Canadian luxury menswear icon Harry Rosen passes away at 92

Harry Rosen, the founder of the Canadian luxury menswear retailer that bears his name, has passed away at the age of 92. 

Survived by his partner of 68 years, Evelyn, four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, Rosen’s mark on Canadian luxury menswear endures, with the company gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year.

“For those of us that had the privilege of working alongside Harry, this news will be felt with sorrow,” said Larry Rosen, chairman and CEO of Harry Rosen Inc., and Harry’s eldest son. 

“His passion for our menswear and fashion was contagious; his ability to teach and inspire was unparalleled. For those who never had the opportunity to meet Harry, just know that so much of what our business looks like today stems from his incredible drive to outpace client expectations. Each of us plays a role in continuing Harry’s vision into tomorrow.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Harry Rosen’s journey into the world of menswear began at a small haberdashery on Bloor Street. In 1954, armed with a $500 loan from a family member, he, along with his brother Lou, opened their own menswear store on Parliament Street in Toronto’s Cabbagetown.

A pioneer of made-to-measure clothing for men, he distinguished himself with a focus on customer service and a visionary approach to fashion. He was the first to introduce luxury Italian designers such as Ermenegildo Zegna and Giorgio Armani to the Canadian market, and helped develop fashion labels such as Hugo Boss and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Beyond his contributions to fashion, Harry Rosen was an active member of charitable foundations, reflecting his passion for family and community. In 2004, he was honored with induction into the Order of Canada, a recognition he wore proudly for nearly 20 years.

“While the world of fashion and how we shop for clothes has changed, the core principles of Harry’s vision remain unchanged for us. Men want a curated and relevant point of view, men want uncompromised service, be it in store or online, men want trusted and personalized recommendations,” added Ian Rosen, president and chief operating officer of Harry Rosen Inc. and Harry’s grandson.