July 2025, New York City

Meet Ontario Armstrong, a multidisciplinary creative with a discerning eye for style and storytelling. As art director at No Chaser magazine, he blends his passions for menswear, craftsmanship, and photography into a visual language that feels both timeless and refined. We caught up with Ontario over a morning coffee run through Manhattan, where we talked menswear, nostalgia and how tradition continues to shape the future of style.

Your style feels both rooted in tradition and yet unapologetically personal. What role does nostalgia, heritage, or memory play in how you dress? Are there particular eras, icons, or even family members that shaped your taste?

"I’ve always considered myself an old soul, and much of my influence comes from the 1950s and 60s. I believe that was a time when sophistication truly ruled. When we discuss icons, Miles Davis is undoubtedly at the top of my list. The level of style and sophistication he embodied was unparalleled. However, if I go a little further back, I have to mention my mother. She was the first person to teach me the importance of presentation and taking pride in how you look when you step out the door."

In collaborating with Michael & Giso, how did you experience the process of tailoring, not just as fit and fabric, but as a creative dialogue?

"The first word that comes to mind is 'comfortable.' It's not just about how the pieces fit together; it's more about how easy it was to communicate exactly what I wanted. Too often, we find people in the business who don’t really understand their roles, or even their own products. For me, that understanding is key for any collaboration and for creating something truly great."

What excites you most about the direction tailoring is headed in, and where do you personally see yourself evolving within that shift?

"What excites me most is the freedom I see in menswear today. We’re moving into a space where individuals can interpret what we’ve always known and express it in a way that fits their personality. It's about stepping outside the box and bending traditional rules a bit. For me, the core of timeless menswear and a level of sophistication will always remain the same. My evolution focuses more on fabrication and the subtle details of each piece."

Let’s end on a personal note: What’s one item in your wardrobe that tells a story no one else would know, and why does it matter to you?

"That would be my leather card holder. This piece has been through a lot over the years and may not be the most beautiful at this point lol. but every time I look at it, it tells a story. I purchased it during my first trip to Florence back in 2021. It comes from a fourth-generation artisan who uses the same tools that his great-grandfather used to create all of his small leather goods. Walking into his shop transported me to another time, and his love and passion for his craft continue to resonate with me today and is a reminder of what true craftsmanship is about."