Larry Burns
Vice President for External Affairs
at The University of Toledo
Larry’s fashion sense is distinctive and memorable. He’s not afraid of a little color…or a lot of color, either. When he’s not strolling around campus clad in his famous suits, bow ties, suspenders, and pocket squares, he enjoys spending time with his Airedale Terrier, Kismet (aka Kizzie) and shopping at The Fresh Market, which he refers to as his “Happy Place” via Facebook’s check-in function.
How long have you been dressing with such cheerfully formal style? What inspired you to start?
Ever since I started working in 1979, I have enjoyed dressing for work in a traditional fashion. 30 years ago, I decided that Fridays are a great day to wear a bow tie because it immediately put me in a cheerful mood. That is how “Bow Tie Friday” was created.
Do you favor any local stores when shopping for clothes and accessories?
I am a longtime customer of Michael Brinker at Michael David Ltd. in downtown Toledo. He carries the best value in menswear in my opinion: Samuelsohn, made out of Montreal, Canada. I also enjoy shopping at Stein Mart at Westgate Village, particularly the Alan Flusser line. Alan Flusser has been a longtime clothing mentor ever since he designed the Academy Award winning character Gordon Gekko. Stein Mart is a great place for bow ties as well.
Who is your favorite local tailor?
Michael David Ltd. is a full service men’s clothing store and the tailoring there is exquisite.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received on an ensemble?
I was walking on the UT campus and a group of students said I looked “fresh.” I had no idea what that meant so I checked in with my young colleagues at work and they indicated that it was indeed a compliment!
Larry Burns
Vice President for External Affairs
at The University of Toledo
Larry’s fashion sense is distinctive and memorable. He’s not afraid of a little color…or a lot of color, either. When he’s not strolling around campus clad in his famous suits, bow ties, suspenders, and pocket squares, he enjoys spending time with his Airedale Terrier, Kismet (aka Kizzie) and shopping at The Fresh Market, which he refers to as his “Happy Place” via Facebook’s check-in function.
How long have you been dressing with such cheerfully formal style? What inspired you to start?
Ever since I started working in 1979, I have enjoyed dressing for work in a traditional fashion. 30 years ago, I decided that Fridays are a great day to wear a bow tie because it immediately put me in a cheerful mood. That is how “Bow Tie Friday” was created.
Do you favor any local stores when shopping for clothes and accessories?
I am a longtime customer of Michael Brinker at Michael David Ltd. in downtown Toledo. He carries the best value in menswear in my opinion: Samuelsohn, made out of Montreal, Canada. I also enjoy shopping at Stein Mart at Westgate Village, particularly the Alan Flusser line. Alan Flusser has been a longtime clothing mentor ever since he designed the Academy Award winning character Gordon Gekko. Stein Mart is a great place for bow ties as well.
Who is your favorite local tailor?
Michael David Ltd. is a full service men’s clothing store and the tailoring there is exquisite.
- Advertisement -
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received on an ensemble?
I was walking on the UT campus and a group of students said I looked “fresh.” I had no idea what that meant so I checked in with my young colleagues at work and they indicated that it was indeed a compliment!
