By Everly R Price
In the vibrant heart of Toronto’s Greektown, where cultures and traditions weave together, is 569 Danforth Ave—a beacon of high-quality menswear.
For decades, this iconic address has been more than just a location; it’s a symbol of mens style and community.
The story begins with “Korry’s Clothiers and Gentlemen”, a name that became synonymous with exceptional men’s fashion and personalized service.
Today, Carpe Diem Men continues the legacy, embracing the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines this iconic Toronto location.
And if you were ever curious to learn more about Korry’s story, then you are in the right place because Angelica Lianko, who now leads Carpe Diem Men, was Saul’s right-hand woman for over 14 years.
Let’s revisit the rich history and evolution of this legendary site, and see how Carpe Diem Men is writing the next chapter in the tradition of outstanding men’s designer wear and personalized styling services.
The Rise of Korry’s Clothiers
Korry’s was founded by Nathan and Saul Korman in the 1950s at the bustling corner of Danforth and Coxwell, before moving to the legendary 569 Danforth Ave. Saul Korman, affectionately known as the “Duke of the Danforth,” was the magnetic personality behind the store’s soaring popularity.
Saul’s engaging personality was a key factor in the store’s success. His radio commercials were a spectacle in themselves: he would use a stopwatch, talking about anything and everything under the sun—except the store, and in the last moments, he would enthusiastically pivot to remind listeners of the sales and the iconic Toronto address, 569 Danforth Ave.
“…And if you ever went into Temptation–and this is a great story–and order a martini, my wife yells, ‘Stop pouring it, stop pouring it! It’s too big!’ You have one martini, your teeth chatter. So as soon as I have the martini, Myrna drives the car back, back to the Maho Resort anyway. But in the meantime, wonderful food! […]. And you know what else? Beer–75 cents! And you walk with it. Hey, where else are you gonna get that? And great weather–I wear a tank top. But meantime–Last Call Sale at Korry’s! Everything’s been dropped more! Up to 75%! At five-six-nine Danforth Avenue.”
– Saul Korman
Saul’s unpredictable story-telling and energy drew listeners and etched the store’s address into the very fabric of the city’s cultural memory. Combined with Saul’s dedication to personalized service, this approach fostered a devoted clientele that stood the test of time.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Saul Korman was far more than a businessman, he was the heart and soul of the Danforth.
As a founding member of the Danforth Business Improvement Area (BIA), Saul’s influence extended beyond fashion, playing a crucial role in the creation of the now-iconic Taste of the Danforth food festival.
His contributions to the community were widely recognized, earning him accolades from the Retailers of Canada, the radio broadcasting industry, and even the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Mayor John Tory described Korman as the ambassador, the salesperson, the inspiration that helped make the whole of the Danforth what it is today: a destination.
Saul Korman once reflected on his decision to stay on the Danforth:
“Everybody told me to move. Bay and Queen was the place to be then for better men’s stores. But I believed in the Danforth and wanted to stick it out”.
-Saul Korman
The store’s closing may have signaled the end of an era, but Saul Korman’s influence continues to resonate in the community he helped shape.
Transition to Carpe Diem Men
With the closure of Korry’s, the iconic address at 569 Danforth Ave found a new steward in Carpe Diem Men.
This men’s designer clothing store in Toronto continues the tradition of offering high-quality menswear while catering to a discerning clientele of business owners and top executives in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Meet Angelica and Eddie
Carpe Diem Men is co-owned by Eddie Gabel and Angelica Lianko, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and passion for menswear to the store.
Angelica Lianko, previously Saul Korman’s Executive Assistant for 14 years, now leads Carpe Diem Men with the same dedication and insight she acquired under Saul’s mentorship.
Her role at Korry’s was central to its operations, serving as Saul’s right hand and handling major projects with precision and commitment that earned his trust and confidence.
Angelica’s transition to co-owning Carpe Diem Men has been a natural progression, deeply influenced by Saul’s legacy. She has instilled the same “Hug Your Customers” philosophy at Carpe Diem Men, focusing on personalized service and exceeding customer expectations.
“There’s a book called “Hug You Customers” that Saul Korman swore by and said it to his staff everyday. We understood and knew the importance of it then. But as an owner, you realize that this is what the whole operation is all about. So just like Saul Korman as the owner swore by “Hug Your Customers” during his 70 year run, Carpe Diem Men’s everyday efforts are built around the same “Hug Your Customers” belief.”
-Angelica Lianko
Eddie Gabel complements Angelica’s expertise with his extensive background as a Wardrobe Consultant and Senior Buyer at esteemed retailers such as Korry’s Clothiers, Hugo Boss, Harry Rosen, and Holt Renfrew.
At Korry’s, Eddie was instrumental in driving significant sales and crafting an exceptional customer experience, earning him a position as one of the top salesmen at the store. His ability to remember personal details and engage clients with a genuine and humorous approach mirrors Saul’s own engaging style. Eddie’s skillful curation of fashion collections and his knack for remembering customer preferences continue to shape the store’s success.
Together, Angelica and Eddie have merged their unique strengths—Angelica’s operational acumen and Eddie’s personable approach—to ensure that Carpe Diem Men not only honors the rich legacy of Korry’s but also embraces a new era of men’s fashion.
With clients ranging from marketing professionals and investment bankers, to doctors and corporate lawyers in Toronto, Eddie and Angelica always make sure they are dressed their best.
Master Tailor Muna
A continued example of Carpe Diem Men’s commitment to quality is its in-house Master Tailor, Muna. Muna has spent over a decade with Korry’s Clothiers to Gentlemen and has been an integral part of Carpe Diem Men since its inception.
He began honing his exceptional tailoring skills at the age of 13, under the guidance of his uncle, who was also a Master Tailor.
At Carpe Diem Men, customers have the opportunity to watch Muna in action and appreciate the art of personalized tailoring. His exceptional skills in garment fitting and alterations ensure that every piece of clothing is tailored to perfection.
The New 569 Danforth Ave
The address 569 Danforth Ave epitomizes a legacy of unparalleled quality, community, and tradition.
From the golden days when Saul Korman’s memorable radio commercials established it as a hallmark of style, to today where Carpe Diem Men carries on this esteemed legacy, 569 Danforth Ave remains the quintessential destination for high-end men’s fashion in Greektown on The Danforth, and all of Toronto.
Angelica Lianko and Eddie Gabel continue to carry forward the values that defined Korry’s Clothiers – the importance of customer trust and consistently honoring promises.
At Carpe Diem Men, they focus on understanding and meeting each customer’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized service where the business adapts to the clients, not the other way around.
“I learned from Saul that when you’re confident you get more done, but only if you’re true to yourself. Don’t wear anything that doesn’t suit your personal taste – don’t do anything you don’t firmly believe in! Saul Korman always spoke his mind and he wore dress shirts with contrasting white collar and cuffs everyday at work! It was his style, he believed in it, it didn’t matter if it was out of style for a bit. He felt he looked good in it – he actually looked good in it. And guess what, its back in style again!”
-Angelica Lianko
Their experience at Korry’s has also shaped their approach to fashion, blending timeless pieces with a touch of fun to maximize the value of every clothing article.
Carpe Diem Men champions the idea of authenticity by encouraging individuals to remain true to themselves and embrace their unique tastes, drawing inspiration from Korman’s distinctive style and confidence. This commitment to genuine self-expression and personal style is at the heart of the experience that Carpe Diem Men offers today.
