Spring has sprung today! If you love the feeling of spring as we do, you can always keep a little spring in pocket anytime of the year. Sporting our Clusius pocket square not only adds spring to your pocket, it carries a bit of history too.
The Clusius pocket square is named after Charles de L’Écluse (19 Feb 1526 – 4 Apr 1609), also known as Carolus Clusius, Flemish doctor and botanist of French decent, who cultivated the dutch tulip.
Clusius worked throughout Europe as a collector of botanical information and material and also introduced various new plants from outside Europe. In 1593 he became the Chair of Botany at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. He established one of the earliest botanical gardens, where he introduced and grew a wide variety of flowering bulbs, including the tulip. He planted the first tulip bulbs in 1593, and hence 1594 is considered the official date of the first tulip flowering in the Netherlands.
Throughout history, tulips have been a symbol of eternal life and abundance. In modern times, the yellow tulip has come to represent light and cheerful thoughts.
I think most of us can appreciate the look and feel of silk without knowing too much about it. However, the more that you know, the more amazing it is. It's one of those things that you wonder... how did anyone even stumble upon this and decide to make fabric? Well, someone did figure this out nearly 5000 years ago. But without going into the long history of silk production, I thought you might be interested in what silk is and where it comes from.
Vox created this presentation and they've done a really good job of explaining where silk comes from. If you have a fear of caterpillars or moths, you might want to sit this one out.
How do you show a little love to your Valentine? There is a long history of giving handkerchiefs as tokens of love and devotion. The Eros 100% silk square is a perfect token of love for your stylish companion. Wrapped in our gift pochette, it makes the ultimate Valentine!
Get a room. Celebrate like an Angeleno and celebrate New Year’s Eve at the “Spanish Masquerade” at The Bazaar by José Andrés. Our Meandros square works with all the elements to yield a perfect welcome to 2016.
No matter how much of a "star" a pocket square can be, (...and we are a bit biased on this point) we have to admit a square is most often playing a supporting role in an ensemble cast of equally talented and extraordinary pieces. Finding the right balance of strengths is completely worth the effort when your result is a classic sartorial blockbuster.
We decided to put a few ensembles together, in the form of style boards for some visual reference. Our mission: see how some of our favorite squares perform in a group. We also wanted to give an idea of how well our squares might integrate into a wardrobe.
Most of our squares feature a variety of colors. This can make it easier to find visual relationships with other pieces or inspire combinations. Classic pieces, dressy, casual, modern, vintage... its all good. It is all about the mix.
So, mix it up. With multiple folding possibilities, colors and prints we're sure our squares will bring enough "it factor" to create perfect fashion chemistry!
If you consider the eye to be the “window of the soul” it will come as no surprise that eyes have been an enduring and poignant symbol throughout history. From the Egyptian eye of Ra to the all-seeing eye of God adopted by the Freemasons.
In the eighteenth century a more whimsical use of eyes emerged as a very popular trend. Called “lover’s eyes” by collectors, miniature paintings of eyes became a popular gift of affection as a token of secret love. This trend is anecdotally attributed to the flamboyant, style-setting Prince of Wales.
It is said that from the late Eighteenth Century when the Prince was refused permission by his father, King George III, and by British law to wed the widowed (and Catholic) Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert. The widow avoided the Prince's proposal by escaping to Europe. In order to keep his romance with her a secret from the disapproving court and in an effort to bolster his proposal, an eye miniature was conceived of and painted by Richard Cosway, a popular court miniaturist.
Apparently the gift won her over and they were secretly (and illegally) married. Cosway, in turn, painted the bride's eye in order that she might covertly present it to the Prince. Soon, other British nobility followed the Prince's lead and the trend spread to the continent, taking Europe by storm.
It is fairly well documented that the trend started before the Prince of Wales’ daring use of the lover’s eye. But who doesn't like a good story of romance?
These days there are many ways to show some love. Why not entice your secret (or not so secret) love by giving 'em the Eyes!
Finding the perfect gift for the discerning man of style can be daunting. But now that you are here and you've solved that challenge, what about wrapping? Presentation is everything! It has to be distinctive, smart, chic...
We are excited that our Ophion silk square is in Modern Luxury Men's Book. A beautiful editorial titled Modern Muse, photographed by Carlos Ruiz and styled by James Aguiar, illustrates the elevation of "men's wear to high art." So glad to be included in this gorgeous presentation and reeeally need that velvet jacket.
See us in ElleDecor's gift guide in the December issue titled "Star Performers"! The sub-title reads "...the most unexpected, colorful, and luxurious gifts [are] all you'll need for the perfect holiday." Agreed.
The gift guide is beautifully curated by Orli Ben-Dor and Paige Alexus. We are thrilled to be included in this colorful presentation in such fine company.
