Media and fans gathered at James Perse‘s Toronto store on Hazelton Avenue to celebrate this unique sportswear brand. James Perse based in California, is the owner’s son of legendary LA boutique Maxfield. Perse created his mod-hip casual line based on a tee shirt which won fans globally. Ranging from polo tops to jeans for men, accessories and even furniture Perse has won legions of fans including celebrities.

For the Yorkville event the city’s top media were in attendance, along with actresses Trenna Keating (Defiance), Carrie-Lynn Neals(Seed) and Rachael Ancheril (Rookie Blue). While local indie band Cai.ro serenaded the crowd, guests enjoyed cucumber lime margaritas and those brave enough challenged their table tennis skills against SPiN Instructor, Dahlia Kurtz.

For more information: www.jamesperse.com

There are very few brands which reach 80. So when you’ve been around that long you need to celebrate and that’s what Lacoste is doing.  For a limited time Lacoste, in Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall, will have the celebratory 80^th anniversary Peter Saville collection. Who’s Peter Saville? Saville is the man behind the iconic album covers for Joy Division and New Order. Hear from the creative legend himself by clicking on this text.

Saville turned to the core of the brand and its origins, designing a logo that represented the number 80 made out of tennis balls, that provided the frame for visualizing Lacoste’s past and present. As put by the designer, the mark is playful and fluent, celebrating heritage and allowing for the unexpected.

Lacoste wants to make this a memorable year by having: t-shirts, polos, sunglasses, and shoes with interchangeable tongues as some the products to celebrate the brand’s history. Do we think it’s worth the $100 plus price tag? Yes! Lacoste, in recent, years isn’t just revamping their image. They are giving it a good swift kick to the balls through innovative collaborations and limited edition runs. (Uh we mean tennis balls). We suggest you pick up a piece of this for when it’s sold out, there’s no more.

For more information: www.lacoste.com

For more information on Yorkdale: www.yorkdale.com

Photos by Mikey Sin!

Canada’s upscale retailer Holt Renfrew completely revamped and redid their concept of the lower priced Holt Renfrew at Vaughan Mills. For those guys who love deals, you will remember Holt Renfrew had their Last Call store where unsold merchandise found a home. Then items were severely marked down until sold. Those days are gone.

Visitors to the 25,000 square foot HR2 store can expect a lively, colourful and modern shopping experience, with weekly new arrivals in womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories and jewellery.  “We are pleased to welcome customers to this exciting new store concept,” said Heather Arts, Vice President of HR2.

HR2 showcases over 150 brands with an assortment from the likes of Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg, Splendid, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Ray-Ban, 7 for All Mankind, Nicole Miller, Elie Tahari, House of Harlow, Anzie, Naked and Famous, Hunter and HR2 private label. While some of the brands at HR2 will also be carried at Holt Renfrew, product assortment does not overlap. So is it worth a visit?

Yes! The great thing about HR2 is once something is sold out, it is gone for good. What are some of the deals for guys? Try a three-pack of Emporio Armani underwear for $19 or PRPS Denim shorts for $89. If you love a great deal we suggest you go this weekend! Our shopping caveat, buy it when you have it in your hand. HR2’s goods are so cool it’s not the type of store you can put something down, walk away, think about it, and come back later. It will be gone.

For more information: www.holtrenfrew.com

All photographs by Mikey Sin!

From time-to-time we’ll be running stories for our readers who are fathers or uncles. Or for those men who have been “told” their appearance at baby showers or parties is mandatory. We our proud to launch our expanded coverage with this bundle of joy! If the thought of holding a generic baby blanket covered with blue teddy bears or pink fairies makes you want to wear a condom, you’ll love this limited-edition project from Armani Junior.

Canada’s Holt Renfrew has collaborated with Giorgio Armani and Free The Children to create an exclusive limited edition baby blanket. Proceeds of the blanket will support Free The Children’s international developing communities in Kenya, providing the necessary healthcare, clean water and support needed for Maasai Mamas and their babies through the first year of the child’s life.

The baby blanket will be available in four designs inspired by the vibrant colours of the traditional kanga wrap worn by Maasai mamas. Purchases of the blanket will help Holt Renfrew reach its goal of raising $100,000 for Free The Children.

The Armani baby blanket will be available for purchase at all Holt Renfrew stores across Canada and online at holtrenfrew.com beginning May 3, 2013.

Price: $50

Available only at: www.holtrenfrew.com