The Ambassador of New Orleans.

There are some clothes that immediately take you to a certain time and place.

One look at this jacket and I was back in New Orleans at Pete Fountain's French Quarter Inn.

It was 1961, when Pete's gold-plated clarinet and Al Hirt's trumpet defined the Bourbon Street sound.

JFK was president and the audience wore skinny ties and thick black-framed glasses. The Sazeracs* were perfect and the spotlight could barely cut through the smoky haze.

But when Pete stepped up to the mic and played "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," there was no doubt who owned this club (and that song).

Pete's Velvet Blazer (No. 2506). This cotton cashmere blend has enough cashmere in it to instill the short dense pile with a softer feel than regular velvet. The result is luxurious velvet that catches even more light in its folds than usual.

Fully lined in a black satin with a subtle jacquard paisley pattern. Welted breast pocket and two front flap pockets, as well as four inside pockets. Notched lapel.

Three-button front. Slimming cut.

I hear Pete's playing in the Oak Royale Room these days.

Wear this and surprise him.

Men's even sizes: 38 through 48. Imported.

Color: Black (more lumens per square yard than ordinary black velvet).