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HOW TO GET FORET’S LOOK: Black Richard James suit; blue Fray dress shirt; yellow Kiton tie; brown Harris shoes; and a Barneys label pocket square |
Louisiana-bred ken foret was happy to return to the south as vice president and general manager of Barneys New York in Dallas. Foret left the Manhasset, New York, store he had managed since 1998 to open the new Dallas location. He has experience in this location (he worked at the original Dallas store from 1992 to 1993), but says, “The size and the scope is different this time. We have a better understanding of the market.”
Twenty-five percent of the 88,000-square-foot flagship store is dedicated to men, and offerings range from designer and casual Barneys CO-OP collections to luxury sportswear to classic made-to-measure suits, in addition to a selection of dress shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories. The space houses menswear by Elie Tahari, Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Battistoni, Valentino, Trovata, and Jil Sander, just to name a few. “We have the most unique point of difference in luxury brands, many exclusive to the market,” Foret says. “We tend to nurture niche brands.”
When he’s not helping customers on the first floor of the store, Foret can be found dining at Hibiscus or Parigi, and getting clipped at Salon Three Thirty. As befits a man with perfect style.
FORET’S PERSONAL FAVES
SUITS: Richard James, Battistoni (exclusive to Barneys), Brioni, and Barneys own label ($1,195-$1,495), which is handmade in Italy.
GROOMING ESSENTIALS: Natura Bisse Diamond Cream ($250); Re Vive Eye Deux ($250): “I feel 10 years younger when I use this,” says Foret; and products by Refinery ($22-$55).
ACCESSORIES: Valextra wallets ($290-$790): this line “rivals Hermes”; and antique cufflinks, including those made from vintage typewriter keys ($75/each).
MUST-HAVES: Fray sport shirts ($300-$500): “They have amazing construction and come with collar stays”; a navy pinstripe suit; a gray suit; a pair of Artisan shoes by Berluti ($1,000-$1,400) or Harris ($425-$585); and no fewer than three sports coats.
NEW MEN’S LINES COMING SOON: Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Thom Browne (all arriving in August).
SECRET SERVICES: Personal shopper Paula Accosta is on-site to help you build your wardrobe and can have items waiting for you in a private dressing area if you are in a rush; beverage service is offered while you shop (wine, beer, bottled water); facials can be booked with a licensed aesthetician to try out new skin-care lines, free of charge, in the private spa area.
