The Complete Guide to Frank Lyman: Sizing, Fit, Style & Where to Buy

Frank Lyman is a Montreal women's fashion house founded in 2001, known internationally for bold, confident occasion wear and statement pieces — vivid prints, beadwork, sheer cutouts, ruffles, and signature embellished details. Roughly 98% of the collection is made in Canada, and the brand is sold in boutiques in over 65 countries; in 2023 it was named Womenswear Brand of the Year by British trade magazine Drapers. Frank Lyman is now at Modella Signature — our first Fall 2026 collection has arrived. As an authorized retailer with 11 stores across Ontario since 1985, we carry current-season Frank Lyman dresses, jackets, tops, and pants, shipping across Canada and the US. This guide answers the questions customers ask most about the brand. Shop Frank Lyman →

Last updated: August 2026 · Written by the Modella Signature team, authorized Frank Lyman retailer.

Who is Frank Lyman? The story behind the brand

After a distinguished career in the fashion industry, Frank Lyman founded his eponymous label in Montreal's Chabanel garment district in 2001. His very first bestseller, a knit chiffon jumpsuit, sold out at retail in its debut season, and the brand grew so quickly it moved into a purpose-built Montreal-area headquarters in 2014, where design and production are still managed today. Frank Lyman led the company until his passing in 2023; his daughter Stephanie now heads the business as president, keeping it family-run. The brand has been nominated eight times for Drapers' Womenswear Brand of the Year, winning in 2023.

What is Frank Lyman clothing known for?

Where many brands play it safe, Frank Lyman makes an entrance. The signatures: bold and colourful prints, embellishments like embroidered beads and gemstones, sheer cutouts, ruffles, and decorative zippers — details that turn a simple silhouette into a statement. The range runs wider than most people expect: elegant eveningwear and cocktail dresses, yes, but also jackets that instantly dress up jeans, printed tops, pull-on pants, cardigans, and even pearl-trimmed denim. Every piece is designed in Montreal with a fit that flatters real women's shapes.

How does Frank Lyman sizing run?

Most Frank Lyman styles fit true to size, with sizing that runs inclusive across the range. Fabric and cut change the feel — fitted woven cocktail styles fit more precisely than the knits, which have generous give. Our team fits the collection in-store every day — contact us with your measurements and we'll confirm your size before you order.

 

Is Frank Lyman made in Canada?

Yes — and this is central to the brand. Approximately 98% of Frank Lyman clothing is manufactured in Canada, much of it produced close to the Montreal head office. Founding a premium label on Canadian production in 2001, when the industry was outsourcing overseas, was a deliberate bet on quality — and it's a big part of why the garments feel substantial and finish beautifully.

What occasions is Frank Lyman best for?

Frank Lyman is the brand for the moments you want to be seen: weddings and mother-of-the-bride, galas and cocktail evenings, cruises, milestone birthdays, and holiday parties. But the jackets, printed tops, and embellished knits work just as hard for everyday confidence — one statement jacket over jeans is the fastest outfit in fashion. If your closet is full of quiet pieces, Frank Lyman is the exclamation point.

Frank Lyman vs. Joseph Ribkoff — what's the difference?

This is the most-asked comparison in Canadian occasion wear, and we carry both. Joseph Ribkoff (est. 1957) leans timeless and polished — structured silhouettes, refined solids, and its famous wrinkle-resistant heavyweight jersey that travels perfectly. Frank Lyman (est. 2001) is the more daring sister — bold prints, beadwork, cutouts, and dramatic details built to make an entrance. Same discerning customer, different moods: Ribkoff when you want elegant and understated, Lyman when you want the room to notice. Many of our customers own both and choose by occasion. Read our complete Joseph Ribkoff guide →

• Frank Lyman vs. Dolcezza: Lyman is polished occasion and statement wear; Dolcezza is relaxed, artful daytime separates built on artist-designed prints. Different jobs in the same wardrobe.
• Frank Lyman vs. Charlie B: Charlie B is casual-chic everyday knitwear at a friendlier price point; Lyman is dressier, more embellished, more occasion-driven.

Where can I buy Frank Lyman online in Canada and the US?

Frank Lyman is available now at Modella Signature. We're an authorized Frank Lyman retailer — family-run since 1985 with 11 stores across Ontario — shipping across Canada and the United States with free shipping over $100, duties included, and easy returns. Authorized means every piece is genuine, current-season stock direct from the Montreal studio. Shop Frank Lyman → New styles arrive throughout the season — join our email list to see them first.

Frequently asked questions

Is Frank Lyman a Canadian brand?
Yes. Frank Lyman was founded in Montreal in 2001, designs everything from its Montreal-area headquarters, and manufactures about 98% of its clothing in Canada. It's sold in boutiques in more than 65 countries.

Does Frank Lyman run small or true to size?
Most styles fit true to size; fitted woven styles fit more precisely than the stretchy knits. Contact us with your measurements and we'll confirm your size before you order.

Is Frank Lyman the same company as Joseph Ribkoff?
No — they're two separate, independent Montreal fashion houses. Joseph Ribkoff is known for timeless polished style, Frank Lyman for bolder prints and embellishments; many women wear both, choosing by occasion.

Is Frank Lyman good quality?
The brand manufactures about 98% of its collection in Canada with substantial fabrics and detailed finishing — beading, embellishment, and lining work you can see up close. Drapers named it Womenswear Brand of the Year in 2023.

Is Frank Lyman available at Modella Signature?
Yes — our first Frank Lyman collection (Fall 2026) has arrived and is available online and in our Ontario stores. New styles land throughout the season; join our email list to shop new arrivals first.

Who owns Frank Lyman now?
The company remains family-run. Founder Frank Lyman led the brand until his passing in 2023; his daughter Stephanie Lyman is now president, with design and production still based in the Montreal area.