Men Of The Cloth film screening and discussion panel, brought to you by Creativ Festival and George Brown College. Following the exclusive presentation of the documentary film, guests will participate in an open discussion with filmmaker, Vicki Vasilopolous, and a panel of bespoke tailors. Here, we introduce a member of the expert panel…
Don Fabien Lee
Mr. Don Fabien Lee was born in Trinidad and came to Canada in 1991. In 1994, he achieved a BSC Degree (Bachelor of Science for Home Economics), majoring in Textile Manufacturing and Design at the University of Western Ontario. In 1998, Mr. Lee earned a BAA Degree (Bachelor of Applied Arts) from Ryerson University. From 1994-2000, Mr. Lee worked on a seven-year apprenticeship with Mr. Tom Battista and Mr. Spiridon Allagas at Trend Custom Tailors. During this time, he was recognized with many awards for his work.
About Mr. Lee’s Mentors
The late Mr. Battista was taught the tailoring trade by Giovanni DiMario, beginning at the age of twelve, in the town of Civitanova Del Sannio in Central Italy, in the region of Molise. He came to Canada in 1958, and began his first job at Richmond Clothes doing sleeve hanging and general operations. While working at Richmond Clothes, Mr. Battista was promoted to Assistant Foreman and helped produce suits for celebrities such as The Beatles. He also worked in the tailoring field for W.K. Cook, Sheffeilman, Parkmaner, Paul Riviere and Tip Top. Mr. Battista put the culmination of his experience together, and founded Trend Custom Tailors in 1972. His vision continues to be the inspiration for the atelier.
Mr. Allagas was born in Greece in Kalamata, in the region of Peloponisos. He was trained in tailoring by Pericles Marianos and Aristedis Stamonlis at the age of twelve. Mr. Allagas came to Canada in 1969 and began employment with Paul Riviere. As one of the original founders of Trend Custom Tailors, Mr. Allagas still contributes to its philosophy and the preservation of Trend’s trade, through instruction of the younger tailors in training.
Trend Custom Tailors was established in 1972 and operated for the first 10 years as a cutting and production house for many of Toronto’s finest tailoring establishments. Today the house serves over six thousand active clientele on a very intimate level, in the heart of the downtown core, with a full range of wardrobe types and styles.
Trend Custom Tailors provides a true bespoke experience for men and women where every garment is “cut by an individual, for an individual, made by an individual.” Old world techniques with a contemporary aesthetic create finely detailed wearable art. The House of Trend provides an intimate, enlightening and inspiring experience involving each client directly with the artisans to develop a full wardrobe of professional wear built upon the tradition of bespoke tailoring and cordwaining.
Men Of The Cloth
Three Italian master tailors, Nino Corvato, Checchino Fonticoli and Joe Centofanti spent their lifetime perfecting the skills to construct flawless custom suits. Will their Old World knowledge vanish with them? MEN OF THE CLOTH is an inspiring portrait of these three tailors who confront the decline of the apprentice system as they navigate their challenging roles in the twilight of their career. Read more…
7:00 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Innis Town Hall (University of Toronto)
2 Sussex Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 1J6
Buy Tickets Now: $15 plus HST
Presented by: George Brown College and Creativ Festival 
Enjoy this Fall Creativ sneak peek!
Show floor events are free with admission. Special events are individually priced. Check out our updated website www.csnf.com for details, conference class information and to book tickets.
Creativ Festival is returning to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre but MOVING to the NORTH BUILDING (255 Front St. W.) on new days & times! Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 15, 16 & 17, 2015 with 5 days of Conference Classes starting Tuesday, October 13th