Julio Reyes is hands-down one of the most fashion-forward men in all of Toronto. That alone is enough reason to check out FASHIONIGHTS, his nationally-renowned fashion and lifestyle blog. With the fifth birthday of FASHIONIGHTS coming up this year, Reyes’ blog is proof that if you’ve got what it takes to set trends and blaze trails in fashion, you can compete with the big boys. We caught up with Reyes to find out more about his life in the front row…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m Julio Reyes, founder of FASHIONIGHTS.com, one of Canada’s top fashion and lifestyle blogs. I’d say who has named me influential and all that jazz, but I detest when people rub things in others’ faces. Besides, I don’t take myself too seriously. I just love fashion, and what I have to say about it people seem to agree. I’ve been in the industry since I was 16 and have seen my own evolution and am glad to see a lot of people have stuck around. FASHIONIGHTS will be turning 5 years-old this year and will always be ‘my baby’.
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How would you describe your personal style and what style trends are you currently obsessed with?
I don’t know what my ‘style’ would be. My outfit choices are dictated from my daily moods. I try to avoid trends; I’m not one to steer away from classic pieces. If I did have to choose a trend I’d have to go with the sportswear aesthetic that’s making huge waves with just about every designer and label. It’s something that’s always really been around, but designers have shown ‘the look’ using luxurious fabrications and elevated tailoring. I also don’t see it going away soon, because our lives are always hectic and the sportswear look provides comfort and ease without being so in your face about being ‘trendy’.
What is one of the most worn items in your closet?
That’s easy: denim. Denim has always, I mean always, been my go-to. Even as a child I used to detest wearing track pants because they were so unflattering – but I now own 2 pairs thanks to that sportswear trend. Denim goes with just about everything. They’re one of the most versatile pieces that I have. My dark blue jeans are my uniform and I’m not one to shy from denim on denim – in fact I encourage the look. It’s so taboo here in Canada; I never understood why.
What’s one of your favourite independent boutiques?
I really like Jonathan + Olivia just off of Queen St. on Ossington. I’ve loved the space since it first came to Toronto years ago; they have such a great assortment of designers and labels that I can’t really find anywhere else in the city. And if they are designers that are available elsewhere, the buying team has a great eye for curating pieces that fit their image.
What are some of your favourite fashion labels, either iconic or under-the-radar?
This would be the longest article if I wrote down all my favourite designers/houses/brands – and brands and houses change depending on who is designing what and who’s at the helm of a label. But narrowing it down to my current five, they are as follows: Versace, Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, and Haider Ackermann.
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What are three things you can’t live without?
Cellphone, music, and food.
What’s always in your grooming bag?
I have a lot of things that are always in my grooming bag. My essentials are Tweezerman slant tweezers, Smashbox Studio Skin foundation, Hard Candy Skin Perfecting Primer, Bobbi Brown bronzing powder, hairspray, and of course a cologne from my arsenal of fragrances.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Geez, I thought the favourite clothing shop question was a challenging one! I love eating; next to fashion I just think about food. All the time. My preferences range from McDonald’s nuggets to dinner at the Shangri-la. But, if I had to choose just one (at least for right now), the newly-opened The Carbon Bar. From food to cocktails, and staff to atmosphere, The Carbon Bar is definitely ‘it’.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
FASHIONIGHTS.com is where I dish out my interests, happenings, and must haves when it comes to fashion. But for branding purposes, I’m on all social media outlets under the name FASHIONIGHTS (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).