duckeggBLUE

If Leanne Carter-Taylor has to think about a garment for more than three seconds it doesn’t belong in her shop. That goes for anything red, which never reaches the racks. It just doesn't feel right to her. Following instincts has worked well for duckeggBLUE, which has quietly thrived in Balmain since 2003.

Carter-Taylor is in tune with her customers. She knows Balmain’s small constituency wants original pieces in their wardrobes. That's why she carefully edits the offering, and carries just one in each size of an item. First in truly is best dressed.

For a garment to pass further inspection, Carter-Taylor has a simple test: the fabric must feel good in her hands and the quality must be superb. French label Majestic’s linen and silk tees, and cotton and cashmere jackets all pass that test, and are considered essentials in the shop. AG Jeans and Citizens of Humanity denim are the only jeans on regular rotation, chosen for their impeccable American craftsmanship.

She also believes a woman’s wardrobe should have a few central pieces. Among them, a white shirt, perfect jeans, a printed dress, a leather jacket and a cashmere jumper. You’ll find all of these at duckeggBLUE, with the bonus of having more than three seconds to make up your mind if they’re right for you.