Made For You

By Jack Bettridge

In a world of fast food and one-size-fits-all sensibilities, how often does something feel made especially for you? The "Made for You" section celebrates those items that are created with such high quality of hand workmanship and degree of customization that they become individual to you. In each issue, our editors will endeavor to bring you special things from anywhere on the globe, choosing them solely on the basis of outstanding quality. Our goal is to give you guidance on the best of everything.

ALL-DAY STYLE -- OXXFORD COUTURE

The newest wrinkle at Oxxford Clothes, the venerable menswear maker, is the arrival of creative director Jack Simpson, formerly of Dormeuil, who is introducing his day-to-evening philosophy of dress as Oxxford Clothes Couture by Jack Simpson. Simpson identifies nine categories of clothing, including varying takes on casual, professional and formal, to suit a man through the day. He brings his colorful sense of style as well as strong shoulder silhouette to custom Oxxford shops in Neiman Marcus locations in the Las Vegas, Chicago and Washington areas. 800-937-9146

BETTER SWEATER -- AVON CELLI

Italian knitwear maker Avon Celli marries high tech to low with its sumptuous 24-ply handmade sweater, nicknamed the "large macaroni." Meticulously selected cashmere from Inner Mongolia is spun in a specially developed machine to create a tight spiral tube of yarn. Knitting is all by hand, done with extra large wooden needles in a continuous circle that creates a seamless sweater that is reversible. The knitting process takes 24 hours. Only 250 of the sweaters will be created. www.avoncelli.com

SWEET BRED -- NEUHAUS CHOCOLATE

As sweet-buying season (read: Valentine's Day) approaches, consider Neuhaus Chocolates, the Belgian confectioner since 1857 that first created chocolate boxes that could be shipped. All natural ingredients -- no preservatives or vegetable oils -- contribute to an array of chocolates, fudge, pralines and bonbons. Princess Diana was a regular customer of its handmade Caprices. Through its retail outlets you can taste before you buy. On the Internet site you get quick delivery. www.neuhauschocolate.com

PRETTY IN PORCELAIN -- LLADRO

Lladro, the renowned designer and maker of porcelain sculptures, continues to push the boundaries of its art with a collection that includes a series of bathers, as well as pieces inspired by the work of artist Gustav Klimt based on the mysteries of life, and representations of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom. Founded in Valencia, Spain, in 1950 by three brothers, the company has created an ever-expanding body of work that embraces a Mediterranean sense of craftsmanship, beauty and serenity. www.lladro.com

TIES TO PARIS -- CHARVET

London's Jermyn Street has it hands down for concentration of shirt stores, but devotees of Charvet of Paris will say that its huge collection of shirting fabrics and patterns in specially selected and exclusively created Egyptian cotton makes it the true Mecca. However you fall, the tie selection may be the deal breaker; the exquisite neckwear in bold patterns made with extra dense silk always identifies the Charvet man. You needn't go to Paris (011-33-4260-3070); Charvet is available at New York's Bergdorf Goodman (212-753-7300).

DUFFEL ON SAVILE ROW -- RICHARD ANDERSON

One doesn't usually think of duffel coats when it comes to custom tailoring on Savile Row. But one of London tailor Richard Anderson's customers did, and true to the bespoke we'll-make-anything nature of his business, he made and now displays a model in 21-ounce Melton wool at his shop. Adding to the irony, the talented Mr. Anderson also makes jackets of Guanashina, which is possibly the world's most costly cloth (available with platinum buttons). www.RichardAndersonLtd.com

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