scott-morrison

REAL STYLE Scott Morrison

We all know our fair share of fashionistas—those style-obsessed women of all ages who subscribe to all the haute trends, master the art of shopping at all the right stores, and sport all the right labels. These gals think long and hard about the image they want to convey, spending as much time honing their personal fashion philosophies as they do their wardrobes. I can’t say I’m always a big fan of this kind of constant preoccupation with style, but I do find it curious, and at times, amusing. I also glean a lot from these fashion die-hards, and admire their attention to detail and the fact that they always do look rather fabulous.

Now what about the fashionista’s male counterpart? There hasn’t really been an official name for these suave souls who make style their main mantra. They’ve certainly been around throughout history. Just think of Beau Brummel! Some call these uber stylish gents “metrosexuals”. And some, like me, just lovingly refer to them as “fashionistos”. Meet Scott Morrisson, a charming 19 year-old “fashionisto” I met at a gala fundraiser recently, who blew me and my daughter Joey away with his picture-perfect, head-to-toe style. “That guy’s so ‘Madmen’!” Joey commented after we’d chatted to him for a bit. And any comparison to the style sense featured on that red hot show is as good as it gets these days. Scott, who describes his style as “eclectic, debonair, and Euro-chic”, has just completed his first year of film production at York University. It’s evident that he lives and breathes fashionable imagery: He’s founded a studio called “The Factory of Morrison”, which produces pop art film with an avant-garde aesthetic, set to mainstream music.

While Scott’s sartorial sense might feel like a burden to some, he revels in it, always opting for style over comfort. “Even in my own home, if I were to wear sweatpants, I’d feel discombobulated,” he admits. “If I’m going out, I’d also be afraid of running into someone I knew without looking polished and put together. You always want to be prepared for any chance encounter with someone you haven’t seen in a while,” he says. Scott also maintains that it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. “You feel confident regardless of the situation you’re in, and admired for your bold sense of fashion among the rest,” he opines. “If I ever was underdressed, which I highly doubt would happen, I’d quickly leave the event or party before I was seen, without hesitation,” he claims. Scott’s style trademark is a fitted blazer. “I have countless fitted blazers in my closet. They make a simple outfit of skinny jeans or a tailored chino pant with a scoop neck white T shirt come together very nicely,” he shares.

The spirited London fashion scene is bubbling up these days, and that city is a great source of inspiration for Scott, who adores London’s street style. “Young men there are very edgy and urban in terms of their style, but make it look so high fashion and beautifully coordinated, pushing the boundaries of fashion and personal expression,” explains Scott. In Toronto, Scott does most of his shopping at Top Man, Harry Rosen, and Holt Renfrew, and cites Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana, ZZegna, and Tom Ford as his favourite labels. But high-end designer or not, Scott’s at-home approach is something any young guy can try—providing he’s not married to his sweats. “Around the house I typically wear a white scoop neck T shirt, and dark blue skinny jeans with a neutral leather belt. If I spontaneously have to run out the door, I can thrown on a trench coat and sunglasses and be on the town in no time,” he offers. The night I met Scott he was wearing a sharp suit from Top Man, that cost $420.00, and Hugo Boss accessories—a $150.00 black skinny tie and $300.00 black leather dress shoes, purchased at Harry Rosen.

Who is your most inspiring style icon, and why?
Andy Warhol. I’m aspiring to take my own career in the same direction as Warhol in terms of my involvement in the film industry and I relate to his vision and sense of style. He was revolutionary for the new wave art movement in the ‘60s and his style of dress translated through that.

What are your top 3 accessories of all time?

A classic style watch to always be on time, a pair of vintage wayfarer black Ray-Ban sunglasses, and a pair of white Jack Purcell Comme des Garcons play Converse or Sperry Top-Siders for the spring and summer season.
What is the most beloved item in your closet?

My first black suit designed by ZZegna that I wore to my high school prom. Many memories associated with that suit…

Vintage or contemporary?

I’m an eclectic mix between vintage and contemporary. I’m nostalgic for the old days and I’m drawn to articles of clothing and accessories that have a contemporary take on a vintage style or trend.
Where do you get your hair styled?

Marc Anthony Salon. I love the “Mad Men” look. I never leave the house without my hair done to perfection. If not, I’ll throw a Prada beanie hat on.

Best fashion advice?

I think it’s important to mix between high and low by investing in a few staple pieces that will take you through a season that are neutral and classic. You’re not necessarily being too into the trend, but more so, true to your own sense of style.