Handsome Collections for Discerning Customers
March 5th, 2008
New York, NY
Text, Images-J. Ecochard
(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Guys luck out (again!).
Because dollar per dollar (or euro) men’s upscale accessories, like men’s luxury vestments, have a higher level of craftsmanship and are of better quality than women’s…and have a satisfying heft/finish to them that (wo)men covet.
We experienced first hand the feel and look of the often sensuous but always-masculine materials and creative process that goes into guys’ accoutrements…from representatives of the Rhode Island based Colibri Group (Colibri of London, Dolan-Bullock brands, and exclusive U.S. distributor of France’s ritzy S.T. Dupont lighters and accessories).
BACKSTORY:
Founded by brothers Julius and Benno Lowenthal, Colibri draws accolades for innovation, beginning with the 1928 debut of the world’s first automatic lighter, the “Colibri Original”- that spared users’ thumbs contacting the flint wheel. The technologically swift company has several patents secured for the art of lighting up.
FUN FACTOID:
James Bond’s “The Man With The Golden Gun” features a Colibri manufactured, ingenuous golden gun instrument complied with a Colibri 88 lighter, cigarette case, cufflinks, and a fountain pen.
TODAY:
The company is making a play for the 18-35 crowd with the stainless steel/wood imprinted “Inferno” line, inspired by the famed Gibson guitar… and sporting blazin’ saturated orange/red flames that dip into NASCAR territory. This full collection of affordable ($100-$150) men’s accessories (cufflinks, money clip, pen, lighter) are for dudes who want a “step-up” from disposable Bic pens but eschew the traditional super pricey Montblanc. Good for bridal party gifts too.
Ship Dates: Late Spring 2008
TREND ALERT: MIXED METALS
The stainless steel/silver refined compositions of the “Innuendo” and “Prime” collections are graphically striking in design (think art deco), and highly polished.
These elegant lines include box linked chain necklaces that are decidedly anti-blingy! We could see no-jewelry ever types confidently donning one of these.
Titanium, the popular metal choice for Fall- gives added dimension to the “Abyss” collection. Raised metal holes are strikingly backed by black lacquer-for a sleek, edgy look.
A NEAT TOUCH:
The magnetic clasp of the “Abyss” bracelet eliminates foppish fiddling.
DOLAN-BULLOCK
Established in 1917, this 100% made in the U.S.A. upscale line of precious metals (solid 18k, 14k gold, platinum plated/brass shell) accessories chicly incorporates glam materials like rich emeralds, sparkling diamonds, smoky quartz, glowing mother-of-pearl, textured leather and abalone shell.
OUR FAVS:
The fierce “Havana Collection” of textured leather, platinum plated cufflinks, lighter and appropriately enough, cigar cutter…shipping late Spring 2008.
The princely hand-carved fleur-de-lis motifs of mother-of-pearl, 14k cufflinks that retail for a regal and reasonable $880 are also winners.
STANDOUTS:
Eyes locked on the visually arresting black stingray and sterling silver (processed to never tarnish!) “Shagreen Collection” in handsome geometric shapes. The line is appropriate for office-wear, rugged adventures or a tuxedoed soirée.
For big time nights on the town, the attractively carved stone onyx, art deco-y cufflinks with a row of inlaid diamonds, and an dignified 18K concave curved set banded with emeralds inset in translucent mother-of-pearl… can both add a bit of subtle glitter to special occasions.
DESIGN INNOVATION:
The spring-like mechanism of the 18k gold shiny, engrave-able money clip that ‘snaps’ greenbacks into place. Euphemistically dubbed the “Vegas” it accommodates bulky wads of winning bills-or securely snuggles a meager stash.
S.T. DUPONT-THE CLICK THAT GETS OUR HEARTS BEATING!!!!
The stately French brand serves up the sophisticated black "Chinese Lacquer and Palladium" collection of pens (rollerball and a fountain pen with a tiny, embedded diamond), square cufflinks, and look at me lighters that snap open with the famous “ping” sound. High rollers and computer geeks will need a nifty textured palladium 2 gb USB key from the Black Diamond collection.
A bevy of distinguished tie clips in palladium, with glossy black lacquer and mother-of-pearl feature a variety of smooth and raised surfaces that make them pleasingly noticed. Retailers will be receiving these attractive accessories around June 2008.
WE WANT:
The new Rose Gold collection with its cubistic cufflinks, slim belt buckle, and lighter. Popular in Asia, we think the pinkish tint matches watches cased in a similar hue
MAKE IT WORK COLOR FOR FALL: PURPLE!
Ranging from deep eggplant to royal bright purple shades (S.T. Dupont plush leather card case, and humongous Swarovski Crystal cufflinks respectively)…to Colhibri’s “Trance” purple rubber collection, reps assured us that “purple is super hot for Fall.”