APC

When French designer Jean Touitou launched Paris-based A.P.C. in 1986, he went against the curve. The vogue was for ostentatious maximal fashion yet here was a label that offered minimalist, effortlessly cool urban staples. Nowadays it remains the destination for Parisian chic pared-down basics, and the collection features sleek no-nonsense designs such as straight leg pants, cotton smock dresses and double-breasted peacoats.