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FEATURE STORY

06 04 02

Objects of His Desire

Father's Day gifts for the man who has everything (but knows how to appreciate the extras in life).

By Lee Cutrone
Photos by David Richmond

Photos by David Richmond

It's a rare dad who doesn't have a watch to keep track of time. But a special timepiece like a Swiss-made pocket watch will remind him to treasure time as well. Choose a classic gold-plated, wind-up pocket watch adorned with flowers and flourishes, $375; or sporty, stainless steel, battery-operated pocket watch with a copper face, $250. Both by Tissot, from the Clock & Watch Shop (824 Gravier St., 525-3961).

Photo by David Richmond

Give them shaving cream and a razor and most men are good to go. But what dad wouldn't prefer to lather with a regal regimen of Italian shaving accoutrements? Made by Proraso, this before-during-and-after lineup cools, coddles and invigorates the skin. Shaving soap (for use with a shaving brush) with eucalyptus oil, $10.95; liquid cream after-shave in an alcohol-free formula that refreshes and moisturizes, $14.95; and pre- and after-shave cream with eucalyptus oil that softens the beard before shaving and gently soothes afterward, $12.95. Put it all on a rectangular green glass tray, $9.95; all from Earthsavers (5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 985-875-0300; 3414 Hwy. 190, The Premier Center, Mandeville, 985-674-1133).

Photo by David Richmond

If he's got the time, we've got the gear. Show him how to "hang" in style with a colorful striped hammock that neatly travels in its own matching bag, $59; a breathable, all-weather hat made of sunny yellow nylon (available in a variety of colors), $29; and a cool, comfortable pair of Chaco's "walkabout" sandals, $90, good for everything from hiking to hammocking, all from Massey's Professional Outfitters (3363 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-1144).

Photo by David Richmond

Most men have a selection of ties, but here's a novel take on the tried-and-true: beautifully patterned silk ties by Eddia have a narrow, diagonal flap that lifts up to reveal a spot where the giver can write a special message to the recipient. Each time Dad lifts the flap, the message will lift his spirits. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, $114 each, from Jems For Men (901 Canal St., Ritz-Carlton Gallerie of Shops, 522-7694).

Photos by David Richmond

It's summertime and the living's easy, so deck Dad out in a new mix of casual clothing and accessories that says just that. Start with a straw hat by Helen Kaminski Men, $99; add a tropical print linen shirt by Isda & Co, $90; and finish with a pair of black calf sandals by Donald Pliner, $160. All from Il Negozio (3607 Magazine St., 269-0130).

Photo by David Richmond

For the fisherman who's already got an array of equipment -- and fish tales to go with it -- fish folk art makes a light-hearted, non-utilitarian way to honor his sportsmanship and highlight the pleasures of his favorite leisure pursuit, $80 to $185, from Sitting Duck Interiors Gallery (3953 Magazine St., 899-2007).

Photo by David Richmond

Let him know that he's brightened your life with a de-light-fully chic design that will illuminate his: Ar? polished chrome halogen lamp by Philippe Starck, $775, from Ray Langley Interiors (434 Julia St., 522-2284).

Photo by Tim Banfell

For the doting dad who wants for nothing but deserves the world, a sparkling gemstone globe makes the point nicely. Countries of the world are represented by the stones that are indigenous to those areas. Choose from the 5-inch globe shown here, $360; or a 3-inch version set on a lapis base with a clock and pen holder included, $270; from Silk Road Collection (7352 W. Roadway Drive, 286-2070; moving July 1 to 3714 Magazine St.).

Photo by David Richmond

Treat your dad like royalty with a selection of gentlemanly mementos fit for a king. Include a letter opener that's a reproduction of a 1910 Rex ball favor, $40; a mahogany door stop with a kissable frog prince on it, $45; a silver-plated art nouveau moustache brush, $75; and sterling silver cufflinks made in the image of the "Counting House" doors leading to the Historic New Orleans Collection courtyard, $65. All from the Historic New Orleans Collection (533 Royal St., 523-4662).