With the holidays nigh, Jeanne selects her eight favourite parkas that are perfect for the stylish, urban gentleman
WINNER:
VICTORINOX from VICTORINOX, 95A Bloor St. W., $695
“I love this look, and I love what Victorinox is doing with Christopher Raeburn as their fearless creative head. It has some great styling, it’s a classic, but it’s also got a modern vibe going on with it, lots of great snaps, a big black zip is inside, and it’s just nice and cozy.”
For the grunge rocker at heart
ROOTS X THINSULATE from ROOTS, 1 Promenade Cir., $238
“This looks like a jacket that you’d buy at an army surplus store. You could wear it as a super canvas coat, as it’s very army-esque. It’s also got a nice hint of orange and a good faux furry hood lining. It’s great, really rustic.”
The kind that’ll knock out a bear
MOOSE KNUCKLES from SPORTING LIFE, 2665 Yonge St., $1,200
“It’s a really fabulous shade of charcoal, I really like that. Plus there’s some extra room here with the zips on the arms. Also, it’s got this very rugged kind of feel to it, but I call it “rugged glam.” It’s the kind of jacket that will last you forever.”
When leather meets cloth
RUDSAK from RUDSAK, 2901 Bayview Ave., $795
“Of course, this whole trend of mixing leather with woven fabric is just hotter than heck, so this is a very cool, fashion-forward kind of parka. For a guy who really wants to make a fashion statement.”
Go (army) green
MACKAGE from HOLT RENFREW, 3401 Dufferin St., $750
“I’m just nuts about this label, and I think they have done us so proud. This parka’s got nice leather detailing, and you know the details are always superb with Mackage. It’s also got some handy little pockets up top for your cellphone.”
From America with love
CRESCNET DOWNWORKS from WORKING TITLE, 126A Davenport Rd., $598
“It’s very understated, and it’s very no-nonsense. It’s an elegant look, and it’s got a nice height. I think it’s a great jacket for the younger person who wants a little bit of luxury without looking too trendy.”
The Canadian job
CANADA GOOSE from UNCLE OTIS, 26 Bellair St., $1,850
“There’s not a lot of fancy detailing here, but there’s just enough to make it look very modern, very masculine, and this dark khaki colour almost has a bit of that chic, army vibe going on. It just has some really nice, classic styling.”
Let’s get technical
ARC'TERYX from STATION SKI AND RIDE, 227 Main St., Markham, $700
“It’s a simple, really nice, classy-looking parka. There’s not much detailing. It’s subtle. A modern look for the modern man.”