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This morning we had the pleasure of hosting Robert Herjavec at our First Canadian Place store as the second guest in our new speaker series. Robert Herjavec, in case you haven’t heard, is one of the stars of the hit CBC show Dragons’ Den. Typically known as ‘the nice Dragon’, Herjavec is a self-made millionaire with a rags to riches success story that led to his recently-released best-selling book Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life. In it, he talks about the lessons he has learned over a twenty-year career launching and operating computer and Internet businesses, including his current company The Herjavec Group.

Among other things, Robert told us all about what it’s like being on two hit TV shows (Dragons’ Den and the similar US version, ABC’s Shark Tank). He shared entertaining stories about his early beginnings (working at two Harry Rosen locations to learn about salesmanship and the importance of dressing well); the lessons he learned from his parents that have served him well throughout his rise to fame and fortune (always be polite, don’t complain and work hard) and the perks of fame (meeting superstars like Bono and Oprah). Though he didn’t necessarily tell us how to become millionaires ourselves, we suspect it has a lot to do with the basic principles of hard work, ambition, drive – and as he says, a little bit of luck. Guess we’ll just have to read the book to find out the rest of his secrets!

Stay tuned for more information on future speakers next season.

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Check out our video; How to dress for any occasion with Hugo Boss

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The collection is Bastian's debut collaboration with the all-American iconic label Gant. Bastian was inspired by the memory of his father wearing Gant, along with a fascination for the culture and sport of Lacrosse.

Each piece in the collection features a subtle hint of Lacrosse presence. Harry Rosen carries a wide selection of Gant by Michael Bastian including knits, outerwear, trousers, shirts, and accessories.

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Come out to Harry Rosen on Bloor in Toronto or TD Square in Calgary for Harry's Denim Event on Saturday, October 2nd!

Drop by from 1-4 pm to meet the vendors from some of our most coveted denim and sportswear brands.  Receive a Gift with Purchase, and enjoy delectable treats.

See you there!

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We're thrilled to announce the Canadian launch of Napapirji - exlusive to Harry Rosen. This high performace collection of outerwear, knits, pants and accessories is dedicated to the spirit of adventure.

The name Napapirji (pronounced Napa-Peery) means Arctic circle in Finnish; homage to the rugged men who first mapped the North.

Experience Napapirji in-store and online.

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Wet Cement creators Stef Zeh and Andrew Lee show a Bloor St. customer how to silk screen

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The only one of it's kind in North America, Calgary's Armani Collezioni boutique boasts the very latest in design, fixtures, merchandising, and of course, an extensive selection of this top-notch brand. Itl's no wonder that Mr. Wilson couldn't help but take advantage of the opportunity to scout out some more pieces to add to his collection!

To see more photos from the night, visit our Facebook album.

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Party guests

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Watch behind the scenes footage from the photo shoot.
Wilson's ad appears this week in connection with Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

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A philanthropist, entrepreneur and TV star of CBC hit reality show Dragons' Den, he was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.... read on to learn more about his sense of style and more.

1) What are you wearing today? 

I have on an incredible collection of Armani from top to bottom.

2) Do you have a favourite Designer?

I have several - I love the Armani casual collections - and I wear a wide range of fun stuff from my friend Paul Hardy's unusual to Robert Graham's colourful to John Varvatos' funky.

3) When did you buy your first suit and why? 

I got my first suit when I was 16 - from Bill and Don's Menswear in North Battleford, SK - back in 1974 - for my high school graduation.  I still have that suit collecting dust in a closet downstairs.

4) What inspires you in life? 

People like Richard Branson live life big.  I like that.  He is the consummate entrepreneur with a solid social conscience - who inspires many to reach higher.  I am inspired by people who offer respect to others, live life with passion, speak from a place of integrity and celebrate ambition.

5) What is your favourite city? 

I just discovered Nelson, BC - I love this little community in the Rocky Mountains - where Steve Martin's "Roxanne" was filmed a decade ago - its almost like a time warp covers the community.  Great people.  Great place to hang.

6) What is your favourite accessory? 

Besides my cell phone - I rarely am seen without my silver "f**kcancer" bracelet.  My son also wears the very same bracelet to acknowledge the role cancer plays in too many lives.  (see the website if you google this - I am featured on it with a few other celebs).  [if you are uncomfortable with this - let me know].

7) If you had to give one piece of style advice, what would it be? 

Be comfortable.  Be you.  You are not a fashion magazine's centrefold.  Be happy in whatever you are wearing.  I love casual with jeans and a great oversized sweater.  And I love dressing up with a great sports coat - with a shirt, pants and shoes to suit the occasion.  I lean toward casual but admire the "natty" dressers in the crowd for their sense of style as well.

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On Saturday, September 25th we are hosting a special event at our Bloor street location with the LA based creators of Wet Cement.  Wet Cement Clothing began in 2007 by co-founders Stef Zeh and Andrew Lee as a way to record and share their travels from around the world by using their photography as artwork for their clothing line.

Each image is hand painted and done without the use of a computer or photoshop.  The images are transferred to film using a 500 watt halogen bulb, and are rinsed out in a bathtub with a garden hose.  Each piece is custom-screened by hand, making each shirt a unique piece of art different from any other shirt.

Drop by our Bloor street store to see this process first hand, and get a limited edition shirt made while you wait.*

*Gift With Purchase.

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We were at the Steve Nash house party on Sunday night to celebrate his film Into The Wind after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film is a documentary about Terry Fox. As a 6 year old in 1980, Nash was deeply inspired by watching Fox run with one leg battling cancer in hopes of raising awareness. As the Marathon of Hope's 30th anniversary approaches this fall, Nash felt inclined to spread his legend.

Hours before the premiere took place, Nash stopped by Harry Rosen on Bloor to look his best for the red carpet. We outfitted him in a Dolce & Gabbana ensemble and off he went.

The after party took place at the home of Canadian artist Charles Pachter. Charles graciously welcomed top notch guests into his home and art gallery nestled along a discreet side street in downtown Toronto. The theme was Canadiana and we couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for all things Canadian. From the mini pancakes and maple syrup, to the artwork on the walls, to the pillows on the chairs.

Congratulations Steve on your first TIFF film!

To see more photos from the event, please visit our Facebook page here.

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You are invited to our event!

We are hosting an event with New York designer Michael Bastian! Meet the designer and shop his All-American lacrosse inspired collection - GANT by Michael Bastian.  The event will take place on Monday, September 20th at our Bloor street location from 7-9 pm. Be sure to RSVP to BloorRSVP@harryrosen.com

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We are excited to be carrying Gant by Michael Basitan at Harry Rosen stores this fall.  Michael Bastian has added a younger, lacrosse inspired twist to the classic Gant look.

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Harry Rosen and Eton are pleased to present the exclusive Canadian launch of the all electric Tesla Roadster 2.5

The new Tesla Roadster 2.5 from California has not been seen in person in Canada until now.  The car will be on display at Harry Rosen on Bloor on the main floor.  It's an incredible all electric car unlike anything else, and sells for around $150,000 to $200,000.  Drop by the store Thursday August 19th to Sunday August 22nd to see the Tesla in person.  A Tesla representative will be in-store Thursday to Saturday from 1 -4 pm. 

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Last night we turned the lower level of the Bloor Street store into a party as we welcomed the i.am clothing line. will.i.am made a special appearance, and chatted with media, fans and clients.  

In his other job as a music icon, will.i.am has always been known for his unique style and fashion sense, which his clothing line reflects.  will.i.am is no stranger to design, having attended the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandise in LA before focusing on music.

“This line is for the creative cat, the guy that likes art, music and individual expression. Music may be my first love, but fashion has always been important to me and this collection is another way to express my creativity,” will.i.am shared with us at this exclusive Toronto appearance. The collection perfectly complements the attitude of the lower level at our flagship Bloor St. store - casual yet sophisticated with a little edge, and  "thoroughly modern", as described by CEO Larry Rosen. The collection is complete with hoodies, leather jackets, sweaters and casual tees.

We had a great time at the event, and thanks to everyone who came out to meet will.i.am! Also, thanks to our sponsors Svedka, Lifford Wine Agency and Kronenbourg beer as well as the team at Manhattan Inc.

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Mike Peters, Regional Director for Western Canada, held a denim clinic at the annual CORE | TD Square fashion show.

Mike answered questions not just from the audience, but from our Facebook page. Highlights from Mike's talk are listed below.

It's true that some jeans aren't meant to be washed for 6 months. Zac from Nudie Jeans was on hand to help explain why. Raw (also known as "dry") denim is dyed with indigo and sold unwashed. When you begin to wear the jeans, the indigo rubs off to customize your jeans to your body. By not washing your jeans for as long as possible, you enhance this customization.

We're beginning to see rolled up jeans again - it's a trend that's quickly taking hold, but in a more sophisticated fashion than we saw in the late 80's and early 90's! Start with a straight or slim jean, and cuff jeans with 2 inch rolls. Rolled jeans look great with desert or chukka boots that will be all the rage in Fall 2010.

Harry Rosen truly does carry a denim to suit every body type and every lifestyle. The best way to find out what kind of denim works for you is to come in and start trying a selection on!

Labels carried by Harry Rosen include: 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Nudie Jeans, Rock and Republic, True Religion, D & G, Armani, BOSS, Zegna and many more! Many are available online, as well as in-store.

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Last night, Lifford Wine Agency held their fourth annual "Boys Night Out" event, at the Downtown Toronto Audi dealership. All proceeds from the event went to prostate cancer research, and we were proud to be the presenting sponsor. No surprise here, as Harry himself is highly involved with various types of medical research.

The event was full of things guys like - cars, golf, scotch and of course food and wine. Great music was played by one of our favourite DJs, DJ Lissa Monet. Guests were entertained all evening with raffles, a silent auction and a live auction. The two rounds of golf in Bermuda sounded pretty nice!

We showed five great fall looks and hosted some games.  Thanks to all who guessed how many cufflinks were in the jar, and to those who attempted to tie a tie 30 seconds.  Congrats to our winners!

Hopefully we saw you there. And if not, see you at the 5th!

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For the fashion-conscious, the Calgary Stampede often poses a dilemma... Luckily, this year, cowboy-inspired looks are right on trend. Harry Rosen carries a wide array of denim labels and cuts to suit both genuine and temporary cowboys. From Nudie to BOSS, Rock & Republic to 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and beyond, it's easy to find something for every cowboy! Labels such as BOSS Orange, Robert Graham and Arnold Zimberg provide colourful Western shirts with unmistakable detailing that won't look out of place during the Stampede - or the trendiest Toronto nightclub.

Associates from TD Square showed off some Stampede-worthy looks. On the left, Michael is in Nudie Jeans, with a D&G shirt. Kevin, pictured on the right, is wearing Seven Jeans, with an Arnold Zimberg shirt.

If you're in Calgary for the Stampede, make sure you stop into our store at TD Square | The CORE to update your Western look!

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Men have many options these days when it comes to dressing for a wedding - whether they're the groom, or attending a wedding as a guest. We like to encourage men to choose a suit that suits their personality rather than sticking to a standard uniform look that a lot of grooms and guests go for. For a groom that likes a sleek sharp look - try a slim fitting Z-Zegna suit in black instead of a classic tuxedo. If you are getting married on the golf green or somewhere outside - try a lightweight tan suit from BOSS Black. A mid-grey suit is a versatile option for a groom or a guest and can be worn at any type of of ceremony. The details are crucial - cufflinks and a pocket square will ensure a unique look. 

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Have you been to Boys' Night Out before? It's an incredible event in support of prostate cancer research.

If you haven't been to Boys' Night Out, you should join us on Thursday July 8th at Audi Downtown (328 Bayview Ave.) Lifford Wine Agency will host the 4th annual event with Harry Rosen as presenting sponsor.

It's a celebration of guys' stuff cleverly disguised as a sophisticated wine tasting.
The night will feature hot cars, boats, golf, fine wine, steaks, live entertainment, oysters, motorcyles, music, bbq, auctions and much, much more!

To order tickets visit www.LiffordBoysNightOut.com or call 416 440 4101

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"My memories of Dad are like a rear-view mirror of life lessons and “what ifs?” of events that have come to shape my life as a husband and a good role model for my kids today.  When I was young, my Dad and I never really got a chance to bond because of the difficult choices in their life – coming over as an immigrant with a wife and two children at twenty-one to Canada and looking to start a new life, there weren’t many opportunities to be the perfect Dad that many people will write about. After finding the financing to buy a restaurant in Northern Ontario, life became very routine for the next thirty years. Basically the restaurant was open eighteen hours a day and three-hundred and sixty three days a year. I wish I could say that I had a Dad that attended my parent-teachers’ interviews, sat in the bleachers to watch my hockey and basketball games or sat down with me after supper to help me with my homework (or my avoidance of homework). But that didn’t happen. Regardless of the excuses that my Dad had to tell me to ease the pain, I never really understood because everybody else’s Dads were in the stands except for mine.

Now, forty-five years later, my Dad is trying to relive the memories of “what could have been” by playing a part in the grandchildren’s lives as if he was twenty-one all over again. As well, my childhood bitterness has turned to regret; not regretting that they didn’t get to see me grow up but that regretting that I never understood why I never had a Dad in the “kid’s sense”. 

With life maturity, comes an understanding of the sacrifices my Dad made to make sure we had enough money to pay the bills and put the boys through university.  It’s a new understanding of the excuses my Dad had to make up to explain his absences from our events, to the sadness that I remembered in his eyes when he saw us coming back from the hockey arena with the other dads and kids. If only Dad knew it’s what he never got to do that had just as much impact on the “great Dad” I’ve become– never knowing that he unknowingly taught me  tolerance, respect, understanding, patience and the importance of being a major influence in my kids lives today. Dad -  It’s not about what you couldn’t do; it’s about what you wanted to do.

Now when I walk down Bay Street, wearing the nice banker’s uniform from Harry’s, I think about how to tackle the day’s problems and work crisis so that I can leave those behind at the end of the day; and become the Dad, my Dad always wanted to be."

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Attendees were entertained by a number of musical guests, including the Canadian Tenors, 9 year old piano prodigy Mackenzie Porter, the talented Carol Welsman and Aion Clarke (pictured below with Ben McLean, associate manager from TD Square).

The purpose of the garden party was to raise funds for Boomer's Legacy. Boomer's Legacy is a foundation named in remembrance of Corporal Andrew James Eykelenboom, a Canadian military medic killed by a suicide bomber in 2006. When Andrew's mother Maureen took the stage to explain the efforts of the foundation, and describe the day she learned of her son's death, the crowd fell silent, and there was hardly a dry eye in sight. 

Guests were asked to bring a cheque, and the combined efforts of the guests raised $250 000 for Boomers Legacy. Peter Mackay, Minister of Defense then spoke and led the crowd in a moment of silence for the most recent Canadian losses in Afghanistan.

Giving the evening a uniquely Calgarian flair were the life-size cow sculptures throughout the garden - many properly attired for the Garden Party!

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