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...
This is how we do it.
November 2015
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Modern Muse
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.
If you'd like to know more about our Ophion silk square just click here.
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.
Get inspired by all the other fabulous things here: ElleDecor Gift Guide
No matter how much of a "star" a pocket square can be, (...and we are understandably 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'd like to know more about our OPHION silk square just click here.
No matter how much of a "star" a pocket square can be, (...and we are understandably 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'd like to know more about our SERPENTINI silk square just click here.
Our decorative cushions, created from our silk squares, are featured in Traditional Home Magazine's holiday issue! We're delighted with great appreciation.
Click here to see our selection of available decorative cushions.
November 2015
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0 comments
READY, SET...
Hello, and Welcome!
At this point of genesis, what better to talk about than the first design of the first collection, named for a primordial mythological god in one of the first stories of creation?
The first design, in the collection of twelve silk pocket squares, features a serpent of many colors and patterns called Ophion.
The character of Ophion is lesser known of the primordial Greek gods. Partly due to the variety of interpretations of the Pelasgian creation myth he appears in. He is described as a serpent god that with the supreme goddess Eurynome (as a dove who laid an egg) created the earth and all living things.
The eighteenth century print “Orphic Egg” by Jacob Bryant shown here features a depiction of Ophion wrapped around the egg (ie the world as we know it), protecting it until it’s eminent hatching.
He is a symbol of life creation.
Depending on the version you read, the story takes some weird turns as any Grecian myth is apt to do. One detail is that he apparently took full credit for the creation of the world. Upon hearing this Eurynome, understandably a little vexed, kicked out his teeth and banished him to the underworld.
Ah, but wait... from Ophion’s teeth sprang Pelagus who taught man all the arts and crafts!
Well, there you are. Every drama has a silver lining.
Perhaps Ophion’s pride and enthusiasm may have been misinterpreted? Regardless, the kind of powerful creative life force he exemplifies is something to admire.
Our Ophion square boasts 9 colors and is meant to garner the wearer a little admiration. My true hope is that it will also inspire a life of great creation to those who wear it. ...No pressure.
RBM
