Fashion Stores
Ted's Style Shoppe
Ted's Style Shoppe took shape at an unusual address this summer, peddling custom suiting alongside bibimbap and private karaoke rooms. It's not the first time that owner David Petrash took a chance with location. His former business, Theodore 1922 - also a high-end menswear shop - still occupies digs among a mixed bag of sushi restaurants and (relatively) shabby Annex neighbours.
Ted's is a sore thumb in Koreatown. The Yorkville-worthy window display beckoned me from the sidewalk with antique props and crisp shirts, and I stepped into the tidy and immaculate space. Petrash offered me genuine welcome, and an espresso. With Sambucca. So far, so good. I began to wonder if the criticism regarding his customer service style was actually unfair, or if, at least, it had scared him straight. Just then, however, a woman entered during our coffee-sipping and chatting, and began inspecting items in the window display. Petrash snottily and too-loudly informed her that "everything there is elsewhere in the shop" (read: don't touch). The customer sheepishly exited. OK, maybe not.
Petrash toured me through the store, which, he tells me, does over half of its business in made-to-measure - a service that has kept the store busy in its first few months. A large portion of his clients are Western Canadian doctors, thanks to his retired Alberta-based father's remote role in the business. A bespoke suit is ready to be shipped Westward, in fact, and I get a peek. The tailoring is gorgeous. The awaiting MD's name is stitched inside the lapel. I quite love this detail, and it conjures up memories writing my name on face cloths and underwear in preparation for Brownie camp. This is the grown-up version. "The bespoke suits are handmade here," he says, by which I take to mean that they are made in Canada. But "here" literally means in-store.
Complimenting custom, are off-the-rack Egyptian cotton shirts by Swedish brand Stenstrom's, German-made leather parkas by Milestone, and Ivory (by Incotex) bottoms. These pants, part of Incotex's more affordable line, are the best of the store's offerings. Classic wool flannel and cotton twill fabrics get slight modern adjustments and expertly-tailored finishes resulting in a pant that seamlessly bridges the casual/dressy divide in menswear bottoms. Petrash doesn't think much of denim (and curiously dismisses the shop's small representation of it). With pants like these in his midst, I can blame him. Chocolate stretch cords with a smooth bemberg stretch lining ($275) are like the guy-equivalent to my Yoga Jeans - pants so comfy, you could work out in them. They're so well-made, Petrash informs me, that "you can kick the shit outta them."
Japanese-designed Canadian-made leather belts ($110) are coiled above racks of suiting, and come in unexpected colours like tomato-red, lime and rust. "They're sick as fuck," he insists. "I can't believe how cheap I'm selling them for!" It's relative, of course. While I don't necessarily share his enthusiasm for the belts, I visibly swooned over Stenstrom's cashmere knits with contrasting elbow patches. Combos like fuchsia and Tiffany blue take them from "hot professor" to just "hot".
For spring, Ted's already has some teasers to peruse, including samples of some lightweight outerwear options in the Milestone collection. The shop will also carry Italian brand Zal Pieri, including LAB, the line's more youthful collection.
I sifted through the he-said/she-said and blog backlash prior to my visit, but tried to remain neutral. While impressed by the craftsmanship and Petrash's fashion savvy, I can't help but think that he may still need to work on his customer service. Beyond the pomp, there is something likeable about him, though. Just don't touch the window display, and you might see it too.
Photos by Dennis Marciniak.
Discussion
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I mostly feel sorry for his ex...who, btw, never mentions him, never talks about the horrible situation it must have been for her...who has to read this crap.
How do I know all this...I'm a lawyer who deals with victims of domestic violence and smelt this one from a mile away. All I did was a little digging and found out everything...and you call yourselves journalists.
And in response to Sarah, yes, we received three made to measure suits as compensation for this review plus an envelope that I won't disclose what was inside. Let me just say it will be a very merry Xmas around here...You'll also be glad to hear that we never review a place unless we are bribed or receive some gifts. Even the tattoo shop we profiled this morning had to give us 20 hours of free tattoo service in return plus three dozen cupcakes baked by one of the owner's girlfriends.
Your reviewer is not a fully informed menswear expert.
Have you touched the fabrics in this store? They are scratchy and over-priced.
The owner remains a tremenous dick.
Anyway, a big " DISLIKE"
Theodore1922 provides a really positive, friendly, and caring atmosphere; on the other hand, Ted's style shop gave me a bad impression, I tried on a pair of jeans but didn't end up buying it, then the owner started acting impatient and cold to me...well, you know how it goes when you experience that kinda of customer service, you'll never go back!!
Thanks for BlogTO, I won't spend any cent at Ted's style shop.
While browsing the suits that Dave suggested, he also turned me on to a few other items the store was selling. After all the dust settled, I purchased the best fitting, softest, and best looking suit I have ever owned or seen. He matched an incredible dress shirt to go with it, and topped it off with an amazing tie. I was the best dressed male at that wedding, and every other formal party I attend! Besides the complete suit.
I also purchased some great trunk boxers, that my girlfriend can't get enough of, as well as, the greatest leather jacket I have ever owned. The leather is so soft it feels like silk. FYI, I bought the winter leather jacket in the dead of summer, I could not pass up the opportunity to own a jacket of this type of style and quality.
Dave was in constant contact with me from the start of the order, to the day I unleashed the suit at the wedding. He was genuinely concerned about my satisfaction and how the products he stands behind met my needs and requirements.
I will not buy another suit from anywhere else, and my high end wear will be purchased from Ted's as well.
Simply put;
Suit, shirt and Tie= Amazing
Leatherjacket= Unmatchable quality and style!
Thanks Again Dave!
John
Teds style shop really has people talking!! And why not!! Teds is a beautiful store with luxe finishes and amazing clothing/ accessories. The store is a mix of new and old. New white clean display cases mixed with old wooden antiques. Little touches are what makes this store. The display window is changed weekly using different antiques to showcase the high end clothes. The black and white photos in the store are the owners own family, paying homage and respect to the family business. Complimentary espresso or tea while u shop.
It does sound like people may have personal issues with the owner, Dave. I've known Dave for a very long time, even before Theodore and Teds. He has worked very hard for what he has and what he has lost. (perhaps those doubting him for his alleged legal issues should get their facts straight, no conviction and there are always 2 sides to every story. Although airing dirty laundry sounds like someone may have an,agenda, just saying...) From all my dealings with Dave, he has been nothing but polite, respectful and generous. He can be a bit abrasive sometimes, but I look at that as a Direct, honest, no nonsense, no time wasting kind of attitude that profitable buisnesses are normally based on. The bottom line is, he knows his stuff when it comes to mens fashion and what people want. Hate him or love him, but u can trust his judgement and advice. He meets the needs and demands of his high end clients. He delivers with his style and quality choices. He wants you to look and feel good in what you are wearing. This is why he has so many return/loyal clients. Maybe the prices are steep for some, i would suggest to those people to continue shopping at h&m and zara. If you want fine, luxurious, well crafted clothing that not everyone will carry,then Teds style shop is for you.
As for shop owner David Petrash: Plying this reviewer with espresso spiked with sambuca -- spelled with one c, by the way -- and swearing like a sailor doesn't endear me to you or your business.
And describing your fancy Japanese-designed belts as "sick as f---" makes you sound like you're 12.
If you want to regain respect in your community, show a modicum of respect to your prospective customers first.
It's no wonder your store is bereft of any shoppers in all the photos. I suggest you go home, take a good look in the mirror and iron your ego.
I will say to the purported lawyer who commented above, if it is in fact true that this shop owner was charged with an offence and not convicted, I would think that the Law Society would look with great interest at your comments on a public message board, anonymous or not.
Being a lawyer, as you claim, you will know that the ability to obtain an IP address is not some mythical power. In fact it is quite easy.
Perhaps you might want to go back to first principles and reacquaint yourself with the concept of the presumption of innocence, counsel.
On an unrelated note, I checked this place out yesterday and lasted about three minutes. I was told to get out because I was only browsing. Obviously a return trip won't be happening. The store has really nice clothes though.
As for the comments on his character. I suggest BlogTO understand that in publishing the slanderous comments about David's character, they are opening a can of worms. This is supposed to be a review about clothing, quality and value.
Anyone who is in a relationship knows that there is always two sides to any story and an outsider should never get involved. Sheldon should make sure he's got his facts in order, because he is spitting some serious accusations.
This store is one of the best places in Toronto to find quality mens wear.
I'm not sure what are the shit is about on the postings. Its a high-end store and the treatment is appropriate. If you want to look good and can afford it, definitely stop in there.
Anyways, he offered me his card, let me try on a jacket...and I ended up coming back and buying a suit to wear to a wedding.
Everything was great.
I have come to realize this is the norm on blog to. It's pretty bad.
In any case, I have been out looking for a blazer and pants for the last several days. I went to Tom's Place, all down queen west, to the eaton's centre, dept. stores etc. etc. Ted's was the only place I went to that had the kind of jacket I wanted - soft texture of fine wool, herringbone pattern, warm and vibrant colours (without being loud) in the size and fit I needed. I bought a jacket, pants and a shirt on the spot. David gave me a deal on the clothes (standard fare I'm sure) and a couple of drinks. The whole experience was much more pleasant than any of my excursions to the mall or elsewhere.
I almost went back to Tom's, and probably could have spent less for something similar, but the pushy sales tactics turned me off. Obviously, I was there to buy and yes, David was a bit crude at times (but that doesn't bother me).
I rarely go out to buy nice clothes, but when I do I have a very particular taste that wasn't to be found in Harry Rosen and the like. If you're having a hard time finding what you want, Ted's is worth a look.
I can't comment on his character, otherwise.