W. Somerset Maugham on Charvet Place Vendôme

“[H]is clothes might have cost a lot even if they were badly cut, and his tie, though rather loud, she recognized as a Charvet.”

“I've brought you a tie from Charvet, Daddy." "Is it loud?" "Very." "Good." They were all so pleased with one another that they burst out laughing.”

“We walked through the Place Vendôme and he asked if I would mind going in to Charvet's for a moment; he had ordered some things and wanted to know if they were ready. It appeared that he was having some vests made, and some drawers, and he was having his initials embroidered on them. The vests had not come in yet, but the drawers were there and the shop assistant asked Elliott if he would like to see them. 'I would', he said, and when the man had gone to fetch them added to me: 'I have them made to order on a pattern of my own'. They were brought, and to me, except that they were of silk, looked exactly like the drawers I had frequently bought for myself at Macy's; but what caught my eye was that above the intertwined E. T. of the initials was a count's crown. I did not say a word. 'Very nice, very nice' said Elliott. 'Well, when the undershirts are ready you'll send them along'. We left the shop and Elliott, as he walked away, turned to me with a smile. 'Did you notice the crown? To tell you the truth, I'd forgotten about it when I asked you to come in to Charvet's'.”