Michel Perrin’s great-grandfather grew up in Saint Junien-Haute Vienne, the historic capital of French glove-making, and in 1893 he founded a business making—what else?—exquisite gloves. Today, fourth-generation Michel presides over the design and production of the company’s handsome leather goods. With the mothership in Paris, and an American flagship in Los Angeles, the company has opened a boutique in Gotham located in the Carlyle Hotel. But, it’s a nostalgic touchstone and homecoming, really, as Perrin had a chic, prosperous shop here in the 1930s.

The new Perrin Paris boutique is airy and jewel-box-like, awash in blonde tiger maple, and soothing earth tones. On display are the most sensational gloves, of course, but also retro sunglasses ($395 to $695), and the newest addition to the company’s glamorous lines, handbags (about $600 to $9,000 or so). Notes Perrin, “It is a French tradition to make structured bags, finished with great detail—like our very fine stitching. Our handbags are iconic.” The company’s most celebrated bag is the “Attelage”, a lady-like purse with a double strap, gathered material, and a decorative frame; it is constructed in countless materials—crocodile, woven goat hair, ostrich, lambskin, pony, Rex rabbit, and so on. Another classic from Perrin is the spherical “Ball” bag, constructed from wide strips of leather, forming a classic ball shape, with the handle built right into the orb. Le “Martha,” from the Jet Set line, is a wallet-style clutch for a busy, on-the-go woman with places for all one’s documents, credit cards, and foreign currencies. Bon voyage with Perrin! -- Ruth J. Katz