Canadian fashion: Harry Rosen reinventing at 70 [Video]

TORONTO –

Ian Rosen is at ease wandering all four floors of the flagship Harry Rosen store his late grandfather started and his father built upon, but it’s the lower level where he’s really at home.

There, Rosen’s eyes light up as he approaches a department of linen shirts, knit polos and sport coats from Patrick Assaraf, a Canadian designer Rosen dines with monthly who fondly recalls starting his business with a stretch cotton T-shirt sold in three colours.

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“This has become a great introduction to that new way of dressing,” Rosen said, motioning to rows of the same T-shirt now sold in almost a dozen colours at Harry Rosen’s store in the tony Yorkville neighbourhood.

“It’s very modern. It’s very approachable.”

That vibe is exactly the one his family business is aiming for as it celebrates 70 years since its namesake …