Cufflinks That Cause A Little Commotion
Let’s face the facts; if you’re looking for something different in men’s
fashion accessories, you have to look long and hard. Even the retailers are
commenting on the generic nature of many brands. And the press are having a
field day, there’s a lot to write about, but it doesn’t make it any easier for
the customer.
Well they’re a few well know brands and lesser known to, that are producing
collections that defy common trends and you won’t necessarily find them hanging
sadly with all the other dots and stripes that just rolled off the conveyer
belt.
As brands are bought, sold and corporatized, the essence that sparked their
beginning is lost, naturally. But there are always budding designers to step up
to the blocks and start a new cycle. They’re not necessarily young, some
designers bud later in life. Vivienne Westwood is at the peak of her creativity
at 65.
Quietly, Quietly
Ian Flaherty quietly arrived on the market and produced some beautifully formed
English
Pewter cufflinks, giving life to lifeless forms. There is a horse and rider
in breathless pursuit of the unfortunate Fox, the Mallard and Partridge,
Pheasant, and Trout, all brought to still life by the artistic prowess of Ian
Flaherty. You can surf the net and trod the high streets, but you’ll be hard
pressed to find anything that compares with Ian’s latest work.
The Truth
Veritas is a Latin word meaning “truth” and the truth is Veritas Gifts
manufacture a range of elegant men’s fashion accessories, from cufflinks to
collar stiffeners. And they’re engineered to take the load; just a brief handle
will satisfy your senses and make you feel immediately you’re in touch with
stylish quality.
The Name
Vivienne Westwood,driven by an endless creative imagination, has
been applying key design principles proportionately to all her collections.
Combining colour, pattern, texture, proportionately, has become the trademark
of all her design work, from crockery to clothing, from silk Ties
to evening gowns for Royals. The Orb is now an internationally recognised brand
symbol, with a difference.
A Swank History
Swank Inc a popular designer and manufacturer of men’s cufflinks were
incorporated on April 17, 1936.
When Cufflinks peaked in the 1960’s they were making 12 million a year.
Even though these were aimed at the lowest end of the market, retailing for an
average of $2.50 a pair, that still adds up to a lot of men wearing cufflinks.
These days the figure is closer to 200,000, but cufflinks are making a strong
comeback with gross sales having increased consistently over the last ten
years, while the French cuff continues to be the most prestigious type of
shirt. The most expensive cufflinks ever sold were a pair given to the
soon-to-be King Edward VIII by his later wife Wallis Simpson. These featured
diamonds set in platinum and sold at auction for $440,000.
Who’s Nathan?
Nathan Tim is a new name to the fashion industry, armed with a mission and a
collection of floral Cufflinks that reflect the brilliant hues of nature,
showcased in rigid Murano Glass. The flowers captured within, reflect not just
the timeless beauty of its petals, but also a richly textured history of fine
glass making, stemming back many hundreds of years. And Nathan Tim has
unearthed the best of the best.
Simplicity: The Simon Carter philosophySimon Carter’s reputation stems from his
revolutionary approach to men’s fashion accessories design following his
introductory men’s brooches, in the mid to late 80’s. Some of his original
designs are classified vintage. Simon Carter's cufflinksmaintain a philosophy
of simplicity in his designs; simple, functional, without loosing their stylish
edge. His cufflinks not only firm to cuff, they glean a touch of elegance and
frame perfectly an object of expression. This lovely display of style and
engineering will harmonise with any outfit, formal or casual, here an important
function inherent in Simon’s philosophy of simplicity, a cufflink for all
occasions.
And Fred Bennett
A name familiar in fashion accessory circles, he’s been around a while and so
have his cufflinks. They don’t resemble originality and perhaps the essence
once prevalent has been lost as the business becomes more business like. Never
the less the new range is compelling enough.
And Now Timothy Everest
A Savile Row Tailor in Spitalfields and creator of the modern Spitalfields
flower pattern. His underground approach takes him down an infrequent road
travelled -- many follow. In a career spanning the rise and fall of
countless fashion cycles, from the hazy days of Tommy Nutter to the Creative
force behind the rebirth of British fashion icon Daks. Miniscule perhaps, but ,
Introducing a range of cufflinks would conclude nicely a growing range of
signature accessories. And it’s on the cards.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Purveyor
of finely crafted men's fashion accessories: designer silk ties, handmade silver
cufflinks & leather wallets, by British Designers, like, Vivienne Westwood,
Timothy Everest, Ian Flaherty, Veritas Gifts, LBB London and Victoria Richards,
Patrick McMurray and Shane McCoubrey
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