Michael Nguyen, the third generation in his family to work in the tailoring business, has created a bespoke house frequented by everyone from local celebrities like Drake to the entire Toronto FC team. 

When did you first fall in love with bespoke suits?
I got a white tuxedo for my first communion. I wore it to the ceremony, and the way I felt in it and the way people noticed it had me hooked.

What inspired you to open Garrison?
It was an opportunity for me to follow my passion and my family’s legacy in a way that I love.We were pioneers in the market when Garrison first opened. I offer designer bespoke based on the concept that men want clothing that looks great on them, elicits many compliments and fits them.

Who are some of your celebrity clients?
I’m really proud and excited about the work we do on the NBC show Suits. We provide Harvey Specter’s [played by Gabriel Macht] bespoke suits. And we get to demonstrate creativity with the dressing of Hannibal on that TV series. Drake is phenomenal to work with, and David Foster is also a ton of fun. I’m also a huge sports nut. We’ve created team suits for the Raptors and Toronto FC made from a stretch fabric that has full mobility, to the point they could conceivably play sports in them. 

Apart from Garrison, where do you shop in the city?
Due West at Queen and Spadina is a shop that I frequent weekly. The guys there are great and have a cool, curated selection of sportswear. 

Where do you get your style inspiration?
Travel. I travel once or twice a month, and I’m lucky that it’s either to the meccas of tailoring, like London or Napoli, or to spots where a lot of guys are wearing suits in unique ways like L.A. or Paris.

Why is a good suit so essential to a man’s wardrobe?
It’s the most flattering thing a man can wear. A good suit that fits your lifestyle, be it classic or casual, is the core staple in every man’s wardrobe.