It’s all in the details: cufflinks to make you stand out
Details are the unsung heroes of men’s fashion. When looking at others we tend to be drawn towards their domineering separates: the suit, shoes, jacket or overcoat. But more often than not it’s the discreet elements that varnish the wooden floor: the tie, pocket square, socks, or even something as out of sight as collar stiffeners. It is here that men stand out from the crowd.
18CT WHITE & YELLOW GOLD BOILED EGG & TOAST SOLDIER CUFFLINKS – £3,500
Another detail that falls firmly into this bracket is cufflinks – although they do so much more than just complete a look. Cufflinks offer the opportunity to show individuality and identity. Much like a signet ring, there is a huge amount of information behind each personalised piece, be it of love, rebellion or affiliation. Capturing this meticulous distinctiveness on a table no bigger than a 1p coin requires the adroit touch of true artisans, where the skill of the human hand still betters anything that a machine can match.
As the digital age looms dark and dangerous over handcraftsmanship, it is delightfully sobering to see the iterations coming from the Theo Fennell workshop, where unusual and complicated techniques are employed to create the weird and wonderful. Imagine, if you will, trying to write a short story on the back of a postage stamp. As a man obsessed with how things are made, the brains behind beauty, visiting their flagship store on Fulham Road restores all faith in the term ‘handmade’.
Once here among the silverwork and glass cabinets you start to appreciate the options: deep engraved on enamel; carved stone; portraiture; enamel paintings – each memorising in their exact precision. There is a style for every sartorially minded gentleman.
18CT WHITE GOLD ESSEX CRYSTAL MOON SAFARI CUFFLINKS EARTH & FLOATING ASTRONAUT SCENE – £9,500
Without a doubt there are some which will have you squinting through the glass in bewilderment, wondering who on earth with a sane mind would sport something as abstract as a naked female astronaut on their cuffs, but you’ll take a step further and see a pair of bees or cartridges that will be exactly what you walked in for. And even if a miniature sculpture of Lincoln isn’t your cup of tea, you can’t help but be taken hostage by the insane detail that has gone onto something the size of a marble; the ruffle of his beard, plump cheekbones and deep hypnotic gaze. It is a true work of art. The same can be said for their array of skulls set with diamond studs.
18CT WHITE GOLD 2.03CT RUBY SKULL & 0.47CT BLACK DIAMOND SNAKE CUFFLINKS – £6,750
Whether a personalised piece or a selection from their diverse catalogue, the key to Theo Fennell is that their cufflinks elicit great sentimental attachment. In this vein they become so much more than stylish details. They become heirlooms.
For more, see Theo Fennell
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