ALEXANDRE, AUCTIONEER
I remember the impact it made on me when I was 14, and the son of one of my father’s friends turned up at my house dressed in a style I’d never seen before in Orléans: corduroy pants, a pair of Michaels by Paraboot, a sweater draped over his shoulders. I started to seek out stuff myself at flea markets in Orléans. I’d buy loads of random jackets; it drove my parents nuts.
Later on, it was my clothes that helped me win my wife. I’d seen the Merchant Ivory movie Room with a View, which is set in Florence in 1900. All the men wear three-button, cream-colored linen jackets. I bought myself a two-button jacket and made a third buttonhole by hand. That’s how I caught her eye.
I bought this suit at Boggi about three years ago. I like the stripes; they give it a 1930s feel. I have about 20 suits and rotate them and get them altered whenever they need it.
A mauve cotton shirt, naturally, with the Italian spread collar that I like. It’s pretty worn out now; I wear it very often because I feel comfortable in it. I’ll keep wearing it as long as it doesn’t start to fray.
This one I bought on Rue de Turenne, near where I live. I sometimes buy them in batches at a Drouot auction sale.
Generally, when I get a suit made, I ask for a mauve lining – it’s my favorite color. I often wear a pocket handkerchief, which adds a nice little finishing touch to a suit. I don’t really care about the brand; whenever I see one I like, I snap it up, even if it’s just a highstreet brand.
A Rolex. Vintage, naturally. I bought it in the neighborhood where I work, at Drouot, from Mike. The original dial was black, but I had it replaced by a gray dial to make the watch less conspicuous. That black just wasn’t me. I don’t know anything about watches, I just know it’s gorgeous. [Laughs]
For me, when it comes to shoes, it’s Aubercy all the way. I love their store, which has been there since 1930. I love the family, who are all really nice. I love the shape of their shoes and the great service. I think they’re the best shoes you can get, by a long shot. I must have over 10 pairs. Some I bought 20 years ago and still wear; they’re a little scuffed, but that makes them all the more beautiful.