New for Fall: The Ultimate Belvest Jacket

As soft as you can imagine and available in classic blue, top Italian tailor Belvest brings us one of our ten essentials for fall. Unlined and made of incredible cashmere, this coat is perfect for anything - travel, the office, your imagination is the only limit.

Posted by LC at 8:23 AM

posted: November 19, 2009

"The History of the bottom down Shirt"

The button down shirt has quite an interesting history. Also known as the sport shirt, the name "button down" refers to the collar. Shirts button up, but collars button down.

The legacy only grows from there - It is a well known fact that Gianni Agnelli (often considered the best dressed man of all time) was a massive fan of Brooks Brothers button down shirts and would buy them in bulk during his business trips to America. This started a major craze in Italy causing many people to not only wear button down shirts, but wear them like Gianni Agnelli with their collars unbuttoned showcasing their own Sprezzatura. The trend has been continued by well dressed Italians everywhere including Agnelli's protege Luca Di Montezemolo.

Originally called polo shirts, the name derived from late 19th century English polo players as they wore long sleeve oxford cloth shirts while playing. To prevent their collars from flapping while galloping on the field, players would use buttons to affix their collars to their shirts. Noticing this, John Brooks (of Brooks Brothers fame) adopted this in 1896 and began selling these shirts in his family stores. This is why Brooks Brothers labels still say "The Original Polo Shirt".

This story is reaffirmed by current Brooks Brothers owner Claudio Del Vecchio. Mr. Del Vecchio, an Italian and self admitted Agnelli fan says that Agnelli is the reason that spread and button down collars are the only two collars consistently seen around Italy.

We must thank Gianni Agnelli, as the Italians have perfected the art of the button down and still make some of the best in the world - Luciano Barbera, Sartoria Partenopea, Luigi Borrelli, Zegna, Culturata - all available here at Lawrence Covell.

Such an interesting history: an American icon influenced by the English, perfected by the Italians, the history of the Button Down shirt. Posted by LC at 11:48 AM

posted: November 9, 2009

posted: November 9, 2009

Andrea Fenzi New in men's: a colorful assortment of Fenzi Merino Wool sweaters. We have knit vests, mezzocollos, and classic V necks. Prices start at only $195, so do not miss out on these incredible pieces.

These knits are perfect for anything - under a suit, for travel, casual day around the house, or even around the shoulders as you walk the dog around Wash Park. Again, stop by or call the store and we can fill you in on all of the great colors.

posted: October 29, 2009