As the founder and sole designer of Outclass, Matteo Sgaramella has a strong grip on sophisticated yet functional menswear. Whether it’s a pair of red pants that fit just right or a classic pea coat with magnificent details, gaps in his imaginary wardrobe continue to be filled each and every season. Collection after collection, the OCAD graduate steers clear from producing cookie cutter garments and focuses on standing the test of time in style and durability. As soon as we met, I instantly became aware of the fact that Matteo never leaves his house without advertising his own clothes.

Bronte Martin: What is Outclass?
Matteo Sgaramella: A brand developed to represent things that are missing from Canadian menswear shelves. It was a specific niche that desperately needed to be filled. Outclass caters to men (of any age) who are into heritage and historical aesthetics as well as high-quality clothing with a proper fit. It’s something that is wearable in a professional setting but remains true to our roots by providing an edge. Outclass can be found at Klaxon Howl and The Future of Frances Watson.

BM: What is it about menswear that really attracts you?
MS: I think it’s the fact that I am a consumer in the menswear market. I know it sounds cliché, but a lot of my initial inspiration came from hip-hop culture. I was (and still am) an avid listener and was a graffiti artist for many years. Fashion and consumerism is a huge part of hip-hop culture, which is how I believe this unexpected obsession with men’s fashion grew for me.

BM: What is your preferred medium to work with?
MS: When I finished my years as a graphic design student at OCAD, clothing became a 3D extension to me. You’re still looking at texture, silhouette and function, just with new mediums. Right now I really love working with denim or leather. Natural fibers generally hit home for me.

BM: What is it about Toronto’s surroundings and culture that really inspire this heritage brand?
MS: I would say my inspiration comes from the outdoorsmen, frontiersmen, and explorers of the past.

Since we don’t live in the woods anymore, I find those settings influence Outclass as it is wearable in a Canadian urban environment. To me, Toronto is this blend between those two worlds. You can stroll through High Park and end up on Bloor Street. The whole idea of cutting through the bush in order to get where you need to be is exactly what this brand is rooted from and what the A/W 2011 collection was all about. The look book reflected the expedition and travel of young gentlemen who are in such surroundings.

BM: Picture a man decked out in Outclass. Who is he and why is he wearing your designs?
MS: He is a young, creative professional who has an interest in quality and durability. He’s a man that can appreciate the special lengths I go to ensure the product is at its best. And let’s be honest, he’s got to be confident to rock red pants. Just recently I had the pleasure of meeting an Outclass fan that fits this persona. That was really the first time I’ve ever met a customer who I didn’t know. The fact that he was so obsessed with Outclass was so surreal to me.

BM: Ideally in ten years, what are your plans for Outclass?
MS: I definitely want to sell to larger retailers. My short-term goal is to see Outclass available in every major city in Canada to solidify my market. Once I have accomplished that, the international market is next.