Designer Gianluca Isaia is known for his inventive and unique ability to mix classics with colour and elegance with ease. Here, he reveals everything from ISAIA's meticulously hand-tailored clothing to his equation for personal style and more...

How would you describe the ISAIA man?
In a word: unconventional. He is a man who is passionate about his clothing but shuns traditional attire. He's comfortable in his own skin and likes to take a creative and experimental approach to dressing.

What are some of the unique attributes of ISAIA?
All of our pieces are about the details. For instance, one ISAIA shirt can take up to two hours to make, with one hour consisting entirely of hand finishing. Each shirt has seven hand-stitched details including the collar, which is sewn at an angle that prevents it from slipping underneath a suit's lapels. Buttons are also hand-sewn with a coral shaped stitch.

Coral plays an important role in the ISAIA identity. Why is that?
The ISAIA label is Mediterranean-red coral with black and white type. In Naples, red coral has a rich mythological background and is considered a sign of good luck. The black represents the strength of Vesuvian lava while the white signifies crashing waves along the Neopolitan shore.

How do you define ISAIA style?
A man who wears ISAIA has the confidence to mix the very best & new styles with something that he's owned for years or something that may be off-the-radar in terms of trends. It's that ability to combine luxury with personality that creates truly individual style.

What's in store for Spring 2009?
Comfort! All of the ISAIA collection is completely appropriate but, at the same time, it's relaxed and leans toward a more comfortable lifestyle. It's very wearable. This is the epitome of contemporary dressing and fun!

What are two of your favourite things?
Red wine and PlayStation.

Shop the ISAIA men's suiting collections at the Toronto - Bloor Street, Calgary, and Vancouver Holt Renfrew locations.