After many years of success in ladies’ fashion, Frank Lyman made the decision to start his own eponymous label in 2001, intent on creating a premium ladies’ label that would be produced primarily in Canada, going against the industry trend of outsourcing manufacturing. It was an audacious decision in what turned out to be a successful one!
A 10,000 square foot space was leased in Montreal’s famed Chabanel fashion district. A patternmaker and a sewer were hired, and Lyman began designing the inaugural “Frank Lyman Design” collection.
International Inspiration
Lyman’s trip to Europe, visiting major fashion cities such as London and Paris for the latest inspirations and trends, would ultimately infuse his collections. As he found his creativity, the designs flowed freely and he documented sketches of ideas and fabrications. Satisfied that he had all the ideas he needed to create the collection, he then put it into motion and the “MAGIC” began.
The office that had started as an unoccupied space, quickly transformed into a fashion studio. Fabrics arrived and began to flow on cutting tables in preparation of the new collection. Lyman’s daughter Stephanie Lyman, now President of Frank Lyman Design, joined the team and began coordinating the operations.
First Bestselling Style
By the end of the summer of 2001, the first collection was launched and salespersons began representing Frank Lyman Design in Canada and the USA. The collection was fresh and exciting, and after seeing the new collection, boutiques quickly decided to support Lyman’s new brand. Production was starting, things were looking up!
Lyman shipped his first style which was a knit chiffon jumpsuit with draping over one shoulder and within a few days, the reorders started pouring in. The jumpsuit became Frank Lyman Design’s first bestselling style, one of over 20 styles that sold out at retail that very first season. The rest is history!
The office staff grew, and European customers began showing interest in the collection as well. Lyman then contacted, long-time associate Johanne Baron, and asked her to lead the design team to build the future collections. Today, Baron is Vice-President as well as Head of Design.
The business grew quickly and the brand built up its reputation with fashion-forward styling, quality fabrics and unrivaled fit.
Another label was then developed to fulfill a need in the market for special occasion wear, cocktail and weddings. This was the unveiling of the “LYMAN” collection.
In the years following, Lyman’s youngest son Eric joined the company and with his flair for fashion, worked his way up through different positions. As sales continued to grow exponentially, Lyman’s eldest son Patrick joined and brought his technology experience to the company and is now Vice-President, Business Development.
International Growth
Today, Frank Lyman Design produces a range of styles from casual to evening wear, including the new fashion denim division launched 3 years ago which has become a huge success. These collections can be found in top independent fashion boutiques and select department stores in over 65 countries. In 2014, the company built its own 125,000 square foot corporate head office in Montreal. This location employs over 150 staff, and over 300 people for local production. The company also has over 20 corporate showrooms and 120 more employees around the globe.
Now 20 years in the making and with a bright future ahead, Frank Lyman Design is a resounding global success story and has become the no.1 performing company at retail. Lyman is grateful to the entire team who helped him achieve his dream of creating exciting fashion with that "Made in Canada" touch. But most of all, he thanks his customers and the consumers for their loyalty towards the brand.
Region : Global
