As we near the years’ end, enjoying the last rays of sun reflecting off the high-rises of Toronto and the canals of Amsterdam, taking short hikes in the countryside, spending afternoons on park benches trying to grasp the autumn colors, we are sliding slowly but surely into a more festive mood. Celebrating another year of hard work and milestones met, many we couldn’t have done without the people around us.

The Toronto opening of our second Atelier Munro House, was a week filled with so many energizing guests and friends – a true gift that made our mood all the more festive. We celebrated with our new brand ambassador Mark Giordano, the NHL hockey star who curated a made-to-measure collection in tribute to the city. Film directors Clement Virgo and Al Mukadam joined us, as did Jeremy Kirkland of the Blamo! Podcast, while we enjoyed Michelin-star eats from Yorkville natives ALO and drank wines from Southbrook Winery. The last, a particularly special one since we were able to collaborate with them on a limited and biodynamic orange wine celebrating this event. Even the label was designed by an old friend, Barcelona-based artist and Swede, Klas Ernflo.

After packing our festive wardrobe for these celebrations, we were just as soon unpacking them again for another special event, our annual Festive Dinner. This year, at Amsterdam’s RIJKS, the beautiful Michelin star restaurant linked to the Rijksmuseum. An evening with friends, exploring what etiquette really means, and how we can make it our own – celebrating individual style while staying close to those ‘rules of black tie’. Our local Style Advisors, Bastiaan and Ricardo, worked with all the guests to turn their outfit into something that resonated with them personally. Finding their personality in the details. The choice of tie and cufflinks to how to wear their pocket square, all ingredients to further explore and reflect on personal taste. It turned out to be one of those memorable evenings where style, delicious food, and inspiring conversations formed a perfect synergy.

After so many good conversations in Toronto, in Amsterdam, and across the globe with friends who become clients and clients who become friends, we’re realizing more and more that we’re not so much making a product, but rather the connection between product and people. As Bill Redelmeier beautifully captured it, “There’s a parallel between Southbrook Vineyards and Atelier Munro: we are both looking for quality people, who appreciate something that is being well made.” Santé!

Joachim Baan
Creative Director Atelier Munro