Richard King ‘WhatToBuyNext.com’
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noun (usu. cuff-links) – a device for fastening together the sides of a shirt cuff, often decorative.
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A few weeks ago I received an email from a designer named Richard King, who specializes in cuff-links. I investigated his website and discovered he crafts his cuff-links from vintage time piece guts. He calls them ‘Time Tailored’, and I think they are true works of art.
And so now that polo shirt season is ending, I decided to research other designers who are creating stylish and unusual cuff-links. I found 6 in total that are producing sets that any design professional will covet.
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Richard King
I was able to reach Richard King by phone, and asked him about his inspiration;
“I have been collecting watches all my life, and started dismantling the more redundant ones recently, to unveil some singularly complex inner workings. I also collect cufflinks, though had become bored by the designs, so decided to see if I could create something that nobody else had. The complexity within elegant timepieces is truly unappreciated, and I wanted to allow men (and women) to consider it.”
His work is available only through his website, Whattobuynext.com.
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Deakin and Francis
Sterling silver and enamel, rock-and-roll inspired cuff-links perfect for anyone who’s eager to show his individual style.
Deakin and Francis of England is available at DeakinandFrancis.co.uk, through Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and other fine stores globally.
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Jan Leslie
Novelty and humor combine in Jan Leslie’s work, creating charming cuff-links that convey a ‘don’t take myself too seriously’ message that’s just right. I was able to reach her by phone, here’s what she had to say about her collection;
“My designs are inspired by a cross-section of vintage jewelry, as well as nature’s gifts, patterns and colors. Inspiration can come at any moment, so I carry a camera with me wherever I go.
In designing cuff links, knowing that boys love their toys (and perhaps something to fidget with) many of my designs have moveable parts that hark back to the fine quality and attention to detail demonstrated in vintage jewelry. I find the combination of functionality and/or color creates the need for one to take a second look and brings inanimate objects to life.”
Jan Leslie’s collection is available through Janleslie.com, at Bergdorf Goodman, and other stores nationwide.
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Tammy Kohl
Last week I wrote about Tammy Kohl’s collection of women’s jewelry, and discovered that she also has a selection of debonnaire cufflinks as well. The Brooklyn Bridge set is particularly handsome. They are available by special order only through Takohl.com.
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Robin Rotenier
A Parisian native, New York based designer who sketches and sculpts each of his cuff-links sets, Robin Rotenier has created one-of-a-kind pieces for Bill Clinton, Barak Obama, and Harvey Weinstein, among many others.
After discovering his work, I called his offices and had the opportunity to ask him about his designs;
“Men do not have many options to express their individuality with accessories. The right cufflinks make a discreet, elegant statement. I do not overdesign, do not adorn huge logos. I believe in finding the right scale, proportion and weight with each design; including an element of unpredictability and humor. The finish piece must exude quality in the fabrication and execution, and because each one is sculpted by hand it has character and distinctiveness.”
Robin Rotenier is available through Rotenier.com and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as other stores nationwide.
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Paul Smith
And finally, Paul Smith. Their newest cuff-links (many in yellow gold) are incredibly chic. The opal scarabs have the decidedly British flair the company so successfully conveys. The collection is available through Paulsmith.co.uk, Mr Porter.com, and other stores globally.
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Well that’s my round-up of the best cuff-links for the Fall season 2013. Hope I’ve inspired you to break out the French cuffs, and be as creative on your sleeves as you are in your design work!
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Written by Anthony Costa