By Patte Purcell
As you walk inside Don Vincent Store for Men, located on world famous El Paseo in Palm Desert, you quickly become aware that this is not the run-of-the-mill clothing store. The displays are smart, with colorful shirts from designers such as Robert Graham and jeans crafted in California by Agave Denim. (Agave Denim even uses cotton grown in the deserts of California.) Don Vincent is also the only store in the desert where you can buy Bertigo shirts which are trim and very hip. Somewhere between Desert Chic and California Cool, Don Vincent Store for Men has found a niche and a following with loyal customers from all over the United States and Canada, and some from as far away as England.
The driving force behind this unique fashion oasis in the desert is the years of experience and the unique fashion sense of the Puccio family. Brothers Don and Vincent Puccio, who founded Don Vincent Store for Men in 1971, opened their first desert store in Palm Springs twenty years ago. They can still be found giving their expert advice in their flagship store on El Paseo. Today they are joined by Vincent Puccio, Jr. who is happy to give a tour of the store and all its current collections: “I’m really thrilled to introduce Circle of Gentlemen as a new designer line for our store. I think it is very contemporary- maybe one of next year’s big hits in men’s fashion, and it will only be available here at Don Vincent and maybe in Beverly Hills.”
As you take the tour, circling the store, migrating from denim and casual shirts all the way into dress clothing, ultimately you end up in the made-to-measure room. Vincent explains, “This is a very fun experience for most people- participating in designing their own suits and sport coats. That way you can get your new suit just the way you want it. And you’ll get a superior fit too because it’s made according to your measurements.” He flips through folders showing various fabrics from which he can make your new suits or jackets. Then he opens up a book which he says are his “top of the line” fabrics- Loro Piana super 170s. Vincent, when asked why he enjoys focusing on men’s suits smiles and responds, “…because some men still want to look great, and that’s why they’re my clients.”
Don Vincent Store for Men is located at 73-740 El Paseo in Palm Desert, CA. For more information or to make an appointment call 760-773-2313. www.donvincent.net
