The current appeal of the Giovanni “boutique look” is that of unstructured, soft lines. Flanked by son Domenic, the elder Vacca continues to perform design wizardry to exacting standards utilizing European fabrics from Zegna, Marzotto and Barberis. At once father and mentor, the master tailor’s fervent is to pattern a legacy which includes his son as successor. “What you built the hard way, it breaks your heart to see it go,” muses Vacca. Craftsmanship and care, fashion and family this is the enduring tradition of Giovanni Clothes.

The year is 1965. St. Lawrence Boulevard is awash with more dialects than the Tower of Babel. Fishmongers, green grocers and Old World tailors co-exist alternately exchanging wisdom and wares. Giovanni Vacca and his staff of three are toiling on their first order of two suits.

Vacca, who emigrated to Canada in 1948, had a dream. Having left the employ of an established clothier based on a challenge: “If you’re so intelligent, then go out and do it yourself.” he vowed to bring a European tailored look to the Canadian man. “Everyone thought we were crazy because we were fashion-forward,” admits Vacca. Armed with half-paid-for sewing machines, a rented space and a handful of industrious employees, within a Vacca’s operation employed twenty.