few years ago, an ambitious young label named Green Shag snuck up on the scene with custom bespoke creations and quirky men’s accessories. Tongues are wagging yet again, as Green Shag Bespoke has jumped out of its Richmond Street studio location and into its first store, on Queen Street.

Owner Neil and Victoria McPhedran's refined yet full-on male aesthetic have won them a loyal fanbase, dressing well-heeled locals, fashion editors and regular guys who appreciate the label’s creative style. Not bad for two ad creatives from Vancouver.

Taking over the former Kool Kid location (which moved down to 674 Queen) Green Shag Bespoke looks very much like an art space — wood plank flooring, with products behind glass or hanging throughout the space. With a focus on classic, high-quality design with a subtle retro edge, the store is the label’s unofficial clubhouse: airy and boutique-ish, but unselfconsciously warm and friendly.

As designer, Victoria produces certain products in small quantities found on shelves here - and at spots like Gotstyle and Rolo. But as a custom bespoke shirt maker, Green Shag has a reputation for pumping out the highest quality dress shirts and cutting-edge designs. The selection of slim cuts, shirts and suits make bespoke ideal for any occasion, but business-types flock to store for more than the classic threads; ties, cufflinks and many other top-of-the-line accessories are items Green Shag’s clientage adore.

A fave among the banker and corporate types, the label is quickly developing a wider brand appeal. And the Queen Street locale will introduce the bespoke concept to a younger demographic, one who can appreciate fine clothes.

"With fashion, I like to imagine there is this clock," says Victoria. "And at 12:00 everyone is all over a certain style. But at 1:00, it's over. By 3:00 designers are working on the next trend. It's all about the clock. The "Mad Men" look, for example, is about 11:45."

But style, Victoria explains, doesn't always have to be on the clock. A crisp white shirt. A beautifully made fitted jacket. Polished silver cufflinks. Quality items meant for longevity.

The boutique always has something unexpected, whether it’s a fitted, crisp white shirt sporting a colourful cuff or polished hockey rink cufflinks (Rink Links). Go for great design ideas and inspiration, or that piece your friends won’t be able to stop talking about. - DE

Green Shag Bespoke Clothier
670 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6J 1E5
(416) 360-7424

Hours
Mon-Wed 11am-6pm
Thur+Fri 11am-7pm
Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 12noon-5pm