Daniel Torjman - We recently got the privilege to talk menswear with Daniel Torjman, Creative director of the clothing label [18 Waits](http://18waits.com/). 18 waits is a menswear brand that prides itself in exceptional quality and superior craftsmanship. The brand has a real authentic mid western vibe, while still maintaining a tailored elegance.
Since founding the brand in 2008, Daniel has been featured in a number of high profile publications including Men’s Health, The New York Times, Flare, Macleans, and many more. Not to mention his extensive client list that includes Patrick J. Adams from the hit show Suits.
OUR INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL
How would you describe your style?
Elegantly dishevelled.
What got you into fashion in the first place?
I always loved clothes and expressing yourself and who you are by what you wear. Ever since I was young it interested me.
What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
A super old vintage Bob Dylan t-shirt.
**You feel your best when wearing…**
A hat. And great socks.
How do you approach getting dressed every day?
I wear the same pair of pants almost every day so that doesn’t really change. I don’t even take things out of the pockets. They’re like a uniform and when they get too old I switch them out for a new pair and do the same thing. So the pants are usually a constant that I don’t really think about. I think the rest depends on my mood and what sort of things the day/night has in store for me.
What is your sartorial pet peeve?
I find “trends” sort of annoying. I mean, I know that sounds weird but extreme styles that are faddish just bother me. One year we’ll see a sea of neon on everything and everybody and then the next year those same people are wearing head-to-toe camo. The next year they look like dapper yachters. I guess I like when people chose a style for themselves that they’re really comfortable with and really “them” and they then kill it. I think it’s best to choose your style and really just focus on it and dig into it and do it well. As opposed to jumping onto the new thing for that season. For instance, with 18 Waits, there’s nothing that we make where 10 years from now you’ll look at it and say “what was I thinking in 2014!?” We try to make new things that are instant classics and timeless.
Favourite item in your Fall/Winter collection?
The three-piece suiting. All of it. I bought a suit from this season in each fabric we offered because they are such incredible fabrics. All from Japan. I think the only problem with the suiting from this season is having to choose which fabric to buy out of the four as they were all so good.
Who or where do you get your style inspiration?
It really comes from everywhere. I mean, sometimes I see great women’s fashion and that inspires me. There’s never just one well I draw from. I love leafing through old photo books of musicians and bands from the 60s & 70s. Those two decades were my favorite for music and I get a lot of inspiration from the style of those times.
What are your top “do more, spend less” fashion tips?
My advice would be to spend your money on essential items that are well made and classic. Trendy pieces go in and out of style very quickly and you will find that your wardrobe will feel constantly out of date. In menswear specifically, spending a bit more on a staple item like a great shoe or a navy blazer will get you further in the long run.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: MR CAVALIER
Jonathan Cavaliere lives in Toronto, Canada and is a menswear enthusiast in every sense of the term. From studying Fashion Business, to writing for prominent style-focused blogs and magazines to being awarded the title of Canada’s Sharpest Man, Jonathan has developed a name for himself with his unique voice and great sense of style.
Shop in style and be in control of your spending. Check out our Mogo Prepaid Visa® Card design here
© 2014 Mogo Finance Technology Inc. Mogo and the Mogo designs are trade-marks of Mogo Finance Technology Inc.