Autumn fallback; as we wind back the clocks one hour the fashion industry takes another step forward
In an ever changing cyclical industry like fashion you no what to expect, the unexpected. It’s difficult enough to predict the rise and fall of commodities let alone fashion. But there are patterns that are used to predict future changing trends.
A forecast
The next five years will see an end to the whimsical style that has dominated the market since the 80s. A return to classical styles is immanent, using traditional materials like enamels. The popularity of cufflinks has risen considerably over the past two years and will continue. The brands to watch are Vivienne Westwood, Ian Flaherty, and Veritas, as they stay focused on producing small quantities and high quality.
A little history
The first cufflinks appeared in the early 17th century. They were an original alternative to ribbons and lace to retain handles. Considering at the beginning as a personal adornment, it was reserved to the high social class population. In the 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, the development of precious metal electroplating afforded the masses to get cufflinks in their wardrobe. A wide variety of mechanisms for open and closing cufflinks appeared: the classic chain is replaced by the flip-hinge. Jewellers like Cartier and Tiffany crafted work of art cufflinks in mother of pearl, crystal; precious stones...These famous fashion names establish cufflinks as the essential accessory for men. Mirror of our history, cufflinks espouse centuries through various designs: art deco at the end of 19th century, extravagant in the period 1940-1950, eccentric in 1960 with Hollywood stars and whimsical today.
Remember; like architecture, every significant movement in art can be traced through the design of cufflinks. Jewellers like Cartier and Tiffany crafted work of art cufflinks in mother of pearl, crystal; precious stones...These famous fashion names establish designer cufflinks as the essential accessory for men.
Some product reviews
Ian Flaherty, has championed the use of Swarovski crystals in his designs shunning opportunities to manufacture overseas, all his cufflinks are made at in his Battersea studios in London. His claim to fame is the Cube, voted one of the best Fathers day gifts in 2007 by Victoria Gray of The Sunday Mail Magazine.
Lbb London
They typify contemporary accessories design, choosing classical influences to buck the whimsical trends of today. Their metal cufflinks conform to all the key elements of good design. They have sold consistently well over the years.
An interesting anecdote
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.
Some more reviews
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.
Simplicity: The Simon Carter philosophy
Simon 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 cufflinks maintain 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.
