There seems to be a fair number of Italian haberdasheries in New York yet I find some of them somewhat offensive, if not ostensbily. For example Peter Eliot with its sales akin to a country liquidation auction.

Jay Kos is caustic. There also seems to be a new shop called Venanzi who opened in collaboration with James & James. I have no experience.

Davide Cenci is quite nice.

As for Italianate shoes, Gatto and Robero Ugolini are lovely as well.

Last edited by Incroyable (2006-03-10 18:46:14)

Yes, I agree with you since I believe Davies's pricing for a basic two piece is about $3500 and the price Venanzi charges is apparently $5500.

Yet the bit of subterfuge that seems to be employed by Venanzi here is that they say their collaboration is with James & James when in fact James & James is the same company as Davies.

Of course, a bit of money making on part of the naive client.

The shop also has jewelry cabinets in the shapes of Palladian villas and other historical modes by Viscount Linley. A bit of whimsy, I suppose.

Last edited by Incroyable (2006-03-11 00:19:13)

Te elaborate on Monetti, what they do so well is present elegant clothing to be worn in many situations.  You never get the idea that their garments are just business wear, but that they are to be worn to the corner store or to the coffee shop as well.  I would agree that it is a slightly preppy look, but so is much of the best Italian wear.  I would say the overall look that they present is that I look great, but I do not care too much.

Edited to reflect clothing store rather than Moretti beer

Last edited by kenperes (2006-03-11 13:37:53)

This is very interesting, Twin Six. I can imagine the mark-up would be significant given Japanese duties and the Japanese concept of paying full retail for items as a mark of pride.

The products are very one-off, classic and masculine without being overbearing. As I understand it, the store started by selling shaving accoutrements since the owner had a large collection of razors, etc. Of course, they branched out into other esoteric elegance and commission makers to produce "artisinal" goods.

I've been to the store once and it was very beautiful. Bergdorf Goodman in New York also has a small G.Lorenzi outlet.