Frank Ankoma

How would you describe your personal style?
I approach fashion confidently. I like to be bold. I enjoy combining traditional style with an accent that adds a little bit of flair. I would describe my personal style as risk taking, adventurous, powerful and fun. At Cópa Menswear we believe a well-dressed man is more confident; a confident man is more productive; and a productive man is very successful.

How did you develop that sense of fashion?
I can’t really say where it comes from. I do pay attention to trends from all over the world. Ever since I was growing up in Ghana, I’ve always loved dressing up and paid particular attention to my appearance. More recently, I’ve been experimenting with using traditional African prints and adding them as an accent in the look. I am inspired by the award-winning broadcaster Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, a native from Ghana. He has a unique sense of fashion and style.

You can never go wrong with a grey suit, but what sets this one apart?
What sets this suit apart is the way that it is cut and tailored to fit. I prefer a more fitted European cut than a more traditional suit.

Talk to me about how a suit should fit.
I personally prefer a really close cut in my suits. Tailor made suits are very pricey but you don’t need a custom tailored suit to have a great fit. Suits should not be too loose fitting. While not everyone likes the European cut, the suit should properly fit the wearer. The shoulder seam should be at your natural shoulder line; pant length should not extend beyond the heel of your shoe; the jacket length should cover your rear. A well-fitted suit should complement your shape and accentuate your features.

You mentioned accents that give an outfit flair. What did you do here?
I always try to look for subtle or sometimes bold accents that make a statement or draw some attention. The suit is grey but the grey polka dots on the bowtie draws your attention. The shoes are traditional brown leather, but the monk straps are a more modern look.

A lot of men are intimidated by the idea of wearing a bowtie. What’s your advice to them?
Sometimes people are afraid to try something different. I am a risk taker. Not every look suits everyone, but there are multiple styles and textiles for every look. The bow-tie comes in many shapes and styles. You want the tie to frame your face and to stay within the line of your jaw – and keep it simple.

Cópa Menswear
104 Reservoir Avenue
383-1606