History

Arthur’s is a family-run business established in Montreal, Canada, since 1978.

In 1965, Arthur Der Shahinian, master tailor and owner of the company, started learning the art of shirt-making as an apprentice at the age of 16. He immigrated to Canada in 1974 and continued working in shirt making while taking up night classes for pattern making for suits. In 1978, he proudly opened his first store on Jean-Talon Street, where many other tailors had already set up shop. In 1996, he was given the opportunity to go work for a large competing firm where he was in charge of the shirting division for a couple of years.

In 2001, he opened the current store on the upper bloc of Crescent Street, in downtown Montreal. Fortunately, the solid reputation built over the past couple of decades attracted his old customers back and allowed them to renew their relationship with their favorite tailor. Having looked up to a talented craftsman while growing up, Arthur’s two sons, David and John, joined the team in 2005 to continue on with the family business. Under the close supervision of their Father, they are committed to perfecting the art of tailoring and educating the next generation of clients about the traditions and values of bespoke couture.

arthur shirt - father and sons
David, Arthur & John Der Shahinian

Our Values

The Der Shahinian family shares a multitude of values that are reflected in the quality of the products and services offered.

No stranger to working long hours to complete orders, their success relies on passion, hard work and their eye for detail. “No detail is too small, Arthur insists, we give the same attention to detail for a one shirt order as to an order of 10 shirts, and it makes us happy to do such good work”.

They owe the success of their business to the strong base of loyal clients that they have built over the decades. Educating and informing about such things as proper fit, quality craftsmanship and wardrobe management allows clients to build a relationship that is based on trust and provides them with a feeling that they are in good hands.

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Testimonials

“I have a four-year old son who loves to be daddy. One morning when I was putting a shirt on - I usually wear shirts with French cuffs - my son came up to me and said, daddy, "how come I don't have a ‘chemise’ like this? I want to have one too". At the time, he already had a pin-striped suit which he proudly wore with button-down shirts. Mesmerized by the event, and without thinking, I said, well I'll get you one. Then came of course the major problem. Who in Montreal would have shirts with French cuffs for a four-year old? The answer - Arthur - who himself is a proud father of two! Arthur and his sons are not only wonderful people but they are also consummate professionals. My son and I are very proud today of our Arthur shirts.” Babak Barin,
Montreal, Qc
“Although Arthur offers an exclusive service unrivalled in Montreal, there is none of the snobbery exhibited at some of the more "exclusive" boutiques. When you enter the store, you are greeted by Arthur and his two sons, who will eventually continue on the tradition when he retires. Arthur himself is a very warm man that is willing to accommodate all needs. They offer a level of personal service that I've found only rarely in the world of high-end clothes. They are truly interested in building long-term relationships with their clients. Let me tell you that it will be hard to go back to off-the-rack shirts after you've gone bespoke. I couldn't fathom being forced to do so myself. I would be miserable! (...) in choosing to buy from Arthur, you will be helping to maintain a dying tradition that deserves to be maintained, but which I fear will one day be lost to mass production.” Jody Sudbury,
Montreal, Qc.