Maison Mary Beyer

Mary Beyer's life story reads like a particularly glamorous soap opera: a model in the high-flying 70s for Yves Saint Laurent and Courrèges (working under the nom de guerre, Britt Cavallaro!), exclusive jewellery designer in the 80s, to haute couture glovemaker today. In 2000, Mme Beyer bought the fabled Lavabre Cadet glove confection in Millau, thus saving a centuries-old tradition and becoming the favoured glove supplier to luxury houses including Dior, Chanel, Alaïa and Vuitton.

Being fitted for gloves by Mme. Beyer's staff at her new Palais Royal address is a study in elegance. Precise measurements of both hands are taken and recorded and only the noblest materials (mink, crocodile, kid, and ostrich) are used. Custom, couture gloves are cut and stitched in fifteen days. Last season's hit was a quietly sumptuous all mink, fingerless mitten.