Behind the label: Pheres: Designer Narcisa Pheres' eponymous brand

Who started it? Narcisa Pheres launched her eponymous menswear label in Milan, Italy, in 2006, and displayed her first collection at the city's Istituto di Moda Burgo. Pheres' focus on producing the best, handcrafted range of menswear and accessories from neck (silk ties) to toe (exotic leather shoes) made it a hit from the outset. Pheres opened in Japan during the same year it was launched in Milan, then into Singapore in 2008 and Hong Kong last year. 

Why we love it: because of the Italian sheen and shine that rings of la dolce vita. The clothes are lined with materials such as silk, cashmere and wool-silk blends while the bags and shoes are made of the finest - and often exotic - leather. There's a strong adherence to classic design and silhouettes: from its silk ties to classic-cut suits, crisp white linen shirts to the muted shades of the scarves, everything has a refined Italian touch. 

What we'd pick: Pheres' bow-ties (top; HK$2,000 to HK$3,000) have a timeless appeal and we love the black man's bag (below; HK$60,000), but there's also something very cool about the stingray shoes (above; HK$25,000). 

Where can you get it? Pheres is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388. 

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan 

January 22, 2012