Got Silk?

Sure, most men don’t enjoy shopping for clothes all that much. But when the need calls for sharp-looking duds, they can even out-fashion the fashion slaves.

A case in point: a trunk show for Jhane Barnes menswear collection at the Alex Sebastian store in Costa Mesa.

No talk of the World Series, but just guys previewing--and apparently digging--the silk, cotton, viscose and the eco-friendly Tencel fabric used in the fall/holiday line.

They tried on the leather outerwear, studied the mix of brightly colored ties, considered the tailored navy and charcoal suits and tested out the sportswear--in organic colors such as eggplant, maize and moss. Gents, that means brown, yellow and green.

“It’s an exciting time,” says Larry Ober, president of Larry Douglas Ltd., which owns Alex Sebastian. “Jhane comes from the fabric generation. She has an ability to create [unusual] fabrics with her knowledge of computer technology.”

Because stores can’t stock everything a line has to offer, trunk shows roll in for a few days to show serious (did you hear “cha-ching”?) shoppers stuff that can be ordered. A designer’s representative is usually around to offer advice on what goes with what.

“Men who come get to see the newest fabrics,” Ober says. “It’s fun to dress for the future.”