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Askov Finlayson opens in Mpls.

The new name in Twin Cities men's boutiques is backed by a familiar retail name: Dayton. Plus other Stylepoints news.

November 10, 2011 at 8:30PM
Askov Finlayson has a strict "no taxidermy" rule for the shop's decor.
Askov Finlayson has a strict "no taxidermy" rule for the shop's decor. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

At the new men's boutique Askov Finlayson, a new generation of Daytons has entered the retail world.

Although Eric and Andrew Dayton's new store doesn't bear their name, the brothers seem to have their hands on just about everything in it.

The airy store with high ceilings and exposed brick is the latest addition to the Daytons' development of the Marvel Rack Manufacturing building in Minneapolis, which also contains their Bachelor Farmer restaurant and Marvel Bar.

Gov. Mark Dayton's sons personally selected everything -- from the fashion-forward Japanese Momotaro Jeans to classic Barbour jackets to Norse Projects wool sweaters to bright red French Vilac toy pianos. They collaborated with Maryland-based Smathers & Branson to create custom needlepoint belts.

Attention to detail is key, right down to Andrew's sketch for the zigzagging logo and the handwritten price tags. The effect is a combination of preppy, contemporary and playful.

"We focused on longevity, wearability and timelessness of the look," Andrew said. "The store is filled with a lot of things that work together and stand alone."

While some trinkets such as Silva/Bradshaw rings and necklaces will appeal to women, for now the Daytons are sticking to what they know: menswear.

The shop's name is a nod to their childhood road trips to the family cabin on Lake Vermilion. Driving back and forth, they noticed the exit off of Interstate 35 that reads "Finlayson Askov" on the way up and "Askov Finlayson" on the way back home.

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"I like to imagine the two city councils of the towns battling it out over who gets top billing, and they settled on each would get top billing one way," Eric said.

Don't let Askov Finlayson's geographic inspiration and the heavy wood tables deceive you.

"It's not a northern Minnesota theme," said Eric, who noted that there is a strict "no taxidermy rule" in the building.

The Daytons eschew cabin culture in favor of "a return to quality and craftsmanship."

"We want to be a store that makes sense in Minneapolis, not New York, not Los Angeles," Eric said. "It's our point of view from having grown up here."

THURSDAY

Weavers Guild of Minnesota annual sale: Shop handmade items, such as the design pictured above, plus scarves, bags, rugs and hand-spun yarn.

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5 to 8 p.m. opening, $30 donation at the door for the opening only; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, free. Textile Center, 3000 University Av. SE., Mpls., www.weaversguildmn.org.

PICK OF THE WEEK:

Danielle Everine's fall capsule collection

It pays to live in the hometown of a "Project Runway" contestant. Danielle Everine, the state's most recent competitor, will debut her fall collection Friday (7 to 9 p.m., Cliche, 2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-0420).

Inspired by "Moby Dick" and a transatlantic journey, Everine explored the wardrobe of a modern heroine. The collection features elements of sailing, including oilcloth, ropes and custom textile prints by Lisa Luck.

Everine also will debut a line of traveling handbags. You can take home a blouse for $48 and up or a coat for about $250, or place an order for a custom item.

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FRIDAY

Moss Envy's Fall Ladies' Night: Shopping specials, wine, food, prizes, arts and crafts workshops, health and wellness treatments, samples, mini-makeovers and live music.

5 to 8 p.m., 3056 Excelsior Blvd., Mpls., 612-374-4581, www.mossenvy.com.

Blue Friday: Everything at both locations of Bluebird Boutique will be 30 percent off. Bring your receipt to Ladyslipper and receive 30 percent off one item.

9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 3909 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-746-8675, and 12177 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, 763-315-6524.

SUNDAY

Vintage City Classics happy hour: Shop the latest collection of jewelry by the local label and enjoy cocktails and food.

1 to 4 p.m., Salut, 917 Grand Av., St. Paul, www.vintagecityclassics.com.

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NEXT WEEK

Regal ReDesign trunk show: The event will showcase the work of St. Catherine University design students, who have revamped items from the store.

7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Express Yourself Clothing, 1154 Selby Av., St. Paul, www.expressyourselfclothing.com.

Sara Glassman • sglassman@startribune.com • Twitter: @sararglassman

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SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune

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