Designer on mission to get youth to step out in style
Jason Sarai gives back with the work he does at Covenant House, Aleesha Harris writes.
Jason is no stranger to the power of a good suit. As the creator of the fashion destination Style by Sarai, he regularly suits up to provide men with sartorial inspiration.
Sarai has joined forces with Rights of Passage, an initiative under the umbrella of Covenant House, to help youths step out in style through a new suiting campaign. After successfully wrapping the initiative’s first meeting in late July, Sarai talked giving back, going forward and the transformative power of dressing up.
Q You’re a stylist, influencer and menswear designer, so you know the power of a good suit. How much of a game-changer can a great suit be for a man?
A Wearing a great suit has the power of acting as your social armour. It has the ability to change your body language, energy, and confidence. When you feel more confident, there are changes to your posture and self-esteem. ... I don’t believe this is just for wearing suits. It’s for anything that you choose to wear. My goal is to encourage people to wear clothing that makes them feel strong. To be their own style icon.
Q Your new partnership with Rights of Passage will see tailored suits given to those in need. How did the partnership come about?
A I’m a big believer in giving back, whether that be through your area of specialization, business products or financial contributions. Already being a part through 1KARMA (Sarai’s charity co-founded by Riaz Meghji of Breakfast Television), I thought that I could also donate time and services to Covenant House that we offer our existing consulting clients of Style by Sarai. With lifestyle, image and style consulting workshops, I reached out to a dining etiquette specialist, Sunita Padda, owner and founder of Table Smarts (tablesmarts.ca). Being that both of our businesses provide skills that can have a lasting impact, it was a perfect partnership to offer the youth of Rights of Passage. Through Sunita’s work and business relationship at Terminal City Club, we were able to confirm their involvement in providing a venue for us to offer our lifestyle workshop.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Rights of Passage?
A Rights of Passage provides youth of Covenant House with safe, affordable housing and support while they transition in to independent living. The youth living at Covenant House must apply to take part in Rights of Passage and must commit to the program, which includes curfews and classes. They have to put aside a portion of their income earned ... to pay for accommodations. The youth involved in this great program are very serious about a new beginning.
Q And what is it about this initiative that made you want to be involved?
A I’m a big believer in giving back, whether that be through your area of specialization, business products or financial contributions.
Q What is your end goal with partnering with Rights of Passage?
A My end goal is that this is a continual workshop that will help provide the youth we are working with lifestyle skills for future use in their professional and social environment.
Q Can the public get involved at all in giving back? And if so, how?
A Definitely. I’m currently participating in a suit drive, collecting quality suits that can be tailored and altered for youth in the Right of Passage program at Covenant House. We are also looking to collect accessories ... to help create full outfits and options when wearing their suits to interviews, work and/or events.