If your summer holidays involve yachts or private islands, or even just a day in the country, be sure to throw some classic, comfortable basics from James Perse – who opened his first Canadian outpost, in Westmount, earlier this summer – into your suitcase.
Perse comes to Montreal by way of L.A., where his father Tommy introduced Californians to the avant-garde designs of Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons through his iconic store, Maxfield, in the ’80s. The son, inspired by a beachside childhood, got his start designing jersey baseball caps and simple tees for his dad’s clients. Today James’ luxury brand, famous for its Italian-made cotton tees ($59), has developed a cult following of young men-about-Hollywood like Ashton Kutcher and Tobey Maguire.
At Perse’s minimalist, earthy Westmount boutique, you’ll find covetable finds – think striped cotton slim shirts, cargo shorts, casual khakis and plush athletic wear – everywhere, lined up on the dark wood shelves or meticulously folded on a massive wood table. For some California dreamin’, pick up a bright tee with printed names of Malibu beaches, or a lightweight fleece sweatshirt for chilly sunset walks along the beach. Finally, for late-night lounging, try some crisp cotton knit PJs – or, if things go well – throw them aside and luxuriate in Perse’s signature 500-thread-count cotton sheets – and the company of a beautiful woman.
James Perse, 4869 Sherbrooke St. W., 514-484-6163.
