From Paris With Style

About five years ago I enjoyed a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai; my wardrobe needed an infusion, and a sale was under way. I was looking for dress shirts and ties most specifically, and what I found was Charvet. I am still wearing the pieces, but I recently took an online trip to Mr. Porter and found a few new items that are now on my agenda.

Charvet is a storied name, and the quality is unsurpassed. The brand’s pocket squares, ties and shirts never disappoint, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of feeling the cotton or silk that is used by the Paris-based company I’d recommend that you remedy that soon. Right now I am partial to the beautiful knitted silk ties – which come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, my favorite. They are made in Italy and retail for $195. I’d pair this tie with a wonderful cotton-poplin double-cuff shirt of light blue ($545).

I launder my shirts on gentle cycle in cold water, and I hang them to dry; I visited the Charvet headquarters, at 28 Place Vendôme, several years ago, and the sales associate agreed that my method was the best for longevity of the fabric. My shirts are still soft and immaculate, a fact that reminds me every time I wear one that quality does matter.