What Atlanta's Best-Dressed Men Drive...

I’m not even going to get into describing this “floatation device” called the McLaren SLR 722s Roadster until I actually get up close and personal with it June 11th when Mercedes Benz of Buckhead, The Atlantan magazine and the Sebastian’s Closet men’s store combine to give it a lavish local unveiling.
Only 25 of these British-made beauties were made available for sale in the U.S., and McLaren stopped making them after No. 150. My chances of ever getting behind the glove leather wheel of one again are slim and none. And, hey, where’d Slim go?
But scarcity and exclusivity aren’t necessarily bad things.
I was reminded of that during two detailed and demonstrative meetings with Frank Heath, the new owner of the revered Buckhead menswear destination, Sebastian’s Closet. Heath huffed often about how tough times have been for luxury clothiers lately.
Still, he smiles while recounting how he’d bought the shoppe on a virtual whim after making a fortune off family restaurants and shopping at Sebastian’s so frequently. And he’s sticking to his initial approach of offering guys styles “they won’t necessarily find in any other store.”
“The main premise is: guys can get another blue suit anywhere, but what can we offer our guests that sets them apart?”
Well, color, for one thing. For spring and summer, Sebastian’s is saturated with it. Overall, the store beams a message of lightness and brightness.
You’ll see in the runway show that accompanies the McLaren machine’s Atlanta unveiling that Heath specializes in coaxing limited edition sportswear pieces and strategically selected suits out of vendors like Dunhill, Belvest, Pal Zileri, a. testo and Ravazollo. From the buffalo hide duffle bags to the cashmere dinner jackets, this updated version of Sebastian’s is merchandised with the guy who takes frequent work-play excursions in mind.
“Ours is more like a sniper’s approach, versus a hunter who goes out and sprays buckshot all around,” Heath said. “Every day, our clients vote with their dollars. And what they want is a look that’s casual, but elegant. Clothes they can wear every where.”