Tucked away near the intersection of Dovercourt Road and Hallam Street, Frank Custom Tailors is a shop owned by Frank Savazzi and also home to Micia, a friendly cat whose name means “pussycat” in Frank’s native Italian language. Full of character and history, the shop is adorned with a myriad of artefacts and artwork inspired by Aboriginal Peoples and African cultures. “They are not like some human beings, who destroy everything,” says Frank of his interest in the Aboriginal culture.
Frank got an early start as a tailor, learning the craft at the age of 10 and working in Milan, Italy. His decision to immigrate to Canada was influenced by a love of natural surroundings. “I moved 50 years ago because I always loved the Aboriginal culture and the nature of Canada,” says Frank, recalling a movie he saw that featured the Royal Mounted Police and Aboriginal peoples.
