Winnipeg's Best-Dressed Men 2008

Dennis Stewner, 41

Executive vice president chief financial officer at Wellington West
Nominated by wife Tammy Stewner

 

While you’re checking out Dennis Stewner’s sense of style, we’re checking out why he wears what he does, how his style has changed over the years, and who has a say in what he puts on every day.

WM: Is style important to your job?

DS: It’s not enough to play the part, you have to look the part, too. In my position, it’s important to exhibit a professional image, and well-styled, well-tailored clothing helps me do that.

WM: Has your style evolved with your career?

DS: My style hasn’t changed much—I’ve always been on the formal side. I’ve only ever shopped at Harry Rosen, and I’ve only ever had two salespeople. I take lots of advice from them and keep my wardrobe fresh by buying the latest fabrics and styles.

WM: What influences your style?

DS: Can Altay, a salesperson at Harry Rosen. And magazines are big, too.

WM: Do you prefer professional or personal style?

DS: I’m much more comfortable in a pair of jeans, which are far more acceptable for more formal things than they used to be—that’s the nice thing about today. For street clothes, I go to Royal Sports; it’s more casual.

WM: What’s your ‘home’ colour?

DS: I’m the most comfortable in navy or grey. I think it’s because I have a light complexion and blond hair and those colours work for me.

WM: What’s your clothing indulgence?

DS: Ties and high-end footwear. Ties personalize and round out your outfit; they allow you to spice it up a little. Shoes say a lot about you, so I’m pretty particular about what I buy.

WM: What was your first big fashion purchase?

DS: A suit from Harry Rosen for my university graduation. My mother-in-law introduced me to a store I wouldn’t have gone in, otherwise. I thought it was expensive, but they catered to my needs.

WM: What’s your all-time favourite outfit?

DS: I just bought a black Hugo Boss tuxedo a few months ago—it’s the sharpest thing I’ve ever bought. It’s also one of the most expensive, but it felt so good. For someone that wears a suit every day, this was another step up.

WM: What does your style say about you?

DS: Here’s a bright, young guy with all he needs to fill his role. I think I’ve always been conscious of my style.

WM: Do you have style advice for other men?

DS: Don’t be afraid to spend money on good, quality clothing. Keep your wardrobe fresh and current. And rely on a good salesperson to help you try things you might not try otherwise, like patterns, colours or coordinates.

WM: How does a man’s style affect someone’s first impression of him?

DS: If you take the time to make sure you’re concerned about your appearance, chances are you’re like that with the rest of your life, too. Your style’s a reflection of you as a capable person.

FIRST PHOTO:
SAND velour formal jacket with satin trim, one utton front, peak lapel and side vents, $850.
SAND striped sport shirt with matching silk puff, $175.
SAND black straight leg jean, $275

SECOND PHOTO:

SAND navy and purple pinstripe suit; jacket has two button front, centre vent and peak lapel; wool and mohair blend flat front pant, $950.
SAND cotton dress shirt, $225.
SAND silk tie, $125.

Jason Clarke

General manager of The Manitoba Club

Nominated by the staff of The Manitoba Club

While you glance at Jason’s outfit, we’re glancing at his thoughts on style, where it comes from and the best piece of clothing he’s ever worn.

WM: Is style important to your job?

JC: Definitely. Members of the Manitoba Club are business leaders in Winnipeg and Manitoba, and they put their best foot forward. As general manager, there is a responsibility to maintain that image and look the part.

WM: Has your style evolved with your career?

JC: My style’s changed with current trends—I’ve gone from plain white shirts to really colourful ones, and the latest thing is French cuffs. I’ve spent the past 17 years in the private club business and there’s always been a certain level of professionalism among my peers.

WM: What influences your style?

JC: My environment, but I’m more of a ‘look through the magazines and see what’s cool, hip and professional’ kind of guy. I also take note of what club members are wearing; they’re well-traveled and bring fashions from other cities.

WM: Do you prefer professional or personal style?

JC: If I’m not working, I’m not shaving; I despise it. It’s nice to take off the tie and loosen up a bit.

WM: What’s your ‘home’ colour?

JC: Navy’s my comfort colour; my wife likes it.

WM: What’s your clothing indulgence?

JC: Shoes. There are so many great styles—men’s business attire has evolved. You can wear different shoe colours with a suit and suddenly your look becomes really contemporary and hip.

WM: What was your first big fashion purchase?

JC: A black leather jacket from a boutique in Toronto, when I lived there. It’s about eight years old and I still have it and wear it frequently.

WM: What’s your all-time favourite outfit?

JC: I had a white tuxedo jacket tailor-made for my wedding. There are maybe two occasions each year when I can wear it again, but it’s one of my favourite things. It’s one of those things you wear and you know you’re not going to see another one anywhere.

WM: What kind of outfit do you feel the best in?

JC: I love wearing suits, but I always feel really good in a tuxedo. If a man’s wearing a tuxedo, he can’t dress up more than that.

WM: Do you have style advice for other men?

JC: Style is everyone’s personal opinion and taste, so I don’t think I can really give anyone advice on what they should wear. But maybe Vittorio Rossi could; he’s got a great eye, he’s an expert, and his store has beautiful clothing.

WM: How does a man’s style affect someone’s first impression of him?

JC: People come up with a preconceived impression of you, whether they know you or not, and it’s usually based on what you’re wearing and how you hold yourself. Even if it might change after a person gets to know you, there’s still a level of professionalism that’s associated with your appearance.

FIRST PHOTO:

 Canali charcoal grey suit with plum stripe; jacket has two button front and side vents, $1795.
Canali dress shirt with spread collar and French cuffs, $235.
David Donahue cufflinks, $100.
Canali silk tie, $125.

SECOND PHOTO:

 Canali navy glen check sport jacket with two button front and side vents, $1350.
Blue Eurotwist flat front Canali pant, $325.
Sand striped sport shirt, $235.