Nicolas Kalatzis:
Up close and personal

You have an amazing ability to predict trends. How did you develop this skill?

I’m a passionate student of clothing. Old and new Hollywood was a big factor in helping me create a perspective. European films, as well. Plus, I have a memory for style and silhouette. I study the collections and I guess over the years, I’ve learned to read between the lines!

You have a reputation for impeccable style. What’s your secret for dealing with Toronto’s notoriously cold and windy winters?

A full-length but trim-fit cashmere coat, napa-lined cashmere gloves and a pure cashmere, double-faced scarf.

If you had to choose one signature look for a portrait, what would you choose?

It would be a toss up between my tennis clothes and a simple, elegant suit —probably grey flannel, with a shirt and discreet tie. The shirt would definitely be powder blue powder; it’s an exceptionally flattering colour for both men and women.

Do you have any personal style icons?

Definitely. In no particular order: Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn and David Niven. Today, every celebrity has a personal stylist but these fellows all worked out their own individual looks and managed to carry off a sense of elegance.

You are famous for customer service. What is the most absurd request you’ve ever had?

When someone wanted the designer label left on the sleeve of the jacket. I was nauseous. It crushed me. I’m nauseous just repeating the story.

Your own store aside, what’s your favourite shopping destination?

I love London AND Paris but there are three specific neighbourhoods in Milan where I really need to put on the brakes: Via Della Spiga, Via Monte Napoleon and the Brera region.

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