Last month, when British label Oliver Spencer opened shop in Toronto, life got a whole lot easier for time-crunched, style-savvy guys. Menswear Row – the short block of Queen West that’s already home to Fred Perry and Ruins (not to mention DailyXY’s de facto HQ, Cloud Espresso Bar) – became a one-stop shopping destination, thanks to the addition of Oliver Spencer’s impeccably constructed British staples. We caught up with Mr. Oli Spencer himself to learn about some of his favourite pieces.
1. The Jacket
To create the refined yet durable Donkey Jacket, Spencer re-imagined a classic British miner’s jacket, creating a handsome piece of modern workwear in hardy melton wool. The water-resistant wax shoulders are an evolution of what was traditionally a leather or rubber finish, Spencer explains, “for when you shove the coal on your back.” $580
2. The Shoes
“Shoes are the number one thing for a guy,” says Spencer. “You can get away with a lot if you’ve got really good shoes.” Fortunately, Oliver Spencer has some really good shoes. His pick: the supple, smooth, scotch-grain leather Greenwich shoe, which might be the perfect brown shoe. $490
3. The Belt
Spencer has dressed The Rolling Stones; some flashiness is essential. Complete your look with a bold red Officer’s Belt. $170
4. The Sweater
The navy blue Conduit Cardigan is timeless – a comfy staple that your lady will likely steal. Handmade leather buttons and thick, triple-ply lambswool means the cardy looks great and feels even better. $450
