By Katherine Ellis

Photography provided by Josh Mach, courtesy of Majella Leblanc

The trendy but classic vibe at Grounded Kitchen and Coffeehouse in Ottawa on Sept.28 echoed the feel of the VIP event for the new Ottawa-based suit label Majella Leblanc. Laid back but trendy, the event hosted friends, family and customers who had the opportunity to purchase a made-to-measure suit while sampling hors-d’oeuvres and drinks.

The six outfits of the Aniello collection―the label’s premiere line―ranged from two-piece to three-piece suits. This premiere line made its international debut on Planet Fashion TV: London 2012 Olympics Fashion Event, a coup for this Ottawa-based label hoping to break into the European market.

Co-designers Aniello Vigliotti (left) and Marie-Joelle LeBlanc (centre) with CEO Stephen McDermott.

Made for the established executive, the collection was co-designed by Marie-Joelle Leblanc and Aniello Vigliotti. Incorporating the trend of the shorter sleeve and slimmer pants in the suit design, each suit had a modern twist in the classic cut – from hand stitches or notches on the lapels, to velvet in the collar of the blazer.

“A suit, is a suit, is a suit,” says Leblanc. “You can’t outrageously modify it because people aren’t apt to wear it. They might look interesting on the runway, but it’s not a functional suit. In a business, it’s really to conduct business. It’s part of the presentation of who you are.”

Tailor on-site, taking the measurements of a client.

Each suit is made from 100 per cent wool shipped from Ariston, a family-owned Italian mill based out of Napoli. Material is placed inside the blazer to ensure that while being worn, the made-to-measure clothing molds to the client’s body. Once it has met the standards of the Majella Leblanc brand, the suit is outfitted with a gold signature button (ensuring quality control) either on the front of the blazer or the cuffs of the sleeves.

Majella Leblanc suits range from $1,800 to $2,000 for the two-piece, and $2,000 to $2,800 for the three-piece, which includes blazer, pants and a vest.