The Germans are grossly underrated on the style front, but I think that's the way they like it. Always a pleasure to go there and I will be there on Tuesday!

My main gripe with non- and semi-sartorialist shops, especially in Zurich, is how they go about business with a mix of misconceived style rules and plain cluelessness. Things are hugely overpriced and usually not top of the crop. Of course there's always the odd pleasant surprise!

Its Bel Y Cia and its the same company as the store in Barcelona. I've been in the Barcelona store and its the best shop for quality I've ever been in. Every item is top notch. Their trade mark piece is the Teba jacket which they made for the count of Teba as a type of hunting jacket. They can make MTM (as is their suiting) or you can buy off the rail, sleeves are unfinished. I fell in love with a green one in cashmere which was €800. Sadly it was too short in the body. I was kinda reluctant to have it MTM and shipped to me without trying it on. Always my first port of call when I'm in Barcelona and I always get a couple of their knitted ties. They have the best selection of knits I've ever seen. Wrapped in tissue paper and boxed before being bagged. I do like a good box. Their cashmere 1/2 zips are another highlight for me. Shirts are lush as well, lots of hand work, again MTM is on offer which starts at €400. If I recall correct their label is in all the garments but the shoes are Edward Green. Service is very old school. Great shop. Though they pissed my mates dad off when he called to collect something and they rang his wife and asked her if she'd sent her "driver". He now refuses to shop there. Theres a womans Bel Y Cia next door, in Barcelona.

I own two pairs of Ludwig Reiter " Spitzderbies" in Suede and Water Buffalo leather purchased at
their main shop in Vienna in 2005. I am an extremely difficult fit- I wear 4E running shoes. Vass
was unable to fit me in Budapest. I had the same result in Vienna including Balint- magnificent
shoes RTW and of course bespoke. However, at Ludwig Reiter, one last worked. After almost 10 years
the shoes show almost no wear. Full disclosure: I am retired and don't wear dress shoes every day.
Nevertheless, these shoes are very high quality. I was back in Austria last October and planned to
buy a couple more pairs. But as luck would have it "my last" was discontinued and they no
longer were able to fit me. I am still considering their offer to do a special make up in the discontinued
last. However, I prefer to try on shoes when I buy them. If one likes traditional "Mitteleuropa" style
and exceptional quality, Ludwig Reiter is a great choice. Also, their customer service, at least in
Vienna, is excellent.

I'm at a loss, What's an old school rich person...?

Did i say that? Dont suggest things I have not said.

i curse you

F.G. Van Den Heuvel near the Dutch parliament:

http://www.fgvandenheuvel.nl/

Despite it's proximity to where the politicians are, you won't find them in here, they shop for their suits and ties at Pelger and Oger around the corner.

F.G. Van Den Heuvel caters for the discerning ambassador, special envoys, high level embassy staff, the King and those working on prime choice commissions, Human Rights courts and other UN and EU sponsored organisations where you don't pay any tax.

Indeed, spot on! You can also get proper mustard yellow trousers and the like.

It's interesting 25 years ago, just about, every small town would have had such a menswear establishment. Some of them catering to the less affluent, but what remains now are only the top-notch ones whose clientele when they buy something are looking to get two decades or three worth of wear out of it. For them, the vagaries of fashion is something horrid and to be frowned upon. They would be aghast at the iGent mutation, especially the pants they sport. Likely there's still these places in the more rural and pleasing parts of the north, places like Beverley and Harrogate.

Excellent places to shop if you know what you are doing, to the uninitiated they can be maze and intimidating. Case in point, F.G. Van Den Heuvel have a serious range of ties and have a selection and not just a few, of ties that are in style and quality could be Hermes. I defy anyone, without looking at the label, with the tie in a knot being worn who could tell the difference. The cost, a mere €65-75. Well worth it.

Also in / near the Dorchester, there are some very expensive boutiques with questionable clothes. "Italian" style. Actually I thought Rubinacci would be one of them.