Cynthia Florek is the creative force behind several Canadian retailers and has used her skills to design product lines and direct creative concepts. As the Creative Director-at-Large at Tip Top, she collaborates with an incredibly talented team of buyers, marketers and creatives to conceptualize and deliver the best portrayal of Tip Top’s seasonal fashion through compelling brand stories and captivating photography. Explore more of Cynthia Florek’s work on social media via Instagram (@thetrendoffice) or on LinkedIn, including her website.
As a Creative Director, what does a typical day look like for you when working on menswear
collections?
collections?
The beautiful part of my job is that it is always different, which keeps it fresh and fluid. I am constantly
researching menswear trends and also pulling inspiration from the past for retro trends that are coming
back in style. It’s true that much of today’s fashion is influenced by past trends and pieces, so it’s nice to
see how they evolve over time and how today’s generation are ‘updating’ the looks to be the best of both
worlds – retro, yet modern.
researching menswear trends and also pulling inspiration from the past for retro trends that are coming
back in style. It’s true that much of today’s fashion is influenced by past trends and pieces, so it’s nice to
see how they evolve over time and how today’s generation are ‘updating’ the looks to be the best of both
worlds – retro, yet modern.
Menswear has evolved so much over the last few years and there’s always inspiration from film and TV that
have a large influence on trends. Fashion enthusiasts are always looking to celebrities on the red carpet,
especially during awards season, for inspiration and colour and accessory styling updates.
have a large influence on trends. Fashion enthusiasts are always looking to celebrities on the red carpet,
especially during awards season, for inspiration and colour and accessory styling updates.
What are the latest wedding trends to consider in menswear and how can bridegrooms stay
stylish while maintaining a classic look?
stylish while maintaining a classic look?
Menswear fashion has evolved with more grooms and groomsmen stepping into bolder colour choices
from the traditional black and navy suits and opting for statement hues. If you want to keep it classic in
black or navy suits, then try adding a pop of colour or texture into the accessories such as a tie, floral pin
or pocket square.
from the traditional black and navy suits and opting for statement hues. If you want to keep it classic in
black or navy suits, then try adding a pop of colour or texture into the accessories such as a tie, floral pin
or pocket square.
Deeper jewel tones like Forest Green and Teal are great to add a pop of complementary colour for the
season; especially for fall and winter weddings. Softer pastels like Light Pink, Lilac, and powder blue are
also gaining popularity and allowing for a more coordinated wedding party, with the groomsmen’s suit
complementing the bridesmaids’ dresses in various shades within the chosen palette. In terms of styling,
another big trend we are seeing across the board is the idea of ‘colour drenching’ or monochromatic
dressing – dressing in one colour or shades of a colour from head to toe. From suit to shirt to accessories
and even sock options, Tip Top carries over 25+ colours to choose from!
season; especially for fall and winter weddings. Softer pastels like Light Pink, Lilac, and powder blue are
also gaining popularity and allowing for a more coordinated wedding party, with the groomsmen’s suit
complementing the bridesmaids’ dresses in various shades within the chosen palette. In terms of styling,
another big trend we are seeing across the board is the idea of ‘colour drenching’ or monochromatic
dressing – dressing in one colour or shades of a colour from head to toe. From suit to shirt to accessories
and even sock options, Tip Top carries over 25+ colours to choose from!
Photo Credit: Tip Top
Tip Top’s Wedding Lookbooks showcases curated style inspiration to help you narrow down your picks and its Fit Finder option allows you to find the perfect look regardless of season.
When styling outfits for clients attending weddings or special events, how do you approach
accessorizing menswear?
It’s always great to see men express their style and personality through fashion and accessories.
Sometimes patterned or jacquard suits and tuxedos are overlooked for the more traditional suit. When
styled correctly, they can be a great option for those who want to try a bolder look. Accessories and ties
are also an easy way to accent your look and play with textures in the same colour family with paisley
jacquard ties and pocket squares.
Photo credit: Tip Top
Floral lapel pins and accessories are also perfect for spring and summer weddings – bright accessories
like a coral floral lapel pin or an elderberry pocket square add a beautiful touch and is a simple way to try
something new.
something new.
For soon-to-be married couples, what factors should they consider when choosing a bridal
stylist for their wedding day?
Weddings involve meticulous planning, and the stylist should be detail oriented. Ideally, grooms should
begin deciding and trying out various suit styles about 3-6 months from the wedding. That way, they can
find a look that’s perfectly tailored for themselves and matches their theme. It’s also a good idea to see
how the groom and groomsmen all fit in their dapper outfits – the aim is to have your party look unified,
but perfectly fitted to complement different sizes and body types. However, if planning is short lead, the
advantage to off the rack is that it’s available right away and Tip Top offers in store tailoring services!
find a look that’s perfectly tailored for themselves and matches their theme. It’s also a good idea to see
how the groom and groomsmen all fit in their dapper outfits – the aim is to have your party look unified,
but perfectly fitted to complement different sizes and body types. However, if planning is short lead, the
advantage to off the rack is that it’s available right away and Tip Top offers in store tailoring services!
It’s also a good idea to understand your vision and decide whether you’d like to switch up outfits from day
tonight or transition from formal to party attire. Vests are a nice alternative instead of traditional jackets
during the reception – for you to truly have a party proof night to dance the night away! Swapping lighter
tones and shades like light pink and sage green for deeper, richer tones like navy and burgundy are nice
to channel the day to night feel.
during the reception – for you to truly have a party proof night to dance the night away! Swapping lighter
tones and shades like light pink and sage green for deeper, richer tones like navy and burgundy are nice
to channel the day to night feel.
Mood boards are also a great way to help map out styles and themes, and I love using them to find
complementary outfits and looks for the season. Grooms, groomsmen and guests should consider
creating a mood board for an upcoming wedding because it can give a solid reference point of what you
want vs how you want to look. Sometimes we have an idea in our mind for a look, but when we try it out,
it’s not the same vision. I’d recommend playing around with different colours that you normally wouldn’t
gravitate towards and seeing what complements your personality. There might be a colour or shade you
haven’t tried yet but would look perfect for the occasion.
creating a mood board for an upcoming wedding because it can give a solid reference point of what you
want vs how you want to look. Sometimes we have an idea in our mind for a look, but when we try it out,
it’s not the same vision. I’d recommend playing around with different colours that you normally wouldn’t
gravitate towards and seeing what complements your personality. There might be a colour or shade you
haven’t tried yet but would look perfect for the occasion.
Tip Top also launched a personalized shopping platform called ‘Piece of Cake’, where you can easily coordinate all your wedding party’s suit styling and shopping needs.
Lastly, consider purchasing a budget-friendly suit that can be worn for multiple occasions. Tip Top has over 30+ suit colours, 25+ colours in their sateen shirts and an array of colour in their accessories, making
the styling possibilities endless – all for less than the cost of a rental!
Written by: Tosin Ajogbeje
Senior Writer– [email protected]
