About Bourjwah

Toronto, Canada
Bourjwah is more than a clothing line, but a lifestyle. Created and designed by Moustafa Tonbol of Toronto, this line is devoted to reinventing the image of the 1940’s and 1950’s vintage Parisian man. Bourjwah is for the male whose personal style reveals a higher sensibility than the ordinary. Found indulging in pleasure, this man represents a specific lifestyle, whether playing polo, golf or tennis about a country club setting. A line of luxury, the designs are exclusive, as they are hand-made and created only in limited quantities; a reflection of the team’s motivation to create wearable art, never reproduced for the masses. With only six new shirt designs a season, Bourjwah is always current and fresh. However, Bourjwah does not stop here. Soon to be released is the men’s line, a complete attire of Parisian inspired looks. With a modern spirit, created with originality and imagination, the intention of the Bourjwah is to flee the cookie-cutter mold of mainstream culture. This is a lifestyle, limited to the bourgeois at heart, where what you wear becomes your entire reason for going out.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Interview with Owner Mr. Tonbol





Today I sat down with Moustafa Tonbol, co-owner of Bourjwah, to pick his brain about the season, his interests, and fashion inspirations. (After I stalked him with my camera down a few sidestreets...). It went as follows

J: How would you describe your job?
M:Co-Owner & Designer of Bourjwah clothiers. Student @ Wilfrid Laurier university majoring in Communication studies with a Business option.
J: What about your style icons? Anyone in particular?
M: Kanye West, and Scott Schuman’s everyday people and Prince Pelayo.

J: Describe your personal style…
M:I dress as if I am role playing. Where my style is dependent on my character that’s dependent on my mood at the time. Usually when I have a chance I would go home change my outfit if my mood changed (laughs)

J:What Inspires you?
M: My past failures inspire me, for example Iv always wanted to work in retail thinking it will get me closer to the fashion industry. I would always get interviewed but never achieve the actual position I initially applied for . During the interviews I would truly feel that i know more about the industry than the interviewee, and I would get very emotional and frustrated not getting what I believe I deserve. So one day I thought hey I’l do my own unique line, that represents nothing but me and my lifestyle. Quoting Mr. West “I inspire me.”

J:What are your most cherished items?
M: My sketchbook, Davidoff instant Coffee and my Davidoff Gold cigarettes.

J: What do you feel best wearing?
M: Sunglasses, especially when it’s not bright out.
J: Describe your style in 3 words
M: Sophisticated, nerdy and creative

J: Favorite designers?
M: Junya Watanabe, Hedi Slimane, Marc Jacobs

J: Favorite stores?
M: Commes Des Garcons, Dunderdon and Topman.
J: Your next "must have" purchase?
M: The limited Burberry Alligator watch.

J: Favorite item of clothing
M: My crisp denim shirt....I wish I invented denim.
J: Do you play any sports?
M: Golf, do you consider it a sport?
J: Yes I definitely do. How about your favourite neighborhood restaurant?
M: Honestly, I feel like its more about the atmosphere and decor than about the food. So I would have to say the Rain tree cafe in Waterloo city.
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