GOTSTYLE: The Menswear Store was established in 2005 by Melissa Austria, an industry veteran for over a decade. She got her start in the men’s wholesale business where she earned her reputation as a brand builder and industry insider. Working with brands such as Valentino, Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole has provided a well versed perspective of the Canadian retail industry and the opportunity to learn from some of the best retailers in the country.

Seeing the menswear market expanding, having a passion for helping men dress better along with the belief that men need more choices when it comes to shopping, all prompted her to develop the concept of Gotstyle.

Melissa’s philosophy is: Dressing better is the most powerful thing you can do for your social and business life. If it only takes a little more effort to dress better, why wouldn’t you always want to send out a positive message about who you are?

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• 4 years

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Vincent Cassel

Describe your style.
• Classic with a bit of a twist

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Tombolini: Quality, fit, and price point

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Playing soccer

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• Since the beginning, before we had a store 6 years ago.

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Tom Ford, Jude Law, Sarah Jessica Parker

Describe your style.
• Fashion forward, edgy preppy.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Suit for their slim fits. Tombolini for their unique details that set this line apart from others. We’re also one of the only stores in the city to carry this line. Excellent price points for both brands.

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Spending time with my partner, riding horses, reading comic books, enjoying life: good wine, good food, good friends!

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• Three years

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr a.k.a. Common – he was able to mix modern/contemporary style iwth his urban street roots. My grandfather was also my style icon.

Describe your style.
• Chameleon – I am able to adjust to my surroundings but also step outside the box with one single outfit.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• LAB by Pal Zileri – sleeping in my LAB suit is more comfortable than sleeping in my underwear.

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Training to become a teacher of life.

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• November 2009

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Jeanne Beker – she was a huge influence on me entering into the fashion world.

Describe your style.
• Combination of sexy yet sophisticated with an edge of flare.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Drykorn – it’s fashion forward, bold, and edgy. Features unique fabrics and detailing.

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Socializing, spending time with my friends, working towards finishing my fashion management diploma, and enjoying a Guinness!

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• February 2010

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Coco Rocha – Gorgeous and Canadian

Describe your style.
• I dabble in all areas of the spectrum, from super laidback, loose fitting pieces to structured and fitted. If the shoe fits, wear it! Make sure you accessorize to add a personal touch to your outfit.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Really digging Sand and Suit lately. Sand seems to be spot on this season with patterns and detail that are attention getters, yet subtle enough to please. Suit is the basics – light, awesome material, long sleeve shirts that feel like short sleeve, and really basic pants and pieces with amazing colour tones (like those bright red pants!).

When I’m not working, I’m…
• If I’m not spending my life’s savings on adding to my wardrobe, I can most definitely be found at home making delicious food, custom jewelry, or at the park playing frisbee with my pup, Brüs.

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• Almost 1 year

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Gabrielle Chanel for womenswear, Ozwald Boateng for menswear.

Describe your style.
• Funky chic – I like to borrow pieces from the guys wardrobe..

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• SAND – for their twist on formalwear and beautiful linings. And ties from Ted Baker!

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Designing and sewing.

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• 5 years – from original concept, dust and rafters, then the entity – Gotstyle!

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Dean + Dan from Dsquared. And Yves Saint Laurent.

Describe your style.
• Urban – vintage meets contemporary.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• I am the hairstylist! I love it all – a great cut with great fashion rocks my world!

When I’m not working, I’m…
• I’ll be in California!

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• Since January 2008, minus the 6 months I was living in Paris.

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Hands down, Alexander McQueen. His theatrical, innovative, and sharp style will be greatly missed. RIP.

Describe your style.
• Glamourized street fashion.. heels meet high tops

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Plain and simple – any guy looks hot wearing SAND or Drykorn

How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• Since the start – approaching six years now

Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• I’d have to go with a cross between our forefathers, because we’re nothing without them: Cary Grant (for his classic, timeless look) and James Dean (for his casual and obvious bad-assery).

Describe your style.
• Crisp yet jagged. Casually sophisticated.

What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Aether: I’m a sucker for technical details & functionality. Also love Drykorn‘s lifestyle branding & great fit (there’s a reason why we’re carried them for this long!)

When I’m not working, I’m…
• Mostly likely venting about something on Twitter!