A Chic Shack for James Perse

(NEW YORK) Basics baron James Perse ventured all the way from Los Angeles on Tuesday night to fête the opening of his first men's-only boutique-or, as he calls it, "chic shack"-at 361 Bleecker Street, a few doors down from his formerly unisex shop. Now, like a junior high dance, the boys are separated from the girls, but this just means there's more to pick from in both locales.

"We just desperately wanted to be on Bleecker, and had to wait for something to else open up for the men's shop," said Perse, who's based in Malibu. "Men are loyal and like to come back to the same places over and over, especially if they live right next door." What kind of homme is he expecting? "A classic guy who's not too trend-driven," he replied. "I always like to think of JFK Jr.-the down-to-earth young professional."

On hand to celebrate with guy-friendly snacks like corn dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn were Tommy Perse (James' father and owner of Maxfield), Alexis Bryan, Matt Albiani, and Derek Blasberg, all of whom crowded into the 800-square-foot space alongside the posse of Ashley Olsen, Victoria Traina, and Alexandra Hamile. "James' stuff is really simple. It's the kind of stuff you can wear everyday," offered Olsen. "I live really close by, so I thought I'd stop in and say hi. I know James from back in L.A."

Will Perse be next in line for a CFDA award? "He's not a member yet, but I hope he'll apply," reported its executive director, Steven Kolb. "I love his stuff, don't you?"
ANGELA GAIMARI