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.

THE PERFECT MATCH -- 6PM.COM
In honor of spring, it's time for a new pair of oxfords and an attaché that complements them. But rather than hop from one retailer to the next in search of a professional pairing, go directly to 6PM.com. Once at 6PM (which stands for 6 Perfect Matches), let the Web site's Match Maker select the attachés, briefcases, luggage and accessories that best pair with your taste in shoes. With everything from Bruno Magli loafers to Timberland hiking boots, Samsonite briefcases to Timbuk2 messenger bags, 6PM.com has the perfect match for you.

RENT-A-DREAM -- HERTZ PRESTIGE COLLECTION
Tired of that Mercury Sable? Don't want to rent another Chrysler Sebring? Hertz is ready to help. The big car rental company expanded its Prestige Collection in 2005 to include more luxury vehicles. Now you can get behind the wheel of a Hummer or a Land Rover, a Jaguar S-Series or an Audi A8L. Rates are higher, but you ride in luxury. One tip: reserve the car you want, and insist on it. www.hertzprestigecollection.com

PARAGON OF PENS -- OMAS
The Italian pen maker Omas celebrates its original 12-sided pen, the Faccettata (1930), with the Arte Italiana collection, which uses the same classic Doric column design. Our favorite of the collection is the Paragon (pictured) in black with palladium finish, but a number of combinations are available, including celluloid, vegetal resin, titanium, solid silver, and yellow gold or white gold in essential woods. Models come as fountain pens, ballpoints and mechanical pencils. www.omas.net

GOLD STANDARD -- PREMIUM MODEL ENGINEERING
Gold and platinum model-car bodies? How about black onyx tires and mountain-crystal windows? German engineer Robert Gülpen crafts auto replicas that few of us would have dreamt of while gluing plastic parts as as kids. His exquisite detailing demands that each limited-edition model use dozens of disposable molds. Cars come in three sizes, from three to nine inches, and are mounted on black marble slabs. www.guelpen.com

PLEASE BE SEATED -- F.M. ALLEN
Even if you're not booked for a personalized safari with outfitter F.M. Allen, you can roost in front of a Nature Channel special as if you're seated at camp in the Kalahari. The company now sells its Roorkhee chair, a piece of campaign furniture developed for British army officers stationed in India during the Edwardian era. Made of mahogany, saddle leather and canvas with brass hardware, it assembles or breaks down in minutes. The lightweight chair stores in a canvas bag to be brought along by those actually on safari. www.fmallen.com

PRESIDENTIAL PERKS -- THE AMERICAN CHEF
Even if you've never set foot in the White House, you can still entertain in presidential style by electing former White House Chef Walter Scheib to cater your next family reunion, corporate luncheon or intimate dinner party. From his casual South Lawn Barbecues to his black-tie State Dinners, Chef Scheib crafts culinary events according to your specifications. So whether you prefer a discreet First Family brunch or a cooking class that dishes up White House kitchen secrets, Scheib will make your culinary endeavor into a capital celebration. www.theamericanchef.com

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