Contrary to popular belief, examples sometimes come from below. Napoleon often judged his generals by the quality of this sartorial detail. The Emperor’s were always impeccable. A visit to the Mes Chaussettes Rouges boutique in Paris is a good way to find out. In their den on rue César-Franck (15^e), where a wide selection of Mazarin and Gallo socks are on offer… Vincent Metzger and Jacques Tiberghien (below) have preserved a historic example worn by the victor of Austerlitz. This undergarment is always a measure of personality.

So much so, in fact, that some of the world’s most discerning shoppers have no qualms about having the models of their choice made to measure. Whether for color, texture, rib width or atypical patterns, the Parisian specialists have a machine on site that is unique in France. It’s even rumored in the neighborhood that a prince recently ordered several hundred pairs. Pure Scottish yarn, silk, merino wool…