It's a Man's World | Travel + Leisure
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It's a Man's World

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Short of that ultimate London souvenir, the bespoke three-piece suit, there are plenty of other accessories for the stylish gentleman. At the book-lined Library (268 Brompton Rd.; 44-207/589-6569), old-fashioned library cards replace conventional tags and even the receipts carry out the bibliothèque theme. The conceit may be old-guard, but the stock is strictly avant-garde, featuring Martin Margiela's deconstructed sweaters and Maharishi's embellished trousers. • At Ozwald Boateng (9 Vigo St.; 44-207/437-0620), even the smallest items reflect the designer's skill with color. Bright gold neckties with one large marbleized dot are about $120. • In Covent Garden, both Hope & Glory (30 Shorts Gardens; 44-207/240-3713) and Duffer of St. George (29 Shorts Gardens; 44-207/379-4660) are known for their twisted preppy classics—shirts with amusing details; quirky trucker hats. • Sir Paul Smith's namesake store (40-44 Floral St.; 44-207/379-7133) is famous for its updated English classics, such as cashmere sweaters in unexpected colors, and subtly flowered shirts. • A more traditional option, the long-established haberdashery Swaine Adeny Brigg (54 St. James St.; 44-207/409-7277), offers exquisite umbrellas (from $300) and pigskin gloves ($250). • While you're in the neighborhood, stop in at Bates Gentlemen's Hatters (21A Jermyn St.; 44-207/734-2722). Unchanged for a century, Bates specializes in hats, from the traditional British flat cap to a motoring cap with earflaps, called a rally cap. Tip your new fedora to Binks, a cat who strolled into the shop in 1921 and became the store's mascot. Binks, now stuffed, holds a tiny cigarette, wears a miniature top hat, and peers out at shoppers from a glass cabinet.

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