'It's all in the detail'

photo: CASEY BRODLEY VIA EQUALLY WED. Cufflinks Top - Signature No 5 Bottom: Signature No4

Photo by: MARNIE CORNELL PHOTOGRAPHY Accessories: Top -  4 Round Onyx Dress Stud & Cufflink Set Bottom L-R - Barrelled Edge in MOP , Mother of Pearl & Onyx Tie Slide and Barrelled Edge in Onyx

photo by:  PAOLADEPAOLAACCESSORIES: Top - Inside Out in Grey, Purple & Blue Bottom - Band of Stone in Sodalite. MOP & Onyx

photo by:  LEANNE KEANEY PHOTOGRAPHY VIA ONE FAB DAY Top - The Splendour in Sodalite and Rose Gold Bottom - Sculpture in Sodalite.

Walt Whitman

 

As a group their casual and stage wear is always on point, but where they excel is in formal wear. Recently, Seoul based tailors, Tailorable were commissioned to design and make bespoke suiting for both their Grammys performance and their photoshoot with Time Magazine. The designs for the later, were in interesting neutral colours; tones of greys and beiges with both single- and double-breasted jackets, these suits emulate the business direction of the magazine and the article. A truly classic CEO style. These looks also highlights that your suiting doesn’t have to match to feel ‘put together’, most of the members are wearing separates in complimentary shades.

Our Traditionalist collection offer a range of cufflinks to elevate your business wear for that successful CEO fit.

The Grammy performance look, whilst all black, featured some sparkle and flocking to add interest and detail to something classic. Each member wore a 

 slightly different cut to suit their own personal style and stage ‘persona’.

If you would like to add some sparkle or flocking to your look in a discreet subtle manner, why not try our crystal or flocked cufflinks. Understated flamboyance for all walks of man.

Sharp, well fitted tailoring is the key to a successful formal wear look. BTS’ formal looks break down barriers and show us that you don’t just have to wear black. Their red-carpet Grammys look, although cohesive, was a combination of slightly different Louis Vuitton designs. Whilst all unique, they kept their style unified with complimentary colours, traditional tailoring styles, and matching sparkling brooches. A special mention should go to V’s flamboyant boutonniere, which was a standout accessory at the event- we implore you to go bold, for a memorable look!

If you like BTS’ use of colour on the Grammys red carpet, and want to dip your toe into this style, why not switch out your accessories first? Colour is a great way to try something new.

The way that BTS as a group approach this style of formal dressing is a great example for Grooms to follow when dressing the Grooms Party.

Groomsmen are often an eclectic collection of family and friends and finding something that suits them all can sometimes be a challenge. By adopting BTS’ strategy in group dressing - all wearing the same colour but making use of a variety of different styles of suiting. Each person can be comfortable and confident, yet the group is still cohesive and in keeping with the theme/look the couple have envisaged for their big day, and of course they can also all wear matching accessories for further cohesion.

Prince Phillip at Balmoral

Prince Philip heads out deer stalking with Diana in his full country attire – wax jacket and tweeds. The obvious choice to team with this look is our Mr Country collection, featuring pheasants, foxes and most fittingly the stag.

Prince Charles in Australia 

Lord Mountbatten

Therefore, for the first year ever, we are offering Festive Gift Wrap, to help ensure that when you gift is received it fills your loved one with joy as soon as they open their parcel, as well as when they open their menswear accessory gift on Christmas Day.

Here at Elizabeth Parker, our motto is ‘It’s all in the Detail’ and our gift wrap offering is no exception which is why it took some time to pull together the selection that we have on offer today!

It was really important to us that our wrapping options were sustainable and that the elements could be recycled or reused. so luckily we were able (after a long morning of online searching – we were trying to stay safe and avoid heading to the shopping centres) to source these handsome FSC Certified Kraft Papers, that are fully recyclable in a variety of colours.

Then we needed to find the finishing touches. We were certain that we could find something that we could repurpose in the Elizabeth Parker studio and we really liked the idea of pulling in mens accessory components to finish the gift off!

As we sorted through archival materials, we stumbled upon reams of unused Cuffknot elastic ( did you know that Cuffknots, although often called Silk Cuffknots are not made of Silk – if they were they would be single use as silk would not withstand being put through a double cuff) that would be perfect

to use as twine on our gifts – giving a little more dimension to the bow. Once we tried some different colours against the paper and saw the contrast in the materials, we were sold! 

Our in - house Graphic Designer pulled together some simple designs for the gift cards to match each paper option. Your gift card will be printed with a personal message of your choice and placed on top of any of our standard size or above boxes before we wrap them. If you order a Lapel Pin gift wrapped, the gift note will be placed in the box next to the gift! With this in mind we realised that we also needed a tag on the gift…

The team had a quick ‘socially distant’ brainstorm around the packing bench, and our head designer (purveyor of all the design related gadgets) dashed across to her drawer and pulled out what looked like a hole punch – but it was in fact a Collar Stay Punch – could a Collar Stay shaped tag be any more perfect?

There you have it – one beautifully wrapped gift, in recyclable paper featuring finishes touches that emulate the menswear accessories that Elizabeth Parker have been designing and manufacturing for over 25 years!

We are really pleased with the outcome and we hope you will be too!

All your gifts will be wrapped in the workshop by our very own Elizabeth Parker Elves – who have received some wrapping lessons from a local expert – we can ensure that every little parcel of Joy is as wonderful as the accessory within!

You can add a Gift Wrap option to any product you purchase for just £1, simply select from the pop up when you add to cart. Don't forget to leave your gift card message in the special instructions box. 

Happy Shopping! 

This coming of age story, centres around Connell Waldron and Marianne Sheridan, as they navigate their simple yet complicated love for each other.

Now that the TV show has been broadcast, there seemed to be one thing that the ladies couldn’t ignore, Connell’s Chain – yes, the silver chain that he is never seen without. We’d imagine that many partners have been getting subtle hints from their wives or girlfriends about wearing a chain. What it is about the chain that has seen women go weak at the knees and also inspired an Instagram account ‘Connell’s Chain’ that now boasts over 131k followers? 

If the man in your life isn’t really a chain kind of guy, may we suggest the bangle. The Elizabeth Parker Stainless-Steel Bangles are the robust, wearable and discreet brothers of the Connell Chain.

Designed with longevity and simplicity in mind an Elizabeth Parker Stainless Steel Bangle could be the gateway into men’s jewellery for your partner. Who knows, next year he might upgrade to a chain.

During this difficult time, we are aware that you might not want to engage with a lot of sales content, so we thought we'd share some content that we have enjoyed whilst we have been working from home and social distancing.

We hope you can find a moment of escapism through these suggestions and we'll check in again next week with a couple more recommendations. 

Stay Safe, 

The Elizabeth Parker Team

Immerse Yourself In Culture 

Whilst their real doors are closed, many of the worlds greatest museums and galleries are opening their virtual ones.  Here at Elizabeth Parker, taking inspiration from items from the past is a big part of our design process, so we have enjoyed taking these tours whilst we've been designing our AW collection.  Here are a few of our favourites:

Did you know that The British Museum is the original national museum. When it opened in 1759 it was the first of it's kind to open to the public in the whole world. This tour has a musical twist (lots of fun to view with children if you have them). Enjoy! 

Take the Tour

The Uffizi Gallaries in Florence, holds a special place in the hearts of the people at Elizabeth Parker. We usually visit Florence for the World Famous Men's Fashion Event Pitti Uomo twice a year in January and June - it's now rescheduled for September. These grand galleries house some of the most important pieces of art in the world. Delve into their digital archive here.

Find out about more virtual tours you can take here

Looking Good - Feeling Good! 

Have you been able to shift your work, to work from home? We've been advocates of home working from the get go, in-fact our Marketing Manager is based from home. 

We really believe in the notion of 'looking good, feeling good', so wanted to share one of our number one working from home tips. We think it is important to always get dressed before you start work, its too easy to procrastinate if you're still in your tracksuit bottoms.

We're hoping that some of you are still putting your shirt and cufflinks on to sit at your home office, even if it's only once a week. Why not take part in #dressupfriday instead of the usual dress down Friday - get your best outfit on and enjoy a reason to get dressed up. We will be. (if you do take part please do tag us on social media so we can see your look and we'll share to our audience). If you fancy treating yourself to something new for the occasion - we are still shipping orders.

Treat myself

Listen and Learn - A podcast recommendation. 

We've really enjoyed Elizabeth Day's 'How to Fail' series, this podcast talks to people of interest about three failures in their lives that essentially helped them become the person they are now. 

Some of our favourite episodes are from top chefs Tom Kerridge and Nigel Slater . For some real inspiration and ways to deal with the current situation, listen the man that invented an algorithm for happiness:  Mo Gawdat

We'll have some more podcast recommendations next week.

Our Managing Director and Head Designer, Shan Burdett has been at the helm of Elizabeth Parker for over 15 years. She has grown the business exponentially through solid design, well-sourced raw materials from all corners of the globe, a keen eye for quality assurance, and solid supplier and customer relationship.

Read our interview and get to know Shan better. 

What are your favourite Elizabeth Parker cufflinks?
I am asked this question a lot and it's a tricky one. We have clients and partners all over the world and each one has different tastes and styles. That aside there are several designs that work anywhere, and these are my favourites for that reason. Our Smooth O cufflinks are a very good example - polished curved edges which can be seen at numerous angles, with a brushed front; not too big not too small. Simplistic designs are the hardest yet most rewarding to design.

How long does it take you to design a collection?
It's not a linear journey, so sometimes it can take a day others will take weeks. Without my team it would take a lot longer. My ideal is to discuss with my colleagues, friends and much appreciated husband - if others are excited, I'm excited.

Do you enjoy designing cufflinks?
Yes, very much so! I don't think anyone can design non-stop though - taking time out is very important and helps me get inspired and create. There's nothing better than taking trips to new places before sitting down and looking at the season ahead.

As well as designing the Elizabeth Parker collection, I also design for clients that want their own bespoke collections. I love that first meeting when you discuss concepts and brain storm ideas.

Shan seen here with our models from Septembers photoshoot. 

Talking of inspiration, where do you get your inspiration?
Gosh, from everywhere. I visit flea markets and vintage stores, look at patterns in architecture and interior design, look ahead to what's going to be on trend in both men's and ladies fashion. I have in the past been inspired by my friends buttons on the back of her wedding gown and manhole cover designs after a visit to New York.

What do you do to relax?
It's important for me to leave the office behind once in a while - to get out there. Whether it is visiting new places with my family, to hitting the slopes with my friends or just enjoying a glass of wine outside our tent with a good book on a camping trip. Of an evening you will find me running, swimming or cycling as my 2020 challenge is to complete a Triathlon.

What do you think is the future for cufflinks?
A move away from novelty and a focus on sharp, classic designs that will stand the test of time. For me it's all in the detail.

These are the words of Laurie Pressman Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute, who this year named Classic Blue (19-4052) Pantone Colour of the Year.

Yes, all of that describes one colour and what the Pantone Colour Institute have interpreted from what you might think, is a fairly basic shade of one of our primary colours.

The institute have been naming a colour of the year for over 20 years, these colours influence product development decisions in multiple design industries including; fashion, interiors, industrial design, product packaging and graphic design. No corner of design is left uninfluenced.

How on earth does someone pick a colour of the year, I hear you say. Well, it’s a well-planned out selection process that requires thought out consideration and trend analysis. Pantone’s colour experts comb the world looking for new colour influence from all areas; entertainment, travel, art, fashion, design, lifestyle and socio-economic conditions.

Classic Blue is one of Elizabeth Parkers fail safe shades of blue, we’ve got a wide range of cufflinks in this family of blue, two of which feature in our new ‘Sense of Texture’ collection. We’ve got classic and contemporary designs in this ‘on trend’ colour. See the collection here. 

Pressman also said that this blue ‘matches sky at dusk, it speaks to our feelings of anticipation, when you think about the sky at dusk – the day isn’t over, you’re thinking what’s ahead of us?’ the perfect quote for formal wear. Add a classic blue cufflink to your evening wear in anticipation for the night ahead.

It seems that the colour of the year really does represent new beginnings and anticipation of change, perfect for the start of a new decade.

It’s that time of the year again, you need to find the perfect Valentine’s day gift for the man in your life. Don’t let the task stress you out – take a look at our top 5 picks to make even the most hard to buy for gent smile with happiness.

2. All good things come in small packages – give him a smaller finishing touch with this striking red crystal heart lapel pin. With cupid arrow shot through the middle this lapel pin personifies Valentines day. Make the love of your life feel special today and always. 

3. Round Gold-Plated Red Cufflinks – this classically simple set of cufflinks are the perfect expression of Valentine’s day, that also suit day-to-day wear. A shot of red enamel encased in gold plated metal, creates something that is timeless.

4. The Label Burgundy and Rose Gold Cufflinks. POP the champagne and celebrate your love this Valentine’s day! These magnificent rich burgundy and rose gold enamel cufflinks are sure to elevate his style with a sense of opulence.

5. Stack up your love with these unique red bracelets to adorn the hand you love to hold. With a choice of red leather or cornelian beads, there’s something to suit the sophisticated man on his down days or the bohemian artisan who likes to keep it casual every day.

All Elizabeth Parker products are delivered in a signature EP gift boxes – all you’ll need to do is wrap it up. Order before 13^th February and not only will you get FREE UK Standard delivery but use code LOVE10 to get 10% off orders over £15.

HINT: Why not add a new shirt and tie under the tree to complete the look.

Semi - precious stones are the perfect option for a special day like Christmas, go for a classic option like black onyx to ensure longevity and this special gift will go with every outfit and occasion. 

Add some versatility with our Multifacet 3 in 1 – two cufflinks and a button cover. Perfect for the guy in your life that likes to make his own trends. Use the button cover for single cuff shirts or add it to your top button for a modern
take on the bolo.

Perhaps a little detail is more his style – a lapel pin makes for an impeccable choice. With an array of styles, ranging from an antiqued oak leaf to a crystal skull, you’ll find something to suit his style.

Heading to a New Year’s Eve party where he’ll want to dress to impress, add in a set of dress studs for the extra special detail to his tux. Make him the best dressed man in the room.

For the man that loves pattern and isn’t shy about his style, gift him our brand-new trend led piece ‘the wildling’. Featuring super trendy yet, classic leopard print in vibrant blue and gold or slightly more understated silver and grey. It’s sure to be a roaring success!

Is he more of a tie slide clip kind of man – help him exude class and style with a tie slide from our exclusive collection. With a range of sizes, finishes and shapes, we’ve got something that will make him smile.

For the man that really does have everything…. A solid silver money clip. Lose the unsightly wallet bulge and add keep notes together with a sleek money clip. The little detail he didn’t know he needed. 

 Or give him something and really add flair with a pocket square.

Bold and vibrant it's the perfect gift for him to add to a suit or casual blazer to really make an impact. 

The Label Burgundy Rose Gold  Cufflinks

Rich Jewel toned burgundy is a key colour for a winter wedding palette. Add an element of depth and warmth to your look with these Burgundy and Rose Gold Cufflinks. Romantic and practical. 

Circular Speckled Red Cufflinks

Circular cufflinks wrapped in polished red speckled acrylic. Smooth, clean and contemporary they will add a distinguished style to your wedding attire.  

Brown Leather Vintage Button Cufflinks

These rich, deep tan, leather cufflinks are hand-made and are a perfect match for a winter wedding. Nothing says winter like rich browns. The perfect luxury accessory for a groom on his wedding day. 

Circle O Navy Rose Gold Cufflinks

This intricate metal and enamel cufflinks combine a rich opulent midnight navy with beautiful rose gold to create an alluring finishing touch. Perfectly crafted for a contemporary nod to winter wedding nights.

True Decadence Black Flocked Cufflinks

Splendid and decadent the flock pattern in these black on gold stunning cufflinks, give them a real opulent winter festive feel. With a combination of textures and depth, they are the perfect luxury touch to a winter wedding outfit.

Take a look at the rest of our winter wedding collection here. 

With that in mind, we've saved the best til last and launched one of our new styles in line with the issue. The Wildling. 

Taking inspiration from the Rosettes of Leopard print, these cufflinks juxtapose the true purpose of leopard print, ensuring you stand out from the crowd rather than blend in.

Leopard print is a trend you cant seem to escape at the moment, but whilst its big for AW 19/20 we see leopard as a neutral. We've added our own spin on it and injected some colour using our signature blue alongside a smooth gold, to create a piece with real personality. We hope you love it as much as we do! 

The pocket square has been worn in some form or another since the Ancient Egyptian times, where they were used as a symbol of power and wealth.

The Greeks & Roman would spritz their handkerchiefs with perfume and store them in their pocket, to ensure they always had something pleasant to smell if they found themselves walking through unpleasant city streets.

Moving through to the Middle Ages where King Richard II began using handkerchiefs as a decorative accessory instead of its practical purpose. He would often commission extravagantly decorated handkerchiefs with lace trims.

Pocket Squares became prolific during the Tudor Times when design and decoration became more important - with expensive materials, such as silk used by the wealthy to draw more attention to their status. Of course, the French really embraced this trend. Pocket squares were huge in the court of Louis XIV, with members and attendees trying to outdo each other with bigger and more lavish handkerchiefs. Marie Antoinette eventually made Louis order that all pocket squares must be 16” x 16” in dimension – the same measurements we use today.

By the time we entered the 19^th Century, pocket squares were purely decorative, with the emergence of the two-piece suit, men were placing their decorative pocket squares in their breast pockets. Thanks to advancements in printing technology, designs became more interesting and we also started to see different styles of folds emerging during this period, as men try to add new style elements to the outfits. Towards the end of the century, with the growing popularity of ‘casual’ trends, suits and pocket squares began to lose their appeal. Pocket Squares may have occasionally been worn for more ‘fancy’ affairs.

Now though, The Modern Gentleman definitely embraces the Pocket Square, and it has enjoyed a boost in popularity. As it becomes more acceptable for men to also have an interest in clothes and style, men are realising that the humble pocket square is a great way to inject personality and flair into an outfit and doesn’t always have to be formal.

Check out the Elizabeth Parker range of Pocket Squares and elevate your look.  Also, don't miss out on the current £10 off offer with the code POCKET10. 

If your suits aren’t bringing you much joy these days, and you’re beginning to think you might want to get something new - stop and think about whether the bones of them are still ok.

Ask yourself; is the stitching still intact? does the fabric still look fresh? and most importantly does it still fit? If you answer YES to all of these then we suggest you think about updating your accessories to make it feel like a new suit before you pass it on.

Cufflinks

Although they are worn on the shirt under your suit, cufflinks can bring a fresh new element to your look. With a slight peek from under your sleeve, a pop of colour could really give your not so new suit a new lease of life. Elizabeth Parker have a wide range of cufflinks, featuring classic, traditional designs and more trend led pieces, that are sure to appeal to you as a modern gentleman. Elevate your look to the suave and sophisticated one you aspire to have.

Lapel Pin

Something to actually add to your suit, a lapel pin. Again, a great way to give it a subtle refresh. The lapel pin is the perfect example of a finishing touch - whether you want to inject some colour with something niche that exudes ‘personality’ or you like accessories that are a little more classic like a knot or a button, Elizabeth Parker have something for everyone.

Pocket Square

Why not go for a touch of class and add a silk pocket square. The pocket square has been around in some shape or form since the Ancient Egyptian times where they were a symbol of power and wealth and will certainly elevate your suit from drab to fab. Elizabeth Parker Pocket Squares are 100% printed silk, whether it’s a classic square or with a hint of bohemian paisley print, we’ve got a variety of patterns to suit your style.

Marie Kondo might not like our suggestions, but we’d really like to encourage you to rethink clearing out your wardrobe and adding a little something to your current items before you give or throw them away!

Social media will lead you to believe Pitti Uomo is all stylish men showing off their best looks and sipping on Aperol Spritz’s, whilst being hunted down by street style photographers – which some of the time it is, but we were there to launch our brand-new Autumn Winter Collection – On the Cuff / Off the Cuff.

We were pleased to see this collection being so well received by people that stopped by our stand, we really wanted to inject some new and interesting pieces to the range that would catch people’s eyes – and that they did.

On the Cuff / Off the Cuff puts metal and texture at the forefront and takes inspiration from some classic patterns and visually pleasing textures. These pieces are impactful, distinctive yet subtle. It is a true reflection of the Elizabeth Parker spirit of mixing traditional elements with contemporary design.

Keep an eye out for when it launches in September for you to buy!

Now onto Spring Summer 2020...

The Elizabeth Parker Team

We are extremely excited to let you know that our accessories will be featuring in GQ this summer. Look out for us and keep up to date with the latest trends.

The new AW 19/20 collection will feature in the September Issue and will be available for purchase late August 2019 – we’ll be talking about our favourites on the blog!

With a bright and colourful wedding theme, there’s plenty of fantastic finishing touches you can add to bring everything together.  

This less popular but still incredible theme of bright pops of colour, that almost has an air of the ‘circus’ – will really brighten up your guests’ days and make them feel happy. 

Elizabeth Parker have a range of wonderful bright stoned cufflinks that will add a ‘pop’ of colour to his look, whether you are looking for red, blue or green – there’s something for everyone.

There’s also our collection of intricate paisley prints that are the perfect way to add some pizazz to any outfit. Available in blue, purple and grey this take on a traditional, bohemian print will really amp up his style.

Not forgetting our beautiful range of beautifully bright and cheery lapel pins. Whether you’re looking for yellows, greens or purples, there’s plenty of choice for a subtle explosion of colour to any of your wedding parties’ lapels.

We hope that you find something that you love from our collection so that we can help you bring your finishing touches together. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos.

This wonderful hue can be incorporated into your wedding in many ways - through the containers for your flowers, invitations, bridesmaids’ dresses, favours and bridal accessories. Not forgetting the groom, Elizabeth Parker have an exquisite range of rose gold accessories to incorporate your theme into his outfit.

Embellish his cuff with a set of our rose gold cufflinks, whether you chose to go with a rose gold casing and a bolder colour in the centre or a completely rose old cufflink – there’s sure to be something that will suit his style and add some individuality to his look.

Our chic and simply rose gold tie slide, will not only keep his tie in place but will add a spot of rose gold to your wedding photos. Ensuring the theme runs though the wedding in every little detail.

Are you having a romantic rose gold theme? We’d love to see how you incorporate Elizabeth Parker in to your day, please tag us in your photos.

The bride is most likely to be walking down the aisle in a beautiful, full white dress with a veil to meet her husband to be in his black tuxedo. This theme will see golds and silvers weaved into the day. Elizabeth Parker have many classic shapes and metals that will compliment his look impeccably.

Whether he wants to elevate his look subtly with a classic gold cufflink or really add some formality with a set of black onyx dress studs and a matching pair of cufflinks, there’s definitely something that he will love.

We really love Mother of Pearl for weddings because it’s the stone known to enhance affection. This semi-precious stone perfectly compliments a traditional / classic themed wedding because it’s simple and understated but exudes class and sophistication. Take a look at our collection here.

However you plan to incorporate your theme through you wedding, we hope that you can find something from Elizabeth Parker, we’d love to be a part of your big day.

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos!

Elizabeth Parker have some beautiful options for the groom to pull his look into the theme effortlessly.

Adding a cufflink to his outfit can help the groom not only inject some of the theme into his outfit but is also a way for him to have something special to remember the day by, especially if he has hired his suit.

Choose from a set of cufflinks in muted tones to match your bridesmaids or flowers or a semi-precious stone that reflect the beautiful grain of wood.

Add something special to his buttonhole with a lapel pin. Swap traditional flowers completely, for something much more sustainable that can be worn time and time again. Alternatively add a lapel pin to your flowers, combining tradition with something subtle that he and his groomsmen can take away and remember the day with.

There’s a number of pins that will add an element of nature, but we think our beautifully crafted leaf or flower pins are a perfect addition to a rustic wedding. They’d also make a lovely addition for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom.

A Tie Slide is not only there for aesthetics it’s has a practical element in keeping his tie fixed to his shirt – ensure you don’t have any flying ties in pictures if the wind picks up, or make sure he doesn’t get his tie in the wonderful wedding breakfast you have selected!

Looking for something a little more discreet – one of our beautifully crafted subtle bracelets could be just the thing. Choose from leather or stone, the beautiful browns in our collection will smoothly fit in with a rustic theme.

We hope you have got some ideas on how to add some ‘rustic’ charm into the groom’s outfit. We’d love to see how you incorporate Elizabeth Parker into your big day – tag us on social media!

A return to Sophistication

Tailoring has made a comeback, it was seen all over the shows in London, Milan and Paris. Not only from the houses that know suits but even the more eccentric fashion houses like Commes De Garcon and ‘King’ of streetwear Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton were dabbling in tailoring. A trend that is the perfect match for The Modern Gentleman.

Elizabeth Parker accessories are made for this trend, whether you are looking for a cufflink, a lapel pin, a tie slide or an element of nostalgia with some dress studs.

The Double-Breasted Jacket

Double-breasted is the suiting shape of the season. Although the big and baggy styles that seemed to be a hit on the catwalk might not translate well for the Modern Gentleman, he can still dip his toe into the water by swapping out his single breasted jacket for a double. A little tip – keep the double breasted jacket open for a more contemporary look.

Add a hint of personality to your double breasted jacket with something simple, that won’t take away from the boldness of the double breast with a simple lapel pin or a pocket square from Elizabeth Parker.

Of course, after the expense of a wedding this might not be something you want to add to your budget, but it is a nice way to create a special moment for your fiancé amongst the nerves and excitement that doesn’t have to cost a lot.

When do you make the exchange?

Assuming you are sticking to tradition and not seeing each other the morning of the wedding, you could exchange gifts the previous evening, just before you go your separate ways.

A lovely alternative is to give the gift to the best man to give to your groom on the morning of the wedding, whilst he’s getting ready. You could include a note with the gift to let your fiancé know you are thinking of him, as you prepare for the big day. This is a lovely way to reconnect and remember why you have spent months planning this day - because you are in love and want to spend the rest of your lives together.

You could also give him something at the end of the day, after the celebrations have ended and it’s just the two of you, or even as you are about to head off on your honeymoon.

When you are giving your gift, will impact what you chose to give.

Exchanging just before or on the big day

It would be wonderful to give him something that he can wear on the big day like a beautiful set of cufflinks, a bracelet or a money clip (to avoid an unsightly wallet bulge in photos). Something special, that he wouldn’t necessarily buy for himself is a good idea.

You want to choose something that is good quality and timeless, so that it doesn’t go out of style and can still be worn for years to come.

Elizabeth Parker offer a wide range of luxury men’s accessories that would make the perfect gift for your husband to be, whether it’s a pair of our exquisite traditional cufflinks, a beautifully crafted lapel pin, a practical yet stylish money clip, or a more contemporary but still sophisticated leather bracelet, there’s sure to be something that will suit your man’s style and let his personality shine through on his wedding day.

From left to right: Lapel Pin, Hexy Middle Rose Gold Cufflinks, Blue Paisley Cufflinks, Bracelets, Tie Slides, Burgundy Label Cufflinks, Money Clip, Words of Love Cufflinks. 

Exchanging gifts after the Wedding

If you chose to give your groom a gift once you are actually husband and wife, there are still some lovely options. Again, one of our exquisitely crafted leather bracelets, will add a touch of class to even the most casual outfits (perfect for a honeymoon), or you could give him a pair of our solid silver cufflinks, that he can wear for special occasions and treasure forever. 

We are sure you’ll agree that there are many options to pick from to make this tradition something really special and memorable for the both of you.

We’d love to hear if you choose to partake in this tradition and what you have chosen as your gift.

This year we had fresh new look stand and a new recruit to the Elizabeth Parker team Bob, the mannequin on hand to model our exquisite accessories. We were excited to meet some customers, old and new and show off our ‘Breaking Free’ Collection.

‘Breaking free’ sees enamel, metal and stone impeccably placed within polished metal casings – creating an eclectic mix of patterned and smooth cufflinks. A collection that will add an element of luxury and sophisticated individuality to any look.

As it is every year, Pitti Immagine Uomo 95 was the success we hoped it would be. With buyers from some of the world’s biggest department stores, and journalists from the most influential publications making the trip to see what the suppliers had to offer. Our CEO Shan Burdett was extremely happy with the turnout ‘It was great to be back at Pitti Uomo. It always attracts serious buyers and this season did not disappoint. We welcomed both old and new customers to our stand and were delighted to show them the new collection’.

We look forward to returning to the show in June for the big Autumn/ Winter collection reveal. Pitti Uomo is one of the best ways for us to be seen by the key players in contemporary menswear.