B.W. COOK -- The look

The upscale Town and Country Magazine’s May 2000 issue profiles the

French design house known as Hermes of Paris, which has a Costa Mesa

store.

“There is luxury and there is Hermes,” shares the uncredited writer,

who goes on to explain the difference. “Touch is Hermes secret weapon ...

the caress of super-supple leather, the soft stroke of voluptuous silk

and the irresistible embrace of meltingly luscious cashmere.”

And all this super quality is not just for the ladies, although Hermes

counts among its customers women as diverse as Queen Elizabeth II and

Madonna. Hermes is for the gents as well.

The firm, established in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, was a purveyor of

leather goods to the wealthy carriage trade. Today such men as heartthrob

Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck is among Hermes celeb boosters.

In our midst, Big Canyon resident Lionel Crotin, an international

investment banker based in Newport Beach, models the fine fabrics and

fashions for men. All by Hermes, at South Coast Plaza.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

FO

1. Lionel Crotin wears essential Hermes from head to toe. A white

T-shirt with the designers’ ‘H’ pocket logo ($125) is shown with sueded

cotton slacks in o7 vert foncef7 , or dark green, ($385). The sweater

around his neck is a cashmere V-neck in bright Hermes orange, one of its

signature colors, ($1,275). Accessories include a reversible leather belt

with gold-tone buckle ($395) and gold-tone leather sneakers ($525), both

complete with logos.

2. For fall, there is the Hermes rain slicker of dark green canvas

lined with orange wool ($1,200).

3. Lionel Crotin wears a more relaxed nylon-hooded windbreaker that

Hermes calls its sweatshirt ($1,720). The reversible garment is fashioned

of navy blue nylon on one side and cashmere on the other. Made in France.

4. For lounging, a white terry-cloth robe made in Belgium ($540.)

Hermes also makes the coffee cup and saucer ($110), from the Africa line.

The theme is strictly jungle with elephants prancing on a field of terra

cotta.

5. A linen jacket with a mandarin collar is made in Italy and comes in

a navy blue fabric the French call o7 veste c.droitf7 ($1,825).

6. A lightweight pale gray (o7 gris clairf7 ) nylon jacket ($1,120)

for an afternoon at a football game or on the yacht.

7. A pinpoint cotton shirt ($255) with a custom silk tie ($125), both

by Hermes.

8. Hermes Amphi shoes in black leather ($830).

9. The signature ‘H’ leather belt ($395) is reversible and features a

gold- or silver-tone buckle.