Meet the Team
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?
• Since September 2010.
Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Its a 3 way tie between Tom Ford, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren. Joseph Mimran is on their heels in fourth, he is a great Canadian fashion icon.
Describe your style.
• Classic American Sportswear with an urban twist. Think Queen West meets The Hamptons.
What is your favourite brand in the store?
• In Casual I love the collection of premium selvage Levi’s we carry.
• In Social, Sand from Denmark is my favourite. No brand does colour and pattern like Sand-perfect clothes for going out and getting noticed!
• In Business, I’m obsessed with Strellson from Switzerland. They make the best modern suit. Fabric, fit and quality are perfect.
When I’m not working, I’m…
• Shopping… Fashion is my life!
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?
• 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?
• March 2011.
Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Maison Martin Margiela‘s concept as a designer and as a brand.
Describe your style.
• Classic with a twist.
What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Tombolini, Drykorn, and SAND.
When I’m not working, I’m…
• I DJ and I knit.
How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• June 2011, I am one of the new additions with Janette!
Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• Adrien Brody, Tom Ford, Sophia Loren – Sexy and classic.
Describe your style.
• Chic, structured, flirty. But really its all about shoes!
What is your favourite brand in the store?
• SAND, Drykorn. Both for the progressive detail and fit.
When I’m not working, I’m…
• Working on my fashion line of luxury coats, going to yoga and hanging out with friends and family.
How long have you worked at Gotstyle?
• June 2011 with Patricia.
Who is your favourite fashion icon?
• French women in general are so effortlessly chic and stylish, even when in jeans and tee.
Describe your style.
• I’d wear cut off Levi’s every day if I could. But I can’t, so I just try to look cute.
What is your favourite brand in the store?
• Farah – fit close to the body, neat prints and grey/purple/blue shorts
When I’m not working, I’m…
• I’m either at school taking business management, up to no good with my girls, or creeping on Facebook!
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!
