We are SO back.

After a brief hiatus to attend to the joyous arrival of a young menswear chef, who is doing very well and up-skilling his father on innovative expressions of sprezztura—it turns out a little spit up adds just the right amount of je ne sais quoi to the paternal ensemble— we return to the matter at hand.

With a slate of summer posts on the way, let’s start with a bit of a palette cleanser.

Plates. And table-scapes.

Who knew they could be so evocative in helping the male homo sapien get dressed?

There’s nothing quite arriving to a dinner party with a well laid table.

Scouring the scenery for your place card, doing some light re-arranging when you realize you’ve been relegated to the conversational gulag at the very end with only a newly converted keto financier for company—always sets the mood just right.

Imagining what dishes might appear before you, what wines they might be paired with, what on earth you might be expected to eat with that fork—nothing heightens anticipation for the meal to come than an elegant setting.

Oddly enough, I feel just the same when I walk into a proper shoe store…

Both footwear and dishware share the distinction of being structural requirements for dining and dressing. When was the last time you walked through NYC barefoot or ate spaghetti bolognese right off the table? But more often than not, we tend to think of them as an afterthought, or at most an accent.

In the culinary world, the concept of plating has never been more relevant to captivate the attention of the diner and the double-tapping thumbs of their Instagram followers. Let’s dig in. “Plating” is the gerund/noun-ification of the transitive verb “to plate,” which itself is the denominalization—or the verb-ification—of the common noun and operative word here: “plate.” Isn’t grammar fun?

Please, I beg of you; keep reading.

How a dish looks and is presented, it seems, is almost as important as how it tastes these days. And while this culinary concept evokes AbEx streaks of brilliant sauces that would make Pollock proud, or the melodrama through which a certain Sultan of Sodium presents a gold leaf laden ribeye, let’s not overlook the impact of the actual plate itself and the power its context can wield.

Paper Plates x Summer Sneakers

On one end of the spectrum, let’s take two humble, ubiquitous examples from each category. Ye olde paper plate, and a white canvas sneaker.

About as basic as they come. I love to think of the former as the ultimate canvas for summer still lifes of burgers, hot dogs, and watermelon, with the latter not far behind as the natural compliment to a pair of broken in jeans and favorite tee. Nice and casual in both instances—with both pairings fitting perfectly into place.

In both examples, the dinner and foot wear fly beneath the radar, but the extent of these categories’ power emerges when used as a source of contrast and tension. Serve a schmancy A5 Wagyu Beef Wellington (let’s throw in some edible gold leaf for good measure) on said paper plate, and the chef is suddenly making a sarcastic statement on deformalizing such a decadent entrée. Throw a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths under a well tailored suit—demonstrated below by Stan the man himself—and the stiff upper lip of Savile Row tailoring melts into a wry smile with a wink.

In the wide world of the white sneaker there are many a fine choice, but here are a few personal favorites for keeping things casual below the ankle.

Moonstar Gym Shoe, $185. The rarified Japanese cousin to the Jack Purcell, this is 100% my go to sneaker for mucking around town and turf.

Adidas Stan Smith, $100. The grandfather of them all. If the Great Flood were to return and Noah could only bring one pair of white sneakers on the ark, these would be the one to make it aboard.

Tretorn Nylite, $65. Minimal Scandi paper plates at their finest. You are likely not Bjorn Borg, so please do not attempt to play tennis in these hyper stylish, but not exactly structurally supportive sneakers.

Seavees x Mr. Rogers, $120

Wilt though be my neighbor?

British Porcelain x “One’s and Twos”

(Those would be shoes, to the uninitiated in Cockney rhyming slang)

Having firmly established the unimpeachable connection between white sneaker and paper plate, we lace up a pair and amble to the other end of the aisle. Fine china, porcelain, and sterling silver serving trays. The crème de la crème.

England has a long and distinguished history for both dinnerware and footwear, each with their own geographic HQs. Just has Stoke-on-Trent has long been dishing out the premier pottery on the isle—Wedgwood, Duchess, and Burleigh all call this midlands town home—Northampton boasts the best British bench made boots. Crockett & Jones, Trickers, Church’s, Cheaney, Grenson, John Lobb, and George Cleverly are among the storied makes based in the city, but to this scribbler, one stands alone: Edward Green.

Founded in 1890, Edward Green’s combination of elegant lasts, hand made construction and beautifully tanned leathers that are finished in house earn it the pinnacle of the English footwear tradition. Just as caviar, lobster thermador, and chilled aspic all look right at home on a Wedgwood China plate, Edward Green’s oxfords and loafers set a solid foundation for tailored clothing. You truly can’t do much better than their Chelsea or iconic Dover.

While the white sneaker can put a fun twist on a suit, EG’s loafers are equally versatile and transformative sartorial seasoning. If we harken back to that paper-plated backyard bbq and transpose the feast onto a fine china platter, that perfectly charred burger now feels just a bit more formal. Similarly, the jeans and tee shirt that felt so at home with a pair of Stan Smith take on a new confidence with a pair of Piccadilly penny loafers of Belgravia tassels.

So the morals of the story:

1. Mix things up. High/low footwear contrasts on an ensemble is one the simplest and most effective ways to add some contrast and unique POV.

2. A quality casual shoe CAN stand up to a luxury or handmade item. All you have to do is choose wisely.

3. Don’t be too precious with investment pieces. The beauty of these impeccably made shoes and porcelain is that they are truly well made and with proper care, will last a lifetime. You really can use them every day, for every occasion.

Edward Green Piccadilly

Edward Green Belgravia

The question is: are we in the kitchen of a three Michelin star restaurant on a Friday night, or backstage at a women’s couture show in Paris?

You will perhaps not be surprised to hear that I’ve always thought that the analogy between clothing and cuisine is particularly well suited for menswear, vs the broader fashion industry at large. At least, till now.

Like daily dining, traditional menswear is grounded in purpose—if not always strict practicality. Elements from military uniforms, athletics, and workwear inform the silhouettes we see everyday, with design details like color, proportion, and print offering up unique seasoning. As a result, men’s “recipes” rely on variations of a familiar pantry; lapeled jackets, button up shirts, pullover knit wear, and trousers dominate the diet. These quotidian ingredients map neatly onto the proteins, starches, and vegetables that show up on our plates week after week. Simply put, men’s dressing feels like meat and potatoes home cooking: a medium-rare tomahawk ribeye on the bbq, with roast Idaho spuds and grilled asparagus. Don’t forget a cold beer.

If we extend the home cooking comparison to women’s fashion, the metaphor can become a bit…stretched—like that last remaining mozzarella stick you offered to split at the Cheesecake Factory, yielding an embarrassing arc of steaming cheese across the table. Le sigh. Case in point, it’s harder (for me) to draw a straight line from little black dress and pair of stilettos’s to a certain ingredient, but that’s your cue to write a strongly worded letter to the editor with your suggestions (please, by all means!).

Many designer women’s pieces feel more like dramatic plated concepts out on the town than a school night meal at home. The wheels of trend move faster than in men’s; the shifts in between seasonal collections are simply more dramatic. In a way, following the ebbs and flows of women’s designer fashion feels more akin to keeping up with the hot restaurant scene in a bustling cultural hub. What new resto did so-and-so chef just open? Where is it impossible to get a table? Have you tried the 30 day kombu wrapped bass at ____? Novelty, scarcity, innovation—these are just some of the inputs that drive the behemoth women’s designer and luxury market.

Last week marked the Spring ‘26 haute couture shows in Paris. Tuning into the two championship games, I refer of course to the debut collections of Chanel and Dior’s recently appointed creative directors, the parallels between the pinnacles of women’s clothing and cuisine felt impossible to ignore.

Haute couture represents the fashion industry’s highest echelon of craftsmanship, the equivalent of three Michelin star cooking. Approximately thirty designers are invited to Paris to participate in each couture season. There are thirty one three Michelin star restaurants in France.

To meet the exacting standards of their governing body, La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, a couture maison must present two seasonal tasting menus of at least fifty looks, and staff their ateliers with a minimum brigade of thirty five in Paris. All the garments are hand finished in breathtaking technical detail, and just one piece alone may take over three thousand hours of labor to complete. To gain its third Michelin star, a restaurant must not only produce delicious cuisine using best in class ingredients, but wow its secretive inspectors with a unique point of view, exceptional cooking and plating technique, flawless service, and bulletproof consistency.

While there still is a strong VIP commercial component to today’s couture collections—just as Michelin star restaurants rely on paying customers to fill their tables every evening—both are equally focussed on advancing the narratives and capabilities of their respective crafts. Exploration for exploration’s sake; lead with innovation, and the rest will follow. Just as haute cuisine pushes flavor, texture, and form far beyond beyond every day necessity, couture explores silhouette, construction, and fantasy beyond wearability. The effects permeate far reaching crevasses of each industry. Staff, diners, and restaurateurs who pass through Michelin starred restaurants inevitably borrow, adapt, and reinterpret references into their own kitchens, just as a certain infamous shade of cerulean blue might make its way from a runway haute couture dress into a mass market sweater. Trickle down taste, as it were….

So, what can the average Menswear Chef learn from this foray into the peaks of fashion and food?

If menswear is the home-cooked meal we return to again and again—the dish perfected over years, a family recipe passed down through the generations—then haute couture is that once-in-a-lifetime reservation at The French Laundry, where the excess and fantasy are not only tolerated but encouraged. One teaches us the value of restraint, repetition, and reliability in our daily habits. The other shows us what becomes possible when—for once—practicality is removed from the equation, and we empower our imaginations to run wild. To live a little!

Everyday menswear need not become a couture concoction, any more than Tuesday night dinner become a fifteen course tasting menu (with wine pairing of course). But it should inspire us to step out of our comfort zone every now and again—test drive a print, color, or proportion that might feel a little bold. If it feels risky going out on such a limb, you can sleep soundly knowing that the new “basic” you just bought—a pair of chinos a little more full legged than your last—was once a bold choice in an atelier across the sea some seasons ago. You still might be playing a little catch up, but now you’re just ahead of the curve

Andiamo commencare con cinghiale.

That is to say, let’s kick things off with the wild boar.

Hunted for centuries in the region, the boar has become a centerpiece of quintessential, stick-to-your-ribs Tuscan fare for those long winter evenings. Cinghiale boasts a bold, gamey flavor that challenges even the brawniest Barolo to keep pace, and requires an overnight marinade and all-day simmer before the resulting ragu sinks into a bed of creamy polenta—directly foreshadowing your own post-meal recline into a favorite chair for a snooze. So should you find yourself looking for something a little more adventurous than your average Sunday bolognese, but can’t quite swing the day trip to Florence, order up one of these boar shoulders and follow this recipe to a T. Prego!

Indulge me in a hypothetical. Let’s suppose, just for a moment, that you did find yourself in central Florence last Tuesday. You’d just finished a heaping portion of our favorite ingredient at—where else: Osteria Del Cinghiale Bianco, and had mosey’d over to the famous bronze Fontana del Porcellino to give its snout a good rub, thereby ensuring good luck and a future return to Firenze.

In that moment, you hear it—hundreds of footsteps pattering on the Florentine cobbles. They’re getting closer, growing louder. A low bustle now fills the air, as the unseen multitude jostles for position. The anticipation builds. You catch a glimpse of of wiry, grey hair peaking around the corner. Have the cinghiale finally had enough, and come down from the hills to take the town??

And then it hits you. It’s Pitti week.

Pitti Party

Every January, the sartorial cognoscenti converge en masse in Florence for the professional spectacle known as Pitti Uomo—a trade show dedicated to the luxury menswear industry. The Davos of dapper. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the buying and selling of next season’s collections from Europe’s finest makers, but that never gets in the way of some good old fashioned—if not slightly performative—hobnobbing amongst industry insiders.

The hubbub you first mistook for a stampede of wild boar, while perhaps boorish in its scale, was in fact the first sebiro sanpo, or suit walk, at this year’s Pitti. Over one hundred and eighty well-suited menswear enthusiasts took to the streets in support of their favorite category, a tradition established by some of the leading Japanese tailoring brands. A quick scan of Florentine police radio frequencies indicated no injuries from rival streetwear gangs…

At its best, Pitti highlights the greatest elements of men’s style. The seasoned Menswear Chefs in attendance offer a master class in texture, color, fit, and patina, demonstrating a sense of taste that, like our cinghiale ragu, has been braising slowly over the decades in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. The result: deep layers of classic sartorial flavor that feel classic yet inventive, considered yet playful, and miles above the influence of this year’s (or last, for that matter) trend.

At its lows, Pitti has produced some rather sensationalized recipes— skin tight suits, hallucinogenic power clashes, triple monk strap shoes—that have little relevance in day to day dressing. Aspirationally social media oriented at best, like an over the top Bloody Marys complete with a skewered burger, onions rings, shrimp cocktail among a cornucopia of fixings. Or more simply put, the cronut of the closet.

Casentino

Let’s tie it all together.

So when we think about a sartorial ingredient that matches cinghiale in its hearty, wintery qualities, is also humble yet elevated, hails too from Tuscany, and is beloved by the Pitti crowd at large, all roads lead to Casentino.

The wool dates back to the 1300’s, when it was woven and boiled into its signature water resistant texture for local monks and even blankets for well-behaved draft horses. Not exactly the pinnacle of luxury, but a truly rustic and functional ingredient with deep Tuscan heritage.

Casentino has never really gone out of style, but about ten years ago it exploded back onto the #menswear stage when performative dressing was at its peak. I.E, you couldn’t order an affogato at Pitti without bumping into someone in a casentino topcoat, usually accompanied by a pair of gloves neatly stuffed into the breast pocket and a kaleidoscopic scarf.

Casentino is alive and well in today’s collections, and has toned down considerably since then (for the better, I might add). Below are a few curated selections that will keep you cozy, and hold you over till your cinghiale ragu is ready!

Todd Snyder, $898

Tony’s Shirtmakers, $875 (multiple colors!)

The North Face, $98

The Armoury, $875

Drakes, $1,175

J. Mueser Gilet, $495

Happy New Year to all Menswear Chefs!

As you likely know, January is not widely reputed to be the most exciting hour for habillement des hommes.

The professorial corduroys of October, deployed into the battle at the first suspicion of yellow in a passing leaf with that first day of school, apple placing on the desk enthusiasm, feel haggard after a long semester and cramming for finals.

November’s novel tweeds, which saw you through the political potholes of the Thanksgiving dinner table and a subsequent slew of holiday parties have used up every ounce of their powers. We might as well face it; we’re currently in “hanging on” mode…in the lent of getting dressed, till spring makes its all too brief appearance in advance of the NYC summer sauna.

Mercifully, the fashion gods aren’t completely heartless. It’s true—these are the lean times—but if we look to the hills, a whole new wardrobe awaits. Gents, it’s officially ski season.

And by ski season, we do not mean time set aside for the PB&J-stuffed-in-pocket, chicken-finger-soggy-waffle-fry-consuming, technical-fibre-wearing habits of a domestic downhill. Certainly not. Instead, we venture across the seas to the stiff meringue peaks of the alps, where mulled wine and consommé keep you warm, a parade of weissbeer and spritzs keep you cool, and schnitzel and spaetzle keep you going.

Cheese Fondue x The Retro Ski Sweater

If we’re traveling across an ocean and up a mountain range, why not head a few decades back in time?

Nothing says 1960s alpine bliss like a pot of cheese fondue, a retro ski sweater, and let’s throw in a formidable pair of boots and glacier glasses for good measure. All critical ingredients to keeep you nice and cozy. While I’ll concede it might be impractical to recommend a complete, top-to-bottom vintage ski look in the age of Arc’teryx and Moncler, it’s all the more important to sport a few more discretionary items that would stop even Slim Aarons in his almost certainly parallel tracks. In this category, I’m a huge believer in vintage where the designs and value are second to none, and have also curated a small smattering of this season’s offerings.

7Terra, $88

Delaine & Co, $285

Fusalp, $730

Horatio London, $246

When it comes to keeping the toes toasty, there is one boot in particular that will garner an approving (but silent) nod from the sternest Swiss in the chalet.

The Ludvig Reiter Moronibrater features an impermeable bark-tanned leather, topped with a shaft of shearling and wool. These Viennese boots are simply the gold standard, and someday, can be seen strolling the cobbles of Zermat, Lech, St. Moritz, and any ski town worth its salt!

For a great runner up pair that will serve you just as well in the city and certainly projects a certain “well now that you mention it, I did just get back from Gstaad…” je ne sais quoi, look no further than Paraboot’s Avoriaz. Handy for summer hiking, urban puddling, and of course, mountain slushing.

Paraboot Avoriaz, $730

So named for the Duke of Wellington, the historically French filet-de-boeuf-en-croute was victoriously rebranded after the Field Marshall famously defeated old Bony at Waterloo. Talk about adding insult to injury, taking down not only the Napoleonic Empire but also appropriating a national delicacy.

It’s shouldn’t surprise us then that Beef Wellington’s patron saint should be an Englishman, but in this instance he’s better known for his association with the inferno than heavens above. The bombastic baker himself, Gordon Ramsey of “Hell’s Kitchen” fame has taken on the Wellington as one of his signature dishes, with his Las Vegas outpost slinging 1.5m alone in its first four years…

The dish appears simple enough, but Ramsay’s recipe is a time-intensive feat of construction and assembly. Step one: season and sear a beef filet to crispy perfection. Part deux: swaddle it in a rich mushroom and onion duxelle (i.e chop them up and sautée in a stick of vitamin B and herbs), and construct a seal of prosciutto and crêpes thin traditional British pancakes to lock in that flavor. Set aside to cool completely. Finally, entomb in an ornately-scored sarcophagus of puff pastry and bake to completion. Protein, “veggies,” and butter-laminated carbohydrates in a structured and delicious package. The original haute-pocket, if you will…

Introducing: The Savile Row Wellington: The Chalk Stripe Suit

Turning to the sartorial, there is one item that uniquely reflects the timeless qualities of the Beef Wellington, that embodies a carefully constructed expression of classic British style.

Let us consider the facts:

Features a Multi-Layered Construction: ✅

Is Understated Without, Complex Within: ✅

Embodies Occasion-Worthy Opulence: ✅

Is Intrinsically and Timelessly British: ✅

= A Hand-Made Chalk Stripe Suit.

London’s Savile Row comprises only a few short blocks in Mayfair, yet has become the spiritual epicenter of the tailoring industry. Its storied houses—Anderson & Sheppard, Huntsman, Davies, Gieves & Hawkes, and Henry Poole to name just a few—have clothed generations of royalty, titans of industry, and London clubmen alike, with each garment carefully crafted to its future owner.

Like a Wellington, exacting measurements give way to its own meticulous construction, though it’s not clear how the cutters at Huntsman would react to having their interior canvases compared to a duxelle—indeed the structural stuffing of a properly tailored jacket—or a fine filet to to a swath of Fox Brothers flannel. I’d suspect a quizzical raise of the eyebrow. But it’s hard to contest that the layers of wool, canvas, padding, and lining that come together through sewing, steaming, and pressing create one of the greatest garments in all mensweardom, just as the searing, sautéing, and baking of a Wellington’s components produce one of Britain’s finest dishes.

There are infinite options when it comes to the creation of a bespoke suit, but if you could only choose one, I’d advise a chalk stripe. Not to be confused with the razor sharp lines of Gordon Gekko-ian pinstripe suit, chalk stripes wools are softer and in my opinion, infinitely more wearable, often working just as well with knitwear or a sport shirt as it does with a Charvet tie.

Whereas a worsted pinstripe suit evokes a triple espresso drinking, ulcer managing, desk-pounding corporate raider of the early 90s, you might find a gentleman in a navy flannel chalk stripe quietly negotiating the purchase of a right bank Bordeaux Chateau over a glass of 2009 Petrus. Or 1998, if he was being very discerning…

For us mere mortals, the dream of a hand-cut, sewn in England suit may always remain just that—a dream, but luckily there are some excellent options in the UK and beyond that will fit the bill till that day comes.

Thom Sweeney, $3,635

Ring Jacket x The Armoury, $1,900

Sid Mashburn, $3,450

J. Press x Fox, $1,990

And no place on earth embodies the autumnal spirit quite like Scotland. On a recent visit in October, we were greeted by temperatures in the mid 40’s, low mists creeping across heathered hills, and more than a few drops of rain. In so many words, a textbook Scottish fall day. On a not so recent July visit some years back, in the season officially designated as “summer,” we were greeted by: temperatures in the mid 40’s, low mists creeping across heathered hills, and more than a few drops of rain. Yet another textbook Scottish fall day…

As we consider this beautiful country of endless autumn, one ingredient rises above the rest for as foundational for Scottish food and fashion: sheep. Outnumbering their human counterparts by 20%—nearly 6.5 million roam the countryside—these hardy creatures produce two products that have become international ambassadors for their homeland.

Highland Haggis & Harris:

Haggis: The national dish of Scotland. I do not know what exactly is in haggis. I am not sure I want to know what exactly is in haggis. What I do suspect, however, is that everything is in haggis.

My recent encounter with this dish, in the form of what can only be described as a homemade Egg McMuffin (extra emphasis on the Scottish “Mc” prefix, given the additional regional ingredient), turned out to be rather scrumptious. Upon its completion, the author of this interpretation did in fact share the core fundamentals: sheep’s lung, heart, and liver, ground up with onion, oatmeal, and spices, all baked together in the sheep’s stomach. All part of a complete breakfast.

Harris: The national wool of Scotland. And like haggis, I know that everything is in Harris Tweed.

Just as haggis’s waste-not-want-not ingenuity makes use of the entire sheep, this seminal tweed takes inspiration from every inch of the country’s rugged beauty to furnish its famous fabric.

In a small swatch of “solid” tweed, you might find up to twelve of Harris Tweed’s fifty six signature colored yarns blended together to deliver the fabric’s famous depth and texture, literally weaving the Scottish landscape into every garment.

The perfect weight for fall jacketing and outerwear, this fabric is one of the quintessential ingredients for any man’s sartorial pantry and is a perennial favorite for designers each year. I’ve curated a small selection of this season’s menu of Harris sport coats, as well as a link to my favorite place to buy them: Ebay.

It’s common to find great quality Harris Tweed jackets there for under $100, and safe to say, the pennywise chefs who invented haggis would certainly approve!

Drake’s Herringbone Blazer, $1,375

Campbells of Beauly Sportcoat: $1,040

Hause of Bruar, $575

Introducing: ‘Perfetto

‘Perfetto nods to the notion of perfection—and more importantly, imperfection—in today’s fashion landscape. The industry often markets staples as best in class—the perfect white shirt, the perfect black shoe—in a way that reads rather flat and under nuanced. Who wants perfection; sell me a story!

When it comes to language, the Imperfect is the tense of “habitual and repeated action in the past.”

For example:

“I was tapping in for double bogey on 18, when I realized our anniversary was yesterday and and hopped in the car to pick up some flowers…”

“I was writing a thank you note, when I realized I had no idea where the recipient lived…”

“ I was grabbing a coffee, when I ran into my sister and her kiddos…”

In other words, the Imperfect is simply the tense of everyday life. ‘

‘Perfetto makes stylish clothes for everyday living.

‘Perfetto 001 Jacket Preorder: Elevated Errand-wear

The 001 Jacket, inspired by elegant mandarin collar tailoring, seeks to bridge the gap between today’s beloved functional fabrics and classic silhouettes. Think Loro Piana styling at Patagonia(ish) prices…

The 001 Jacket is made in NYC of sherpa fleece and grosgrain trim, half lined, and will be available for preorder in two colors: London Sky / Navy, and Terroir / Burgundy.

To ensure maximum functionality, the jacket has been thoroughly wear tested by yours truly and approved for the following everyday activities including:

Buying Bodega Flowers:

Taking Selfies in Tiffanys (when should be buying presents)

Elegantly Devouring Pain Au Chocolat.

Sizing and Preorder Details:

Sizing is unisex and the jackets will be cut along the below dimensions; please refer to the measurements and compare to favorite garments in the closet! For reference, I’m wearing a 3, or Men’s Large.

Pricing: $595, + tax and shipping, reflecting the costs of production in NYC.

Delivery: Depending on the close of preorder, aiming for end of 2025 or early 2026.

Preorder Mechanics:

If you are interested in purchasing a jacket, please fill out this survey! No payment will be taken in this initial step, and I will follow up with with all respondents to confirm orders for production. If ordering multiple jackets, please indicate that in the bottom question. At the time of production, a 50% deposit will be taken.

That’s all for now, and hopefully will see a few of you in elevated errand-wear soon enough!

-AH

In the US for example, it’s easy to rattle off a handful of three syllable, double barrel brands that comprise the menswear mainstream. Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Sid Mashburn, Todd Snyder, Alex Mill, Buck Mason and so on. Attempt that exercise in France, and you’re left scratching your beret. Labels like A.P.C, Officine Generale, and AMI come to mind as modern entrants that have certainly made their mark, but feel more like plats du jour rather than timeless classics on the French menswear menu.

So with that in mind, I was curious to see what type of picture this highly subjective guide to some of my favorite magasins would paint. I was relieved to find a list of largely independent makers and boutiques that speak much more to style than to the formal flows of fashion.

TMC Paris Guide:

Style Degree of Difficulty:

🥐 1 croissant = Accessible to most Menswear Chefs, 5 croissants = black belts only.

Price:

The more 💳 ‘s….you get the picture.

1) Husbands

Style: 🥐 🥐 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳

At the end of the day, most suits, no matter their provenance, can end up looking quite similar. Not so at Husbands. Their dramatic, 70’s inspired cuts—chunky notch lapels, wide leg trousers—instantly add a dash of drama to any occasion. Some very solid ready to wear and shirting round out the assortment, as displayed on a very stylish platoon of shop keepers. The cut may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you might be surprised to find your inner Gainsbourg when you slip on one of their suits…

2) Beige Habilleur

Style: 🥐 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳

BH is one of the great independent mens boutiques in Europe, carrying a thoughtful and assortment of elevated casual wear from great independent makers. Not much more to say than that!

3) Merci

Style: 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳

Follow the red Mini Cooper to the boutique in Paris. Carry’s men’s, women’s, and home goods, features a lovely cafe and house branded souvenirs like totes and hats as little cadeaux to bring home your fomo-riddled friends.

4) Charvet

Style: 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳 💳 💳

On the short list of shirting, there is only Charvet. Their bespoke chemises have graced the shoulders of royalty, industrial magnates, and rock gods for nearly two hundred years, and recently made quite the splash in Mattheiu Blazy’s debut collection for Chanel. For those not quite ready to take the plunge into their shirting process, their suede house slippers, dressing gowns, and tie make excellent gateway purchases.

5) Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine

Style: 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳 💳

You haven’t really been to a department store until you’ve visited Paris’s finest. Excellent assortments abound in beautiful settings, and Le Bon Marché’s food emporium even has a whole section devoted to butter (they’ll vacuum seal it for you for the flight home). LVMH’s La Samaritaine is largely devoted to a more luxury assortment of the usual suspects, but does so in a well curated and restrained manner.

6) Chato Lufsen

Style: 🥐 🥐 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳

As a millennial male hurtling through his 30’s, there comes a time to hang up the sleekly tailored peak lapeled jackets—pockets filled with matchbooks from years of dive bar exploits in the Lower East Side, and throw on an elegant not quite blazer / not quite shirt-jacket better suited for mushroom foraging and other respectable pastimes of the decades to come...

If this sounds like you, look no further than Chato Lufsen. A small but mighty shop in the 6th, CL is the heir apparent to Arnys—a much beloved left bank mens outpost that was acquired and eventually shuttered by LVMH. Their jackets, often with a mandarin or tab collar closure, embody a relaxed sophistication that make them very easy to wear and a solid value.

7) Bourienne

Style: 🥐 🥐 🥐 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳

If the goal of Bourienne’s founders was to design a collection that could whisk you back to 1890’s Paris via shirts specially designed for drinking absinthe while pondering deep, philosophical thoughts…they succeeded.

While I’m still working up the courage to formally add one of their pieces to the pantry, I love the unique POV in an otherwise homogenous sea of white button ups and think these would make a great summertime staple.

8) SuperStich

Style: 🥐 🥐

Price: 💳 💳 💳

Japanese denim + expertly tailoring in Paris = the first stop on your jeans hit list.

9) BRUT

Workwear and archival masters at BRUT curate a mixture of new, vintage, and reworked items for unique perspective among many more polished brands and aesthetics.

10) Thank God I’m A VIP

The best (and best priced) vintage in Paris is strewn across the city in daily markets, but for those who want to cut straight to the chase, TGIVIP offers a great selection of men’s and women’s shop near Republique.

TMC Paris Map!

The French.

The French lay claim to fame in many notable areas. Monsieur Monet, Edith Piaf, and the croissant. Le vin rouge, le champagne, et le vin blanc. To name only just a few…

They are lesser known, however, for a strong positive relationship with work. From their codification of the Baudelaire’s flâneur as an aimless cosmopolitan man about town to their national pastime of going on strike, it would seem the French have a rich social and political history of being rather anti-work.

One particularly colorful (and semi-sartorial) example jumps to mind. In 2015, Air France employees forcibly interrupted a labor negotiation to physically tear the clothes off the backs of senior executives in protest. The public narrative suggested they were unhappy with the proposed labor cuts, but I suspect it was the brass’s decision to not don shirts by Charvet that caused the uproar. The protesters were simply directing their displeasure at the sub-par chemises worn by leadership. And who can blame them?

Not withstanding this rather mixed relationship with professional efforts, the French have made two excellent contributions to items that support work across the arts of cuisine and clothing. May I present….

The Cassoulet Chore Coat

“Cassoulet, that best of bean feasts, is everyday fare for a peasant but ambrosia for a gastronome, though its ideal consumer is a 300-pound blocking back who has been splitting firewood nonstop for the last twelve hours on a subzero day in Manitoba.”

These words, delivered by the inimitable Julia Childs, do perfect justice to this humble staple of French cuisine. If you’re in need of stick-to-your-bones caloric surplus for a long day of just about anything, look no further than cassoulet. Born in southwest France in the mid 14th century, this savory stew of beans, duck, broth, and pork is far greater than the sum of its parts. Such devotion does it inspire that the Académie Universelle du Cassoulet was formed (essentially the Knights Templar of the dish) to preserve and promote its legacy.

When it comes to french clothing creations for work, the chore coat—or vest de travail—has inspired a no less passionate global following. Immortalized by street style photographer Bill Cunningham through his daily uniform, the simple over shirt originated in the mid 19th century as a durable, oversized garment for manual labor and can be found on Brooklyn dads (and their overseas equivalents) the world over.

The versatility and popularity of the jacket have inspired dozens of designers to include it in their collections, but one French maker sets the standard. Founded in 1903 at the foot of the eponymous coastal town, Mont Saint Michel have been churning out the highest quality moleskin coats for over a century. If there can only be one, this is THE jacket for the fall flâneur counting ducks in the Luxembourg gardens. Je vous en’prie!

Le Mont Saint Michel, “The Real Work Jacket”

It is hard to imagine a more versatile protein than the poulet. Whether on the gingham tablecloth of a still summer evening, flanked by sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes, or the centerpiece of a midwinter mahogany sideboard—the cream of the potatoes dauphinoise glistening in the candlelight, the cardiologist on speed dial—the roast chicken feels at home on any table, at any time of year.

And so it goes with the navy blazer. Nearly every menswear brand produces one version or another in weights for all seasons, as it can be worn an infinite number of ways. Jeans / tee / sneakers. Chinos / polo / loafers. Slacks / shirt / oxfords. Shorts. SHORTS.

So if Ina Garten’s storied “Engagement Chicken” recipe is required reading for one looking to lockdown lifelong commitment on a plate, then it stands to reason that a “meet the parents blazer” is an equally important investment for any question-popping individual looking to pass paternal muster.

So on that note, a few leading candidates for your consideration, with a carefully paired selection of chicken-slinging restaurants to boot.

The Polo Bar x Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar is, hands down, the nicest basement in New York. Perhaps the world. Truly, at what other restaurant do you chuckle in anticipation as a crisply suited maitre D "right this ways” you downstairs through a tight stairwell to windowless dining room, a reaction all the more impressive given you’ve already parted with a kidney to get the 5:30pm table on a Monday…

No one knows how to world-build quite like Ralph Lauren. Just as his collections have been channeling a cinematic vision of the American myth for decades, his restaurants deliver an atmosphere for his clothing and ideals to come to life. Equestrian tableaus adorn British racing green walls, while patina’d polo mallets hang in the corridors. Club food staples like pigs in a blanket and popovers appear (and disappear) on every table, washed down with the contents of an elegant up glass. Descending into this world, time seems to stop—if not rewind—to bygone heydays of prep; Ronald Reagan may still yet be president in this metaphysical corner of time and space.

So in the off chance that you’re not able to eat every single meal at TPB, you can always channel its aura through Ralph’s tentpole blazer. Brass buttons required.

Ralph Lauren Blazer, $898

Chez L’Ami Louis x Husbands Paris

The City of Light seemingly has an endless supply of infinitely charming tin-ceilinged bistros, but there are none quite so popular—or polarizing—as Chez L’Ami Louis. This upscale twelve table bistro—and its roast chicken in particular—have been heralded as one of the best in Paris since opening in 1924, with a heavy stamp of approval coming through its recent acquisition by uncle Bernie himself as LVMH looks to expand its foothold in hospitality.

On a good night, it’s hard to beat delicious French cuisine in a setting where the staff throw the switches on the fuse box so that the birthday candles shine all the brighter for a tri-generational family affair, as I witnessed on my first visit. On the other hand, stepping through its doors the next evening, you might mistake yourself in the executive dining room of the American embassy for all the English being spoken, likely running through a track by track analysis of the latest Taylor Swift record. At any length, Chez L’Ami Louis and its poulet rôti are an undeniable institution that any well-heeled visitor to Paris should try at least once.

Not all establishments need be old to be venerated, which HUSBANDS proves as we turn to the art of the blue sport coat. Founded in 2012, HUSBANDS brings a strong 1970s Gainsbourgian flare to all their tailoring. Chunky lapels, wide-legged trousers, and a rare double breasted blazer that lends itself much more to house-boat-party-on the-Seine-chic than the New York Yacht Club.

I’ll take one, s’il vous poulet.

Husbands Double Breasted Blazer, $1,200

The Busy Bee x Sid Mashburn

In the south, it would seem that one word in particular resonates with clothing and cuisine: comfort. As the unofficial capital of the south, Atlanta does comfort…well to quite well.

When we think of poultry and comfort food, we reach one inevitable conclusion; fried chicken. Atlanta has more chicken shops that one can count, but the James Beard and Michelin recognized Busy Bee cafe has become a go-to for 12 hour marinated bird, ham hocks, greens and classic family service. I will be making a busy bee line there on my next trip to ye olde ATL.

When it’s 110 in the shade with 80% humidity—aka summer in Atlanta—wearing fully canvassed tailoring can be a bit of chore. Mercifully, Ralph Lauren alum Sid Mashburn and Atlanta’s favorite menswear impresario developed his “Ghost Blazer” for just such weather, creating an unlined, ultra light hopsack version of the blue blazer to keep you crispy even in the most oppressive of conditions.

The jacket has become wildly successful as a more casual take on classic sport coat, and comes in a variety of fabrics for all seasons. Chef’s kiss for the original navy!

Sid Mashburn Ghost Blazer, $995

While the festival itself may only last two short weeks, fortunately for us, we may channel this Bavarian bravado all season long through one of the best blazer upgrades on the market. Never a culture to spring for a poetic name when the most utilitarian moniker will do, the German tracht janker—or traditional jacket—empowers the wearer to channel their inner Captain Von Trapp with elegance and ease.

If you’re asking if this jacket is for you, the answer is a resounding jawohl. For the more traditional stylings, Munich’s beloved department store Loden Frey should be your first stop. They do not currently ship to their beloved friends in America, but they maintain the most comprehensive collection of these jackets, of which Hapsburg’s Karl janker in cashmere is a trusty treasure of transitional tailoring.

For those of you who believe these jackets may be imbued with a tad too much “How do you solve a problem like Maria” for everyday city wear, fear not. Contemporary interpretations enter the market each season, making their way into the core collections of houses like Loro Piana, Zegna, and a host of brands channeling the Succession-chic aesthetic of quiet luxury. SHH!

Incorporate one of two of these jackets into your wardrobe, and you’ll soon find yourself the kaiser of the cocktail party. Men will hang on your every word with rapturous attention as you parse the latest market move, as their +1’s try to coax out exactly which secret Greek island you absconded to last summer on your tasteful 128 footer, which of course you’ve never mentioned but they’re sure you possess.

For my part, I much prefer the shoulder season and regularly make an significant voyage to Incomtaxos each spring. The Aegean in August? Wouldn’t dream of it.

A far cry from the carbohydrates, whose prime presence on the ground floor of the pyramid showcases their beloved breads and pastries for passersby to ogle, and certainly nowhere near the pinnacle penthouse placement of our favorite sugary sweets, vegetables have always felt a bit like middle management. A necessary evil, that while an important component of our nutritional wellbeing, rarely gets the heart racing above 59 bpm.

So when it comes to the vegetables of men’s clothing, an essential element of our sartorial diet that more often checks a box than it sparks joy, we must invariably point to a single category: pants.

Oh, pants. Visually, they cover ~50% of what we wear and are arguably the principal item of clothing that one should wear on a daily basis. I am hard pressed to remember the last time I ventured out into the world pants-less. Yet it’s all too easy for the garments we wear on our lower halves to feel like an afterthought—throwing on a pair of chinos just before racing out the door, or god forbid undertaking a slightly hungover Sunday sweat-pants-in-public errand…

This relegation is not without its reasons. As the anchor of an ensemble, pants usually have a foundational role, rarely the star of the show. Case in point, while I do love the sight of chili grilled broccoli rabe on my plate, it rarely appears without a well chimichurri’d skirt steak. And while the drape of pleated flannel slacks might capture a moment’s attention in the morning mirror inspection, it’s likely some other item—that new selvedge jean jacket—which gets the glory out and about in the wild.

Shopping for pants is not, in my experience, particularly enjoyable. For this highly impatient New Yorker, the ordeal that includes popping into a store, weeding through a tower of trousers for the right size, applying for a visa to be let into a fitting room, shedding the shoes, shimmying on/off a pair or two, putting on my own pants back on, retying the shoes, and so on—feels more like the death of a thousand cuts when compared to a strategic strike on a sport coat hanging on a rail, where the whole tasting (as it were) takes about ten seconds from start to finish.

But all is not lost. If we hold true the assumptions that a) pants are necessary for every day wear, b) they’re usually playing a supporting part, it stands to reason that we should navigate this category fairly easily with a few quality pieces of produce that serve us year round, adding some additional seasonal ingredients in winter and summer.

So to kick us off, we’ll commence with three core pairs to set strong roots in your pants potager.

The Butternut Chino:

A solid pair of khaki’s will take you anywhere. Uptown with a jacket and tie, downtown with a tee or polo, the classic chino is an essential staple.

Casatlantic Tangers, $210

Marrakech-based brand Casatlantic has a wonderful point of view when styling classic, military inspired chinos across a variety of fabrics and colors. Pleats? Check. High waisted-ish? Check. Add to cart? Check.

The Blue Basic:

J. Crew Calvary Twill Trousers, $298

In a sea of very respectable, if not indistinguishable blue pants, this pair from J. Crew bobs above the rest. Made from a lovely wool twill from Vitale Barberis Canonico with just a slight finish (i.e coating on the fabric that gives it a slight pop in the light, vs completely matte tone), this straight leg pair elevates the everyday navy trouser at a very fair price for the quality of the fabric. I was most impressed.

The Grey Crusader:

Dress Trouser, Sid Mashburn, $395

If you had to pick just one color of pant to own, I’d argue it would not be tan, blue, or black…but grey.

The most versatile color under the sun, a wool grey trouser nests nicely against any color of shirt, shoe, or sport coat. Heavy flannels for winter, light weight worsteds for summer, there’s no day of the year that can’t benefit from a clean pair of slacks. Oddly enough, I often find they come off more formal than a suit when dressed, up, or certainly more intentional and considered than the one-fabric-covers-all approach that the traditional suit embodies.

Our amigos at Sid Mashburn know this better than most, and offer a wide range of weights and colors for your monochromatic enjoyment. I suggest you take them up on a pair…

If the hamburger were to find its clothing counterpart, it would surely be a pair of blue jeans. The proverbial ground beef of the sartorial world, the indigo dyed cotton we know as denim has transcended its humble gold rush roots to become an accessible and essential ingredient for wardrobes the world over. It’s hard to overstate the impact of the blue jean and hamburger as iconic American exports – what other consumer goods have been better ambassadors for democracy than the Big Mac or a pair of Levi’s, whose introduction marked the cultural transformation of the late 80’s Soviet Union.

But enough of the history….

From tee shirts to tailoring, a solid pair of jeans is a versatile foundation for any number of ensembles and occasions. When it comes to buying a pair, like a burger, there are a myriad of options across all price points to choose from and here are three iconic pairs of indigo—and their burger equivalents—that lead the way when delving into dungarees.

The Greasy Spoon Smashburger: Levi’s 501

Representing the understated ubiquity of the blue jean and burger, these entry points epitomize the timeless Americana style of the 1950’s greaser. A true straight leg, the immortal 501 as seen on James Dean and Marlon Brando is as relevant today as it was then, thanks in large part the wider silhouettes beloved by Gen Z. Should you happen through Soho, park your pair on counter stool at George Motz’s throwback burger joint Hamburger America, where a flat top griddle pays daily homage to bygone greasy spoon diners and lunch counters.

Insider tip, don’t sleep on the chocolate egg cream.

Levi’s 501, $80

Hamburger America

Dry Aged Decadence: A.P.C Jean Standard

Some things get better with age; beef and jeans are no exception.

As we enter the world of men’s designer denim, there’s likely not a more successful program than that of Jean Touitou’s Parisian atelier A.P.C., which has been setting the bar for decades. A.P.C’s position atop the French denim aristocracy (Louis XIV surely would have worn them around Versailles) is due in part to a trimly refined interpretation of the classic jean but also to its ability to transform beautifully over time, not unlike the dry-aged cuts behind Minetta Tavern’s storied Black Label Burger.

Just as Keith McNally’s top-secret beef blend takes on an unmistakable and mouthwatering umami with each passing day in the steakhouse aging locker, the loose indigo dye of A.P.C’s unwashed “dry denim” allows these jeans to fade beautifully with every wear. Over time with the right care—minimal washing that allows the pigment to fade more dramatically and uniquely to its wearer –each pair will blossom into its own two-legged masterpiece that are so desirable that A.P.C has developed its Butler Program to buy back faded denim from its customers and resell for $360.

Simply put, A.P.C’s denim and its effortlessly personalized patinas are the ultimate expression of “jean ne sais quoi.”

A.P.C Jean Standard, $275

Minetta Tavern

Wagyu Waistline: Momotaro Standard Tapered Fit

It would be impossible to put forth a post about denim without venturing to Japan, and even harder to make a cattle comparison and not reference Wagyu when exploring a country where dedication to perfecting a craft—shokunin— is a way of life.

It’s a Tokyo Tower sized order to choose just one expression of each of these stellar ingredients to expound upon, but one could do much worse than to start with the Momotaro’s 14.7oz signature jean and Yoroniku’s A5 Katsu sandwich .

Based in Okayama’s Kojima district—Japan’s epicenter for ultra premium jean production—Momotaro weaves their indigo-dyed Zimbabwe cotton on vintage shuttle looms whose slight inconsistencies imbue each yard of fabric with a unique texture and variability that has become a calling card for denim aficionados the world over. This uncompromising dedication to high quality jeans can find its match only in the highest standards of bovine butchery: A5 Wagyu. Its own singular texture and flavor are due to the rich marbling associated with the breed’s genetics, creating a melt in the mouth experience that must be tasted to be believed.

When it comes to finding a suitable sando, Yoroniku’s Wagyu Katsu jumps to mind. I know what you’re thinking; a steak sandwich does not a burger make. And you may be right. But to grind up a meat of this caliber and mask its inherent character would be as sacrilegious as acid washing a pair of Momotaro jeans, so I hope you’ll excuse this minor detour in metaphor. Through the addition of this singular ingredient, the humble Katsu sandwich (essentially a fried breaded cutlet on toast) soars to opulent heights, just as Momotaro’s formidable 14.7oz denim brings a unique gravitas and deeply rich indigo to the classic workwear silhouette.

On both counts, only the keenest observer might discern that each item is a cut above the rest-and that’s ok. Quality needn’t shout from the mountaintops; always remember that money talks, and wealth whispers…

Momotaro Tapered Fit, $315

Yoroniku, Tokyo

In addition the above, several of my favorite purveyors also include:

USA:

• Blue Owl (Retailer)

• Self-Edge (Retailer)

• RRL

• Imogene + Willie

EU/UK:

• Redcast Heritage (Retailer)

• Rivet & Hide (Retailer)

Japan:

• Okayama Denim (Retailer)

  • Take a look for the following labels:

    • Pure Blue Japan

    • Studio D’Artisan

    • Samurai

    • Momotaro

When our prehistoric ancestors set down their wicker gathering baskets and picked up the spear, the answers to these quotidian queries came in a more unified stroke than they do now. The advent of the hunt served a dual purpose—not only to supply the mammoth schnitzel for the entire cave that evening, but also to secure the fluffy hides that would inspire après-ski ensembles for ice ages to come. Anthropologists have yet to pinpoint exactly when “Yes, Chef!” and “Does this fur complement my unibrow?” came into the neolithic vernacular, but we can only imagine that they arrived hand in hand, as the actions of feeding and furnishing were so closely tied in the earliest chapters of our culinary and sartorial history.

In today’s post-mammoth era (how long this era will last, is apparently now back up for discussion), these two daily rituals have become opportunities to define our own unique cultural identity – just ask an American workwear-clad Frenchman who frequently dines out in Paris’s rich Japanese culinary scene. While both the fashion and culinary arts have evolved into their own rich cultural mediums, their genres are more closely linked than one might imagine.

Bear with me. For starters, both cuisine and clothing abide by the seasons. Just as the hearty tweeds of winter give way to crisp cottons of spring, the farmers’ market signals when it’s time to 86 the summer gazpacho and soft-shell crab in favor of creamy butternut squash soup and boeuf bourguignon. Just in time I might add, for this writer to pull his knitwear out of storage and perform the unboxing experiment known as “Schrödinger’s Sweater” (find the original feline reference material here), a suspense-ridden ritual that has historically revealed the leftovers of what seems to be moths’ preferred delicacy: my favorite cashmere crew neck.

Both art forms also have the ability to do what art does best: affect how we think and feel. Donning a well-tailored suit can be a character shaping experience, furnishing a fortress for the body and mind that travels seamlessly from breakfast to the boardroom. Confidence and ease, embodied in a single wearable package. Just as clothing can be transformative, cuisine can be equally transportive, whisking the diner half-way around the world with a bite of goat vindaloo or decades back in time with the crunch of a childhood bakery’s chocolate chip cookie. That said, anyone who has spent significant time around a Parisian patisserie may also be aware of food’s transformative power, particularly around the waistline…

As a society, we maintain a broad range of attitudes on cuisine and clothing. Some of us live to eat, as exemplified by the dawn of the f-word (foodie) in the early 2000’s, while others merely eat to live and would happily survive on instant rice and boiled chicken breast. The daily ritual of getting dressed that is a sacred act of self-realization to some is a purely functional effort to withstand the elements to others. Dare we say that adopting the dress code known as “athleisure” is about as interesting as subsisting on protein shakes and supplements alone?

Despite the many parallels between these two great oeuvres, how we interact with their methodologies differs enormously. When it comes to cooking, even the most novice putterer-around-the-kitchen may have a dusty cookbook or two strewn on top of the fridge, and a few quick keystrokes can generate infinite tried and true recipes in an instant. Whether or not we can follow them exactly remains to be seen. In short, there are instruction manuals when we need them—and most of us, myself included, need them quite frequently to produce anything “fit for human consumption,” as Wodehouse once decreed.

The sources for fashion and style instruction are more elusive. One might encounter a hundred promotional images served up by the fashion industry on an average day in New York City, but they’re often as practically helpful as walking by a billboard featuring a Beef Wellington and being expected to replicate it by sight that evening. The result is that most men can speak to a few directional brands and concepts– “Levis: heritage jeans. Ralph Lauren: classic American style”– but few actually possess the principles of dressing well.

Whereas a Michelin-starred chef might find their counterpart in the Creative Director of a luxury fashion label, the food industry’s curators and instructors that speak to the masses feel conspicuously absent in fashion. Without those indispensable sources that offer a step by step manual on how to bring style to life, many well-intentioned dressers miss the mark more often than not. They aim for the perfectly executed omelette provençale, but end up with overcooked scrambled eggs and burnt toast. As we consider, where are those trusted sources who not only tell us what to cook, but how to cook it?

If this effort has any mission, it is to take a step towards that, to create an ingredient and recipe guide for men's style inspired by our beloved culinary arts. Modern classic menswear is the cuisine du jour, not to be confused with classic modern menswear, which conjures up some mythical sea monster that’s equal parts a shirt designed to be untucked (the brand that shall not be named), joggers, and crocs. While it might be going too far to suggest that the timeless navy blazer is the sartorial equivalent of a New York strip steak—don’t be ridiculous; it’s clearly Jacque Pepin’s roast chicken— the parallels between fabrics and ingredients, color and flavor, proportion and balance, print and spice, texture and…texture, offer an overlooked bridge between cooking and clothing that just might teach us how to dress a little better.

In these posts, I’ll offer a view on the key categories and pieces that comprise a wardrobe, and most importantly, how they can all work together to create a unique and delicious sartorial cuisine of your own. At the end of the day, just think of your closet as a pantry for your clothes. With the right ingredients and a little guidance, you’ll be amazed at how easy dressing well can be.

And with that, let’s get cooking.

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