Famed Canadian men’s clothing and footwear designer Harry Rosen has died.
He was 92.
Rosen’s eldest son, Larry, confirmed his father’s Dec. 24 death in a statement.
“It’s with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our founder and visionary Harry Rosen,” he wrote.
“Starting with a $500 loan and a dream, Harry willed his business into existence one client at a time.”
Rosen, who was born and raised in Toronto, founded Harry Rosen Inc. in February 1954 in Cabbagetown with his brother, Lou.
Larry, who is company's chairman and CEO, said his father’s “passion for menswear and fashion was contagious and that his “ability to teach and inspire were unparalleled.”
“The team he built and the values he instilled have helped the business span across the country, three generations, and nearly 70 years. Words simply can’t summarize the impact he had on us all,” the statement said.
Fashion journalist Jeanne Beker shared a few thoughts about Rosen and his legacy of style with CTV National News late this morning.
“He built an incredible brand for himself that really raised the bar for men across the country to really get into style and really appreciate style and understand the way in which it they have the potential to move through the world,” she said.
Beker also said that that whether or not one could afford to shop at Harry Rosen, every man who ever had anything to do with the men’s fashion titan “gleaned so much about style just from talking to him.”
Rosen was also a well-known philanthropist who supported many causes and charitable organizations.
In 2004, he was awarded the Order of Canada.
Rosen is survived by his wife and partner of 68 years, Evelyn, as well as his four children, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and “countless family and friends whom he was always there for,” the statement from his son said.
