10/14/05

The elegant formal and casual threads of French menswear master Emile Lafaurie stray from the standard at this cozy shop.

by Contributor

The Scene
Just the brown- and salmon-colored walls show that this is not another boring men's suit store. Fresh flowers brighten the air along with easygoing tunes. The dressing rooms are strikingly outfitted with Saarinen tulip chairs and curtains made of swirly plastic amber tiles. The salespeople possess keen perceptions of color and fabric coordination, so the fashion-impaired will find refuge here.

The Goods
Lafaurie is best known for his 100-percent cotton poplin shirt, which is made of a tightly knit cotton that creates a flawless finish. They are available in 23 dramatic and subdued colors, from lapis or baby blue to sea or hunter green. The three-button suit jackets and pants are rather basic, but their craftsmanship inside and out is exceptional. Their painter coats--short trench coats with large, flat pockets--offer a more casual and creative look with their cotton or linen canvas fabric.