Let's face the facts; if you're looking for something different in men's fashion accessories, you have to look long and hard. Even the retailers are commenting on the generic nature of many brands. And the press are having a field day, there's a lot to write about, but it doesn't make it any easier for the customer.



Well they're a few well know brands and lesser known to, that are producing collections that defy common trends and you won't necessarily find them hanging sadly with all the other dots and stripes that just rolled off the conveyer belt.

As brands are bought, sold and corporatized, the essence that sparked their beginning is lost, naturally. But there are always budding designers to step up to the blocks and start a new cycle. They're not necessarily young, some designers bud later in life. Vivienne Westwood is at the peak of her creativity at 65.

Quietly, Quietly

Ian Flaherty quietly arrived on the market and produced some beautifully formed English Pewter cufflinks, giving life to lifeless forms. There is a horse and rider in breathless pursuit of the unfortunate Fox, the Mallard and Partridge, Pheasant, and Trout, all brought to still life by the artistic prowess of Ian Flaherty. You can surf the net and trod the high streets, but you'll be hard pressed to find anything that compares with Ian's latest work.

The Truth

Veritas is a Latin word meaning "truth" and the truth is Veritas Gifts manufacture a range of elegant men's fashion accessories, from cufflinks to collar stiffeners. And they're engineered to take the load; just a brief handle will satisfy your senses and make you feel immediately you're in touch with stylish quality.

The Name

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.

A Swank History

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.

Who's Nathan?

Nathan Tim is a new name to the fashion industry, armed with a mission and a collection of floral Cufflinks that reflect the brilliant hues of nature, showcased in rigid Murano Glass. The flowers captured within, reflect not just the timeless beauty of its petals, but also a richly textured history of fine glass making, stemming back many hundreds of years. And Nathan Tim has unearthed the best of the best.

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.

And Fred Bennett

A name familiar in fashion accessory circles, he's been around a while and so have his cufflinks. They don't resemble originality and perhaps the essence once prevalent has been lost as the business becomes more business like. Never the less the new range is compelling enough.

And Now Timothy Everest

A Savile Row Tailor in Spitalfields and creator of the modern Spitalfields flower pattern. His underground approach takes him down an infrequent road travelled -- many follow. In a career spanning the rise and fall of countless fashion cycles, from the hazy days of Tommy Nutter to the Creative force behind the rebirth of British fashion icon Daks. Miniscule perhaps, but, Introducing a range of cufflinks would conclude nicely a growing range of signature accessories. And it's on the cards.