EIGHT WAYS TO DRESS LIKE FLYNN
The dean of Saskatoon men’s fashion, Elwood Flynn of Elwood Flynn for Men Ltd., has weighed in on Spring and Summer 2017 with his top eight picks for the season. After more than 60 years in the business, Flynn has developed an eye for which looks are the season’s top choices. Check out his thoughts for the brightest and the best for warm weather menswear looks:
BLUES, BLUES AND MORE BLUES — fashionable men will see blue “for everything” from suits, shirts, ties and sport coats, according to Flynn. Blue suits and even bright blue sport coats are top sellers. Indeed, Flynn shows two bundles of fine blue fabric samples for custom tailored suits that have already sold out this season. Blue is not new this spring — it has been a favourite for a few seasons — but its popularity again this season is indicative of the staying power of this fashion basic.
BRIGHT SPORT COATS — Look to lines like Warren K. Cook and Valenza for bright coloured blazers in goodenough-to-eat colours like creamsicle, brandy, champagne, burnt orange, electric blue, and magenta. “Warren K. Cook captures the mood and look that sets a man apart,” notes Flynn. Cook is a master tailor who assures the finest cut, fit and details right down to the last button. Flynn also highlights Valenza as a brand on the forefront of spring looks for men. “Both lines come in fine micro weave merino wool worsted hopsack in superb styling,” says Flynn.
SAVVY SUITS — Among the distinctive choices at Elwood Flynn are Hugo Boss and Ted Baker suits and sports coats. Some styles with Boss labels tend to be a little narrower cut, according to Flynn. “We are proud of the exciting apparel that this world famous designer has created for us.” Look for the Black Label collection, which explores the newest fashion dimensions in style and attitude, while the new Red Label is fashion forward. Ted Baker is a famous English designer who creates modern contemporary fashions with a twist of Britain. His modern suit silhouette and sports coats come in soft Italian fabrics.
COGNAC SHOES — The top colour “city shoe’ to wear with these blue suits and sports coats is cognac, although you will still find other versions in related shades of rich brown and, of course, black. Flynn likes two brands in particular — Ecco and Allen Edmonds. Customers come back for Ecco shoes because of their outstanding comfort, attributed to the company’s preference for top quality leather uppers and direct-injected sole construction. Flynn has glowing praise for the Allen Edmond shoe line. “We have carried some of the best shoes in the world but these are the best for selection and fit.” This master shoemaker manufactures out of Wisconsin.
BRIGHT LONG AND SHORTSLEEVED SPORTS SHIRTS — Flynn picks Signum, a German sport shirt maker as a favourite. “They are our pride and joy, revered as the ultimate fashion shirt for quality, patterns and fabrications.” These and other top brands come in breathable bright cottons and linens that keep you cool and look great in the hottest weather.
LIPSON DRESS SHIRTS — Flynn’s favoured brand of dress shirts is Jack Lipson for quality and ease of care. Look for solid colours or patterns in stripes, mini-checks, neat prints and tattersall checks. Top styles for spring are medium spread collars and convertible cuffs.
FASHIONABLE JEANS — Flynn likes German imports Brax and Gardeur, considered amongst the finest jean makers. Look for stretch fabrics, unique details and great fits. Colours include dark blue, khaki, suntan, black and gingers. Pair them with a summer sweater or a lightweight sport coat. These are the type of dressy jeans that you could wear on the weekend or to the office on casual Fridays.
LAMBSKIN JACKETS — Watch for light, butter-soft lambskin jackets for spring from brands including Jez, Stefano and Andrew Marc. Flynn started in the menswear business with a partner in a store in the Senator Hotel before striking out on his own. Elwood Flynn Ltd.’s first location was on 23rd Street East, where the bus mall is now located. Locations followed in Midtown Plaza and Bayside (next to the former Bay building on Second Avenue). At one time the Flynn family owned four stores in Saskatoon including a shoe store, Town Cobbler, and a women’s store, run by Flynn’s wife, Joan. Son Barry has focused on cutting edge European style for men and women at his store, Ultimo Euromoda.
Elwood Flynn Ltd. and Ultimo Euromoda are both located in the Avenue Building, at the corner of Third Avenue South and 21st Street.