48 Hours in Vancouver, Plus Some Spring Picks
Ran the Seawall, Bought Some Pants
Howdy all,
Been a while. Big thanks to everyone who’s subscribed to the ’Stack so far through my guide to Canadian clothing brands, and thanks to everyone who commented with their own favourite brands. I’m looking at doing a short interview series with a few of those independent designers for future editions—let me know if that’s something you’d be into. While this newsletter isn’t expressly about Canadian menswear or fashion, per se, I do try to keep a focus on it.
Odds ‘n Ends - A few things since I last sent a letter!
I’ve been contributing regularly to GQ, rounding up the best of the best in men’s style. You can check it all out here. It’s been a lot of fun. A dream byline for me, honestly.
Speaking of Canadian brands, I also recently made my debut with NUVO magazine, profiling Eugene Marshall, a Montreal-based designer drawing on his SSENSE background and his grandparents’ uniform dressing habits to build something special with Borden.
Additionally, I just worked with FASHION on a few pieces. Here I chatted with Bezel watch expert, Isaac Wingold, about how a guy should go about building a watch collection.
Lastly, I was lucky to have hopped on the horn with Bella Freud recently to talk about her popular new podcast Fashion Neurosis for S Magazine. Read that one here.
Alright—let’s get into it some …
Vancouver Vibez
I was lucky enough to be whisked out to Vancouver last week to cover an event — my first time back in over a decade. I have had a tendency to dunk on the city when given the opportunity, but there’s no denying that it’s stunning and has a lot to offer. Would go back! I was only there for two nights with some work obligations, so this wasn’t a deep dive — but if you find yourself in Van soon, here are a few quick hits worth checking out.
Get up early and run the Stanley Park seawall. So nice I did it twice, back-to-back mornings. The mist, the mountains, the seals in the water, the birds, the cliffs—Vancouverites are lucky to have it, and I know they don’t take it for granted.
Have a Japadog. Veggie pork, fried onions, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed. A+.
Go check out Haven. I got to check out their (relatively new) space just east of Gastown and chatted with co-founder Arthur and brand manager Nick, who walked me through what they’re working on. In the past I’ve thought of Haven as more of a high-end streetwear store, but after spending some time there and trying on several pieces from their in-house line, I wouldn’t put a label on it. It’s clear they’re just into making thoughtful, well-made menswear, often in natural fabrics like the excellent full-zip sweater I’m wearing below. Big thanks to the guys there for showing me around.
Neighbour is a must. I couldn’t go to Vancouver without stopping in. Saager Dilawri and his wife (who buys for the women’s store) have built one of the best stores in North America. My head was practically spinning when I first stepped inside. Saager was nice enough to give me a tour of what’s new—much of it from Japan, where designers remain absolute sickos for intricate, unique fabrics. Big thank you to Saager as well for the tour.
Hit Joe Forte’s downtown for a martini, some clam chowder, maybe a few oysters. When I’m in a new city, I like to seek out the classics — the spots that haven’t changed much in decades. That usually means strong cocktails, poured by lifer bartenders in ties and vests, and if you’re lucky, like at Joe Forte’s, a live piano player in the corner to round things out.
PSA: Din Tai Fung just opened. The legendary Taiwanese soup dumpling chain, literally just opened their first Canadian location last week and I was able to swing by for a quick Sapporo, cucumber salad, and some Xiao Long Bao. Gorgeous.
Kissa Tanto — Okay, so I was invited for dinner here — but I’d absolutely go back on my own dime. Chef Joel Watanabe serves up brilliant Japanese-Italian fusion that somehow just works, all in a beautifully designed room.
For Vintage, swing by Kamuy Vintage in Gastown where Haiato has a really excellent collection of vintage Polo Ralph Lauren, military, Patagonia, Levi’s, Carhartt and a lot more at fair prices. I picked up a pair of Ralph chinos that are going to be heavy in the rotation this summer.
Quick shoutout to The Black Frog — Vancouver’s unofficial Edmonton Oilers HQ. I posted up at the bar for Game 5 between two die-hard Oilers fans and it was a highlight. Special nod to the one legend who was ordering double vanilla vodka and Diet Cokes. Absolutely unhinged drink order.
Some Things I Like— May ‘25
Now that spring’s officially here, I figured I’d fire off a quick roundup of what I’m into at the moment. I’m aiming to pair things back, keep things simple heading into summer — and I think that comes through here
Haven’s SS25 collection — Vancouver’s Haven has been quietly levelling up their in-house label, and as mentioned above, I got a close-up look at the newest stuff. I left with the Japanese Apex twill Helix pant, which fit like a dream. I love the pleats. A nod to tailoring. In fact, they’ve made a matching jacket that was equally smart. A suit for guys who don’t need to wear one.
Black Boat Shoes — Dig out your Vampire Weekend records because it’s fair to say boat shoes are back? Whatever the verdict, my WASP-y ass is ready. I’m particularly drawn to Morjas’ all-black take, which, although still pricey, will give you the look of that buzzy Saman Amel shoe from last year without nuking your savings. There’s still something undeniably right about a classic Sperry, too.
Carter Young SS25 — The London-by-way-of-Detroit designer is seriously on one right now. There’s a distinctly Midwestern sensibility running through the collection with a European finish that hits just right for me. Especially into this “western” shirt.
Mfpen Holiday Shirts — Just a solid shirt, cropped enough, boxy enough. Made from nice poplin cotton.
KOTN - As mentioned in my Canadian guide, KOTN has long been a reliable source for solid basics — and now, it looks like they’re stepping things up. Their new technical collection, Tefnut, is genuinely intriguing, and these fatigue pants in particular have really caught my eye.
Cos Linen Pants — We’re still a few weeks out from true linen weather, but I swung by COS the other day (still one of the few decent IRL options in Canada for mid-range clothes that actually look cool) and spotted a pair of beautifully cut black linen trousers. They also come in khaki and navy, but there’s something especially sharp — and a little unexpected — about black linen in the summer.
Vans — Just some regular Vans Authentics. Get them, beat them up, remember why they’re so good.
Graydon Carter’s When the Going Was Good — Just finished the memoir by former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter and can’t recommend it enough if you’re even remotely interested in media or magazines. It’s a fascinating account of how a kid from Ottawam, who once worked the railroads of Western Canada, made it to the top of New York media — and seems to have done it the right way, all while being a family man. He’s shot up on my list of great Canadians, for sure. Lots of stories about wild expense accounts and flying on the Concorde. The going was definitely good. Next up, and somewhat related: Keith McNally’s memoir. Will report back on that one.
Thanks for reading. See you next time.
—BK
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