Cornell Frye was born on December 29, 1953. At the age of 12, the young African American enrolled in Cooper’s School of Tailoring and Alteration Course. In 1971, Frye graduated from high school. He later re-enrolled as a full-time student for a custom suit making course.

For a period of time, Frye worked for many of the most prestigious men’s clothing stores throughout the Detroit area. Some of these stores included: Kousins, Louis the Hatter, Jack’s Place, and Billy’s.

In 2010 Mr. Frye opened Cornell Frye Custom Tailor & Designer located inside a 42nd Street Clothing store on Livernois. The Avenue of Fashion. The store provided custom clothing for Detroit’s most elite politicians, athletes, ministers, and businessmen. The owner of the 42nd Street clothing store learned the custom business from Cornell Frye, then took over the business.

In 2021 Cornell Frye Custom Tailor & Designer relocated to 18431 W. McNichols Street. He is now offering Bespoke Custom Clothing.