StreetStyle: Bernita Mottola & Nicholas Tenszen

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/08/2012 (4974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

We caught up with siblings Nicholas Tenszen and Bernita Mottola on Arthur Street in the Exchange District, where Bernita had just taken her oldest brother out for his birthday. The two were dressed exquisitely and we had to ask if it ran in the family. Sure enough, it does. Tenszen says, “My mom’s father came from a line of clothiers in Holland… there were a couple of generations where we made and tailored men’s and women’s garments.” Mottola and Tenszen both say travelling has always been a huge part of their lives. When you travel you get inspired by seeing what other people are doing and gaining a different perspective on life.

 

What she wore…

Sunglasses — “I got them on the street in Toronto, like a kiosk.”

Dress — “Zara from Florence, Italy.”

Shorts — Forever 21

Purse and sandals — Aldo

Necklace — Tiffany

Rings — “One is my wedding ring and the other one is vintage, I guess; it’s my dads.”

FASHION ESSENTIAL

“Comfort and versatility because I’m a mom and I’m on the go. Sunglasses because I don’t always know where I’m going to be, I feel more put together.”

STYLE INSPIRATION

“It would probably be from travelling, I usually try to wear something that I can go from the street to a restaurant and I’ll know that I will look good. I’ve travelled to Italy, New York a couple times and I used to live in Toronto.”

FASHION TIP

“I’m a mom, so I know I need to take 10 minutes for myself in the day, it matters.”

 

What he wore…

Suit — “My suit is custom-made from Harry Rosen. I wear it for work.”

Button-up-shirt — “The shirt is from Tilford. They do custom shirts also; they’re a Canadian company on the East Coast.”

Cufflinks — “The cufflinks are from London. They are little owls just because they see at night.”

Bag — “The bag is from Danier, a gift from my two sisters.”

Shoes — “Shoes are Hugo Boss and I think they are also from Harry Rosen.”

FASHION ESSENTIAL

“A good pair of shoes are essential because they make or break a outfit. Comfort is No. 1 but style is a close second. A suit for me is a business essential — it’s part of looking presentable and people take you more seriously when you’re wearing a suit.”

STYLE INSPIRATION

“The ’20s to the ’40s, I would say. It’s my preference for casual or dress up… I liked that era because they were still gentlemen and ladies, and there was a particular order in fashion. After World War I, everyone was in a really good mood for 20 years. It seems like it would’ve been a simpler time and I say that with my style. I’m not about brand names; I prefer quality.”