In a world where luxury is often perceived as the exclusive domain of the elite, menswear boutique Connaisseur Paris is changing the game and challenging the status quo with a refreshing approach to men’s fashion. Founded by fashion designers Alain Chaps and Julius Ade, this avant-garde brand aims to make luxury accessible to men who enjoy the elegance of fine suits and other clothing but don’t have a couture budget. “Our strategy is to give access to high-end products to the young professional who isn’t a millionaire yet and to the savvy millionaire. Everyone should be able to wear a beautiful suit,” Chaps says.
The story of Connaisseur Paris is deeply rooted in a rich heritage and understanding of men’s contemporary fashion needs. Chaps, whose fashion experience spans continents, carries the legacy of his father, a distinguished clothier. “When I was growing up in Cameroon, I was always involved in fashion. My father was one of the few Africans at the time who had an Italian boutique. My uncle also had boutiques. That gave me a head start,” he says. Chaps’ early immersion in fashion was further bolstered by an internship in Paris’ world-renowned fashion district when he was just 16. “People always came to me when they needed help; they called me Le Connaisseur,” he says, laughing.
Following his formative years in Africa, Chaps moved to Paris to continue his fashion journey, then transitioned to the United States in 2000, where he joined the U.S. Army. It was during this period that the designer saw a significant gap in the American clothing market. “Living in the U.S., I noticed a lack of middle ground in men’s fashion,” he says. “If a gentleman wants to dress well, he either has to go really high-end in price or settle for very low-quality options.” His dissatisfaction with the available choices—typically either prohibitively expensive or subpar in quality—spurred him to create a new solution.
In 2010, Chaps and Ade launched their first Connaisseur Paris boutique with a vision to create a revolution in men’s fashion. With stores now in Paris, Washington, D.C., Houston and Atlanta, Connaisseur Paris has established a respected presence in the fashion world. Each boutique reflects the local demographic, with tailored offerings that resonate with diverse customer bases. In Paris, the clientele is predominantly white, while in Atlanta, a larger proportion of customers are Black. “Regardless of the city or demographic, we are the go-to because we offer very competitive pricing and high quality,” Chaps says.
His insights into the evolving attitudes of American men toward fashion are particularly revealing. He notes Americans have a corner on the market when it comes to casualwear. “The American man falls into one of two categories: The first one is those who are into couture and love to dress. Although there is more money in the United States, this is a very small crowd. They are savvy; they travel and don’t necessarily shop in the U.S. The other group wants to dress but don’t. They’ll spend more money on a big brand and casual streetwear, which is very expensive. When it comes to the casual look, Americans dominate, but young adults in France, for example, are more developed because they’re following a more traditional route.”
Chaps notes a renaissance in American men’s style consciousness, with a growing awareness of fitness and an increasing preference for well-tailored clothing. “The American man is changing. He is more meticulous in his care and wants to dress better. That’s why all the big chain stores that dressed men badly are failing. They didn’t do a good job,” Chaps says. This shift aligns with his vision for Connaisseur Paris as a hub for high-quality, well-tailored clothing that offers a superior shopping experience.
“It’s very important to present yourself well,” Chaps says. “Among the five senses, the visual is the first you relate with. Dressing well sets the tone. It gives insight into the person. It says this person is elegant, successful, intentional, respectful, credible and a gentleman; it’s a disservice when men don’t dress well.”
At Connaisseur Paris, every visit offers a curated experience, with timeless pieces that perfectly balance affordability and luxury. The brand is renowned for using high-end Italian fabrics and its commitment to European-made clothing—a testament to Chaps’ dedication to maintaining the highest standards.
“We are a one-stop shop for the gentleman. You may wear shorts at home, but in a public space, a gentleman wears suits. A casual look is chinos with a nice shirt and loafer at the very least,” Chaps says. The boutique also carries a range of accessories, including bracelets, watches, cufflinks, pocket squares, bow ties, glasses and bags. “Accessories allow you greater range of expression,” he notes. “Today, men carry keys, phones, glasses and sometimes a computer. Everyone needs a bag; women figured that out a long time ago.”
Connaisseur Paris offers three categories of clothing: ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke. The ready-to-wear collection, designed by Chaps, is updated frequently to keep options fresh. “I don’t follow traditional seasons in fashion; I do more than 20 productions a year because I want to keep customers engaged. I do very small numbers, not uniforms,” he says. Made-to-measure suits are particularly popular for special occasions, such as weddings, providing customization options that cater to the groom and groomsmen’s individual styles and color preferences. “There’s no limit to what we can do,” Chaps says.
However, it is the bespoke service where Connaisseur Paris truly excels. This service offers a full custom experience, allowing clients to sculpt a suit explicitly tailored to their unique measurements and preferences. “Every human being is different; our morphology is different,” Chaps points out. “Even if we’re the same height and weight, it’s hard to find two people who are the same.” The bespoke process involves selecting the fabric and lining, crafting the suit, sending it back to Europe for a second fitting, then finalizing it. “Our bespoke service is the ultimate suit. It’s the highest level of craftsmanship in men’s fashion. This service was dying, but we’re bringing it back,” Chaps says.
The growing preference for boutiques rather than chain stores means boutiques are exploding in nearly every city. However, Chaps points out that many lack proper training and service, which underscores the importance of Connaisseur Paris’ approach. The boutique emphasizes the need for customers to understand what constitutes a high-quality suit. “What makes a good suit? It’s the natural fiber, the fabric, how it’s made, the craftsmanship and the proper fit,” Chaps explains. This educational aspect is crucial in replacing the traditional department store model with a more personalized boutique experience.
Connaisseur Paris is not just a boutique; it represents a new standard in men’s fashion. By blending rich heritage with a keen understanding of modern fashion needs, Chaps and Ade have created a space where luxury is accessible and high-quality fashion is within reach for every discerning gentleman. As Connaisseur Paris continues to expand and redefine the boundaries of men’s style, it stands as a testament to the belief that elegance and sophistication should be available to all who seek to present themselves with intention and grace. *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
