Pronounced ‘show-shaw’ (also: hot cat), C. Chauchat is an accessories label that makes impeccably tailored, “man enhancing” neckties. “We like to think we produce objects of complex beauty that put men in a frenzy,” says designer Curie Choi, who considers her ties artifacts to be admired, origami-like, as much as suiting staples. Like Magic Eye illusions, each tie uses a classic fabric – poplin, seersucker– as a base over which a thin sheen of Swiss cotton voile is layered, creating a morphing, moiré effect. Over 20 stages of production go into each tie, from the curved back seam to the final, hand-sewn slipstitch. Choi, who studied physics before attending Parsons and apprenticing under Isabel Toledo, and her business partner, Beverly Liang, explain that with their latest collection, they “wanted to evoke a strong sun, which gave way to using patterns that are like a burnout dizziness after staring at the sun.”

Each of Choi’s creations is unique, and while inspired by men, she likes to think that anyone “keen on subtlety of design” could enjoy her work. (Her unisex silk chiffon scarves sold out nearly everywhere.) “Of course, it’s our ongoing imaginary protagonist, the refined louche, that we imagine is on a beach or some place in sinful reverie staring up at the sky.” Get ‘em while they’re hot.