cufflinks, Persol glasses, his 1997 World Series ring.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Danielle Roche and Bianca Venerayan

DANIELLE roche and BIANCA venerayan
Vitals

DR: The 21-year-old co-owner of the fashion website and accessories line Kastor and Pollux lives in Scarborough.
BV: Roche’s partner in Kastor and Pollux is also 21 and lives in Scarborough.

My personal style in a sentence

DR: “Maximalism!”
BV: “Mixing different influences with a smidge too much quirk.”

Wardrobe staples

DR: “Impractical platform shoes and bags big enough to fit my MacBook.”

Current obsession

BV: “Anything yellow.”

Inspirations

DR: “The designers of Rodarte for prioritizing artful qualities over practicality. I like collections that are visually stimulating and have stories behind them. And the print mastery of Dries Van Noten.”
BV: “Fashion icons Michelle Harper and Miroslava Duma. I have a semi-creepy folder saved on my desktop filled with images of these two.”

What she’s wearing

DR: American Apparel long-sleeved top, Silence and Noise strapless top, Chloé boots, vintage Escada skirt, Kastor and Pollux necklace.
BV: Forever 21 sweater, vintage beaded cardigan, Asos harem pants, Jeffrey Campbell heels, J.Crew earrings.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Kim Newport-Mimran

KIM newport-mimran
Vitals

The 40-something president and head designer of Pink Tartan lives in Forest Hill.

My personal style in a sentence

“I like sophisticated and elegant clothes with a sense of humour and details that are thoughtful—a raw edge, a special button, an interesting seamplacement.”

Current obsessions

“Homemade hot-air popcorn—my favourite snack—sprinkled with Maldon salt from Williams-Sonoma and a drizzle of olive oil. And my husband, Joe, and I have just finished building a beach house:I admire a minimal, precise space filled with modern art.”

Wardrobe staple

“The LBD.”

Inspirations

“I adore the taste level of Diana Vreeland, Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy and Cristobal Balenciaga—not only for the fashion they wore or designed, but also their exquisite living spaces.”

Fall must-have

“I’m loving a longer skirt length, either full or pencil, and a moody floral print.”

Favourite Toronto store

“I Miss You on Ossington for vintage pieces.”

Memorable fashion faux pas

“I have been known to put my clothes on inside out—always rushing!”

What she’s wearing

Rochas dress, Céline clutch, Seaman Schepps bracelet, Dior heels.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Tonya Papanikolov

TONYA papanikolov
Vitals

She’s 25 and works at Holt Renfrew as a co-ordinator of fashion direction.

My personal style in a sentence

“Like Gwen Stefani said, it’s ‘style detached from content, with a fatal attraction to cuteness.’”

Best fashion advice

“Next time you see something and think, ‘It’s not me,’ try it on anyway.”

Current obsession

“Vibrant Japanese culture and fashion, which I find fascinating. I’m planning a trip there for 2014.”

Wardrobe staple

“Every girl needs a pair of Manolo Blahnik BB pointed-toe pumps.”

Inspirations

“I have a crush on Anne-Catherine Frey; she’s a designer and blogger living in Paris and I want to be her friend. Also, New York casting director Natalie Joos’ effervescent style and the art of Yayoi Kusama.”

Fall must-haves

“A statement coat, a simple backpack and a menswear-inspired loafer.”

What she’s wearing

Carven patterned top and heart-shaped collar, The Row leather pants, Yves Saint Laurent bag, Jenny Bird bangle, Valentino shoes.

Toronto's Most Stylish 2013: Zaib Shaikh

ZAIB shaikh
Vitals

The 39-year-old former Little Mosque on the Prairie actor lives in King West.

My personal style in a sentence

“Gore Vidal said it best. ‘Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.’”

Best fashion advice

“The KISS principle—keep it simple, stupid.”

Wardrobe staple

“I always wear a jacket, whether it’s a blazer or a bomber.”

Inspirations

“The Rat Pack with a soupçon of Brando, Dean and Clift. Also, I grew up in a home where we watched Fashion File and FT. Throw in the Beatles, Stones, Elvis and Neil Diamond with some Bollywood singers, and you can’t help but be inspired in many ways.”

Fall must-haves

Zegna leather jacket and Ron White ankle boots.

What he’s wearing

Ben Sherman T-shirt, Zegna jeans, Burberry sweater and trench, David Yurman watch.