Considering this city’s sartorial legacy rests on leggings, boardshorts and the balls-out ostentation of Ed Hardy, it’s not difficult to understand our aversion to suits.
Perhaps because our cars stand in for formalwear.
But every Angeleno man needs a suit. We just need it styled light. Breathable. Hip. And that’s why you should avail yourself of storied men’s clothier Seize sur Vingt, just now open in WeHo.
Discreetly located in an alley directly southeast of the Pacific Design Center, SsV’s partnered with family-run tailors in Bari, Italy, who hand-stitch premium Neapolitans. As in soft-shouldered. As in perfect for LA.
Once inside, ask for Charles Wallace (whom you may know from Scott Hill). He’ll guide you to the tweed-walled fitting room and offer you a glass of Berkshire Mountain whiskey to sip as you flip through the Dormeuil swatch-books.
Pick the nanotechnology fabric, a baby-lamb-soft, tropical-weight wool that expands and contracts depending on the temperature. And look for lighter, natural tones.
Your measurements are recorded with a 3D camera so that the folks in Italy can see how you move and, most importantly, how you relax: natural posture ensures a perfect fit.
Charles’ll bring out your playful side when you pick a shirt, customizing buttons and patterns with appropriate bravado.
And as we Angelenos like to show a little chest, SsV has moved the second button a notch higher – such that you can leave the top down without going full Tony Montana.
Another premium detail: the sleeve is stitched off-center from the inseam, allowing for greater movement and reduced bunching.
For shoes, grab the perforated bucks.
Your suit will take a month to make. But perfection’s worth it.
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