Toronto’s Best Dressed: CanCon music mainstay Kardinal Offishall
Rapper, producer and avant-garde outfit aficionado
Kardinal Offishall’s sense of style is all about originality. For most of his decades-long career, that meant adding a funky fedora or heavy gold chain to casual streetwear. Lately, however, his style has taken a more highbrow turn—especially on red carpets, where he’s been spotted in exotic furs and luxe leathers.
He credits the transformation to friend and London-based designer Nana Boateng, who encouraged him to step up his game by telling him in 2010, “You can’t be considered a king and only have part of what you do reflect royalty.” Now, Offishall (né Jason Harrow) designs his own pieces with the team at Toronto’s avant-garde boutique Call and Response (formerly Magpie), who aren’t afraid of his ideas. “I’ll say I’m thinking of something with feathers and sequins, and they’ll be like ‘We got you.’ ”
Together, they imagine one-of-a-kind looks that reflect his boundless energy. “I want every piece I wear to speak for me. I love when my outfit tells people I’ve arrived.”
Current Obsessions
A Bright Accessory
It has to be borderline offensive.” $14. Happysocks.com.
Brimz Mountie Hat
“I love having a plethora of hats that allow you to express how you feel every day.” $225. Brimzofficial.com.
Custom Vest from Call and Response
“We do a lot of fashion brainstorming. I’ll say, that’s great, but why don’t we take off the sleeves?” From $500. 702 Queen St. W.
Bevel Shaving System
“It gives you the smoothest skin.” $30 per month. Getbevel.com.
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