The visionary fashion designer and business leader, Mr. Frank Lyman, passed away May 30, in his homeland of Canada.
Mr. Lyman’s fashion career, spanning over five decades, started at the tender age of eighteen, in sales. His passion for fashion, especially design, never abated, and he joined Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff. Frank continued there for 25 years, learning, evolving, and transitioning through the company, moving through the ranks from showroom salesman, to director of sales, and finally to management.
In 2001, Frank found a vacant building on Chabanel, the heart of the Garment District in Montreal, and fully realized his dream of fashion design and production.
His daughter, Stephanie, along with her two older brothers, joined the company. Stephanie and Frank grew the company into a successful international ladies’ wear firm. Stephanie stepped in as president and currently runs Frank Lyman Designs.
Frank received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was always particularly proud that about 98 percent of his clothing is made in Canada. The “Made in Canada” label is well recognized for quality.
Mr. Lyman weighed in on the secret to his success. “If you give clients the right items to sell, they’ll come back for more. Our dresses are investment dresses. You can wear them year after year. And they are for all ages. We have customers in their 90’s and they look fantastic.”
He will always be remembered for his passion, generosity, and his exceptional ability to motivate and mentor. His company, now led by his daughter, will continue to offer Frank Lyman Designs in fine boutiques worldwide. Pappagallo has proudly carried his fashions for over twenty years. New styles for fall 2023 will start to arrive mid-July.
-Compiled by Nicki Smith from information provided by the office of Frank Lyman Designs
About the Compiler: Nicki Smith has been in the fashion industry for over 40 years. She is the owner of and buyer for Pappagallo, located at 2020 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green (The Pines Shopping Center, next to Chico’s).
