Toronto’s Best Dressed: Bespoke-loving Bay Streeter Michael Levine
From the money shop to the suit shop and back again
Entering the financial industry in 2008 felt like a dicey proposition to Michael Levine: there was a surge of business-school graduates, and there was that pesky matter of a global recession. In order to distinguish himself from his peers, Levine wanted to invest in a sharp suit. And because he has an athletic build, and height, as he says, isn’t exactly in his favour, he knew it would need to be a custom suit. So began Levine’s close relationship with the tailors at Garrison Bespoke; he even took a year-long hiatus from investment advising in 2014 to work there as a menswear stylist.
Now, when clueless Bay Streeters praise Levine’s eggplant, light gold or three-piece chalk-striped suits, he marches them over to the shop himself.
“Guys don’t know how suits should fit unless they’ve had help,” he says, and he is happy to oblige.
Current Obsessions
“This oil by Element Botanicals freshens and softens my beard, and also smells great $12. Elementbotanicals.ca.
“One of my favourite accessories for a suit, they’re also great for the cottage.” $400. Garretleight.com.
“My favourite thing about this ’60s-esque backpack is the leather padded straps with felt shoulder protectors.” Bleu-de-chauffe.com.
“They’re good for travelling, great with a suit—a really clean look and design.” $210. Adidas.com.
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