June
4
2014
Laundry List: Grant Van Gameren x East Dane
Introducing a new menswear spot called Laundry List. Textstyles teamed up with East Dane (brother site to Shopbop) to talk fashion, style and shopping with some of Toronto’s leading gents. To launch this segment I met up with my good friend Grant Van Gameren, chef and brains behind Bar Isabel one of Canada’s best restaurants. He took time out of his truffle picking schedule and squeezed us in before he jets off to Spain for some culinary research.
Also, he was wearing the butterfly pants when I got there!
Me: What do you think about when you get dressed?
GVG: I do many things during a day, sometimes it’s construction, it’s the kitchen, and it’s meetings. So I definitely look for an outfit that can be multi functional. I have to be able to throw on an apron over it in the kitchen—that’s a typical workday. I tend to wear nice clothing in situations where I probably shouldn’t. On an off day it’s definitely weather driven, but I like to be stylish. I’m into looking for more colourful things, especially now in the summer months. I did the all black all the time and now I’m branching out into thinner more interesting fabrics. I’m really into this Japanese cotton, James Perse tees.
What are you wearing today?
GVG:Paul Smith butterfly pants with East Land shoes and a James Perse tee.
The second look is Made and Crafted by Levi’s shorts, YMC shoes and a Liberty print shirt.
GVG: I want something that is simple. I don’t like any branding and right now I’m really into textures and fabrics. I try to be kind of modest but soigné—but different too, right.
Do you look for inspiration before you go shopping? How do go about putting together your wardrobe?
GVG: It’s not like I peruse the internet to see what’s in. Being in Toronto there are a few really good men’s stores and that’s where it runs from.
Do you online shop at all?
GVG: Very rarely. I have in the past but moreso when I’m familiar with the brand. Like back in the day I was really into John Varvatos before he went super rock n roll. I have a brand attachment to those that fit me well and JV before I had this pregnant belly thing going on fit me well. I know the pants, shirt sizes, everything and I could go online and get things for cheaper and I wouldn’t have an issue fitting. Especially this year, my metabolism kicked in (or out) and I’m throwing out all my smalls and buying mediums. And basically I had to rebuy all my clothes because my pants don’t fit me anymore—super problems here (laughs). I probably bought like 20-30 t-shirts last year. Buying online is tough because of fit.
How do you approach shopping?
GVG: There are a couple stores that work for me and I stay loyal. Recently, I was in New York and tried going to all these men’s shops and it was just like the worst stores, like horrendous. I like seeing a lot of colour and style and comfortable menswear. I like to go into a store where if I buy one piece, I can pick out a whole outfit. Guys are not always like fashion forward, so it helps to see things laid out together. We are a little less crafty, and so we need to be told whether or not it’s by our girlfriend or the retailer to see the full look.
I try to keep it subtle, but interesting from a typical guy. I used to live with a fashion stylist/designer so it rubbed off a bit. I spend a lot on clothes now.
Growing up were you always into fashion?
GVG: No, but now I really spend a lot and try. I mean my pants have butterflies on them!
They do have butterflies all over them
I actually tried them on but my girlfriend was like “Oh you have to get them!”
Is this the pants first outing? I mean they’re perfect for your next Spain trip.
GVG: Well, no it’s their second. But yeah, they’ve been waiting for this. It’s all about confidence when you’re rocking something different. People who do it and go over the top a little bit, you can’t hate on them—if they’re rocking with the proper confidence. I get a bit inspired by that but at the same time I’m a chef and sometimes simple and rugged and what have you is best.
When you’re getting dirty and truffle picking.
GVG: Yeah, exactly.
So packing for your upcoming Spain trip, how do you do it?
GVG: I always over pack.
How many valises are we talking?
GVG: I like options.
Do you go overweight?
GVG: I have in the past. I like the ability to be selective when I’m traveling.
What are your basics?
GVG: A dark wash, bit shiny denim selvage. Lots of tees, I’m really into dark but faded tees (not pure black), and the Japanese cotton tees. Got to have a v-neck in there but not too many.
Is there a point where that v should stop for you?
GVG: Totally! I like small v-necks.
And for the shoes?
GVG: I always pack three pairs of shoes. Ones that I can go sockless but you always bring socks just in case, the short little guys. Cause its hot and sweaty in Spain. You know, you have to look at the clothes you’re wearing to figure out the kind of shoes you are going to wear. You know on a hot day, when you’re wearing long pants, you gotta wear the right shoes and when it’s raining it’s another story. The pants, shoes and socks they all connect you know moreso than the shirts. So sometimes I really rack my brain cause I want to wear these one pair of shoes but they don’t fit with the pair of pants.
What else?
GVG: a sweater for the nights a rain jacket, I’m kind of into getting into more collars and ties. I’m the last person to ever dress up, but now I’ve hit thirty so I’m cool rocking the Marni suit, I enjoy it now. I’m into a cool pair of pants a button up and a tie. I’ve grown into the ability to wear ties now. That’s one thing I don’t have a lot of so I need to expand that tie collection.
What kind of suits do you go for?
GVG: I have a Jil Sander suit, I can’t really fit into the suit this year. But I’m really into wearing the liberty suit under my dark suit. I wasn’t sure if it’s too much, but the colour pops and I went to a wedding and everyone was commenting on the shirt.
For the summertime I’m really into little pops, whether it’s the shoes. I like different colours like these orange moccasins with orange pants. But the dye wears off on my feet. I wore the green ones the other day and I scrubbed, but my feet are still are green and now orange too!
Laughs
GVG: When I like something I buy multiples.
Thanks Grant!
GVG: Thanks for coming by!
Clockwise from top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs pinwheel shirt; Persol sunglasses; Y-3 v-neck tee; Riviera slip ons; A.P.C. shirt; Liberty print tie; Bespoken blue suede shoes; Lotuff leather bag; A.P.C. jeans; Eastland Made In Maine shoes; Parke & Ronen shorts.
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