What do you get when you mix one part style and one part substance? Probably something along the lines of the newly-opened The White Space for men at The Bay. Suzanne Timmins, The Bay’s fashion director, says the concept area is meant to appeal to the discerning customer. Pieces are stylish but understated.
“Lines are made up of intelligent design rather than fashion for fashion’s sake,” she says.
The new menswear space was the natural answer to its equivalent in women’s wear, Timmins explains. Opened this month, in time for the spring 2011 season, its labels include Filippa K, Band of Outsiders and Stone Island.
The 1,200 square foot space features quite a few up-and-coming designers, whose lines are typically only found in boutiques or in high-end retail shops like Barneys in NYC.
Take Simon Spurr, for example. The New Yorker, who trained at Yves Saint Laurent (among other fashion houses), is credited with playing a big role in bringing about the return to simple, well-tailored designs in menswear.
As for spring 2011 trends, Timmins says military and denim have strong staying power. Newer to the scene are what she describes as Mediterranean resort and neo-grunge influences.
“Men look best when they’re not aware of themselves, they’re not trying too hard, and I think that’s what I really like about these brands,” she says. “It has that kind of sensibility.”
The White Space for men is still evolving. With fall will come footwear and accessories.
The White Space for men at The Bay, 176 Yonge St.