The Evolution of 569 Danforth Ave from Korry's Clothiers to Carpe Diem Men
Located in Toronto's Greektown, 569 Danforth Ave is a landmark for high-quality menswear, its legacy spanning decades of fashion excellence.
This iconic address, once home to the legendary Korry's Clothiers and Gentlemen, now houses Carpe Diem Men, continuing a tradition of exceptional style and personalized service.
Korry's Clothiers and the Legacy of Danforth Avenue
Saul Korman of Korry’s Clothiers for Gentlemen
Korry's Clothiers, established by Nathan and Saul Korman in the 1950s, became a staple of men's fashion in Toronto. Saul Korman, fondly nicknamed the "Duke of the Danforth," played a key role in the store’s success with his magnetic personality.
Saul's radio ads became iconic, marked by his distinctive storytelling, often meandering before sharply turning to promote sales at "five-six-nine Danforth Avenue." His unique marketing style and his commitment to personalized service built a loyal customer base that lasted for decades.
Saul Korman’s Influence on Toronto Fashion and Greektown
Photo credit: torontosun.ca
Saul Korman's influence extended to Toronto’s Greektown. As a founding member of the Danforth Business Improvement Area (BIA), he played a key role in creating the iconic Taste of the Danforth food festival. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from the Retailers of Canada and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
Carpe Diem Men Continues Toronto’s Menswear Tradition
Carpe Diem Men in Greektown
After Korry's closed in 2022, Angelica Lianko and Eddie Gabel, co-owners of Carpe Diem Men, proudly continued the legacy at this iconic address. Their new venture continues the tradition of providing high-quality menswear, catering to business owners and executives in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
The Creative Minds Behind Carpe Diem, Angelica & Eddie
Eddie Gabel and Angelica Lianko
Angelica Lianko brings 14 years of invaluable experience as Saul Korman's Executive Assistant, deeply understanding the business and his philosophy, which has significantly influenced Carpe Diem Men's approach.
Angelica highlights the importance of personalized service, saying, "Saul Korman lived by the book 'Hug Your Customers' and reminded his staff of it daily. We understood its value back then, but as an owner, you realize it's the core of the entire operation."
Eddie Gabel complements Angelica’s expertise with his extensive fashion retail background.
His experience as a Wardrobe Consultant and Senior Buyer at top retailers like Korry’s Clothiers, Hugo Boss, Harry Rosen, and Holt Renfrew has sharpened his ability to curate top-tier collections and deliver personalized styling services.
Carpe Diem Men’s Commitment to Quality Menswear in Toronto
Carpe Diem Men upholds the same dedication to quality that was the hallmark of Korry's, exemplified by their in-house Master Tailor, Muna. With more than a decade of experience at Korry's, Muna ensures every piece is impeccably tailored.
Angelica and Eddie have combined their expertise to preserve Korry’s legacy and usher in a new chapter of men's fashion. They remain committed to the core values of customer trust and consistently keeping promises, whvisual merchandising ich were central to Korry's Clothiers.
The store was carefully designed, with every detail lovingly crafted to cater to their clientele. Thoughtfully selected brands and sophisticated interior design create an atmosphere of luxury and comfort.
The architect of the store played a vital role in realizing this vision, ensuring the space reflects both modern elegance and timeless appeal. Finally, the visual merchandising thoughtfully presents each item, inviting customers into a space that feels both upscale and welcoming.
The Spirit of Authenticity
Angelica’s dedication to authenticity and personal style is clear in her reflection on Saul Korman’s teachings: "Saul taught me that confidence drives success, but only if you stay true to yourself. Never wear anything that doesn’t reflect your taste – and never do anything you don’t fully believe in!"
This philosophy shapes Carpe Diem Men's fashion approach, encouraging customers to embrace individuality and express their style through clothing.
As 569 Danforth Ave transitions into a new era with Carpe Diem Men, it continues to stand as a symbol of quality, community, and tradition in Toronto’s fashion industry. The legacy of Saul Korman and Korry's Clothiers endures, reimagined for the modern gentleman.
