Yes, Your Survival Guy is back from a three-week excursion that took us from New York via the QM2 to South Hampton, then to London, and finally to Paris. But what can I say about Paris that you can’t read about? Plenty. What makes it enjoyable is we don’t have an agenda. We walk the streets, stop by our favorite cafés, and try to immerse ourselves in Parisian life.
On the Left Bank (the river Seine splits Paris in two sections called “Banks”: Left is to the south of the river and Right is north), across the street from Hermes is one of several Berluti boutiques in Paris.
Founded in 1895 by Italian Alessandro Berluti, Berluti is owned by LVMH (what doesn’t it own?) and headquartered in Paris. All bespoke suits and garments ordered from any of the 46 boutiques around the world are crafted at this location (the shoes are made in Italy).
As an aside, Berluti is the designer of the French team’s uniforms for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Your Survival Guy’s been following the company for years.
Let me just say, I don’t go to Paris to shop. That’s a pastime I prefer to watch from the sidelines until I’m pulled into the game for payment. But on this trip, I decided it was time to visit Berluti and make an investment, if you will.
My first impression was through salesman Jimmy Delmore, who greeted us with the professionalism, enthusiasm, and knowledge only found in those who believe in their product. Recognize here that Your Survival Guy is a son of a salesman, who is a son of salesman. My standard response is, “Thank you (Merci), I’m just looking.” But when someone is so proud of what he’s describing, it’s hard not to listen and learn. Meet ambassador Jimmy.
Jimmy was so good; the next thing I knew, I was watching him carefully slide the most beautiful driving loafers on my son. Wait a minute here, Jimmy, this is not happening. As Jimmy reappeared with another size, he said, “Before you go, I will show you, sir, how to care for your shoes.” As we were walking out with our three pairs and a belt, it occurred to me that I had forgotten to ask him to explain his preference for care. Not to worry. He made this video that afternoon and texted it to me. Enjoy.
Originally posted on Your Survival Guy.
