Tailoring in Toronto

A visit with Robbie Yarish of Wynona

Robbie Yarish

When I met Robbie Yarish, owner of Toronto-based brand Wynona, I knew we would get along. I had never been to Canada before a couple weeks ago—2025 is already bringing exciting new things—and I was eager to make the short flight from New York City over Lake Ontario to Toronto. Coincidentally, I had some business there, which allowed me to meet with Robbie in his native Toronto and visit his atelier downtown. Robbie runs Wynona, a suiting brand out of Toronto that believes that through meticulous craftsmanship and a curated approach that reflects the timeless elegance of those who have come before us, drawing inspiration from icons of the past—those whose style continues to transcend time and trends. I'm thrilled to share that Robbie and Wynona are my following video profile, which you can watch here.

Robbie's passion for clothes began at an early age, but it wasn't until the pandemic that he decided to launch his own brand. Wynona started as a well-curated vintage shop, reflecting Robbie's love for classic styles. However, as his vision expanded, the brand evolved into a full-fledged tailoring shop, a direction Robbie had always envisioned for Wynona.

What intrigued me most was Robbie's unique approach to his craft. While Toronto may not be known for its tailoring, Robbie has managed to carve out a niche. He uses mostly English and Italian cloth, and his commitment to quality is evident in his partnership with a third-generation family factor in Portugal for all production.

Niall Horan in custom Wynona

The brand has not only caught on in Toronto but has also gained international recognition. Shortly after its launch, international superstar Niall Horan and his stylist contacted Robbie. They asked him to make ten suits, as Niall exclusively wanted to wear Wynona for his worldwide tour. I’d say that would be an ideal way to kick-off the tailoring portion of the business.

In addition to their appointment-only atelier in Toronto, they've also started doing virtual consultations, where from afar, Robbie walks customers through the twenty-eight different measurements needed to make a custom suit. This process, which includes detailed discussions about fabric choices, design preferences, and fitting adjustments, ensures that each Wynona suit has the perfect fit. Robbie admitted his nervousness for the first couple of these projects, but they all turned out well. Robbie told me one gentleman did this for the tuxedo he wore for his wedding. The demand is so high that Wynona has its first trunk show in New York in March.

Button selection

It's truly inspiring to see small brands like Wynona, led by passionate, thoughtful, and kind individuals like Robbie, carve out a niche in such a crowded market. Quality is key in an era where customers are inundated with more options than ever. Despite being a new company, Wynona is already making a name for itself, thanks to its unwavering commitment to quality.

I visited his beautiful atelier, right near where I was staying in downtown Toronto, and I could have stayed there for hours. The atelier reflected Robbie's style, simple and elegant, with carefully selected fabrics and designs adorning the space. We walked through the process, and I got a real sense of Robbie's style and design philosophy. It's always fun to have these conversations.

After I got what I needed for the video, Robbie offered me a glass of scotch, which I couldn't refuse. Robbie's approach to his customers is refreshing—he strives to get to know them on a deeper level and become friends with them. This genuine approach removes the stigma of the sometimes questionable salesperson/customer relationship and takes it to a more natural place. It focuses on building a long-term friendship rather than just trying to make a one-off sell. It's a testament to the value Wynona places on its customers and is a big part of why the brand is so successful in such a short amount of time. I can attest to this approach working well because we became great friends over this drink, talking about cars, watches, and suits. I have to say, though, that if I were to have another scotch, I'd also be walking through customs back into the US with a new Wynona suit over my shoulder.