Lapel pins and tie clips are intriguing accessories that can add sophistication to any suit and tie combination. Besides being a practical way to keep the tie in place, the tie clip is a miniature billboard of one’s sense of style. Although invented in the 1800s, they became popular in the 1920s and were a mainstay of men’s formal wear between the 1940s and 1960s. The tie clip went into decline as men’s fashion became more casual. In recent years, however, tie clips have seen a slow revival and is now seen as a definite mark of refined taste. Lapel pins are widely used as tiny symbols of everything from causes to brands, political parties and heads of state. However, lapels can also be a subtle nod to one’s individualism and are one of the biggest current trends in men’s fashion.
Strictly speaking, shirt studs, the less common sibling of cufflinks, are worn with tuxedos. However, there is no law preventing one from wearing them with cufflinks in other forms of formal wear as long it is done appropriately, and they are matching.
Tateossian of London has unveiled some attractive examples of these accessories for the discerning man.
LAPEL PIN
The lapel pin should be positioned on the left lapel and next to the pocket square for better impact. The pin can be worn with just the head showing or, depending on the design of the pin, may be worn with the bottom end of the stem showing. In the latter case, the lapel pin’s stem should be parallel to the angle of the lapel. A buttonhole, if it exists on the lapel, can be used to attach the pin, or it can be attached by carefully piercing the lapel.
- The Rose lapel pin features a metal stem with rose gold plating crowned by a rose in black enamel. Another variant features a combination of rhodium plated metal topped by a red enamel rose.
- The popular image of a fern has been replicated in a pin which beautifully conveys the texture and shape of the leaf. This fern is offered in rose gold or silver colour.
TIE CLIPS
The ideal position to place the tie bar is between the third and fourth button. It should never be wider in width than the tie, but it may be either the same width or shorter. The colour of the tie bar should match with the prominent metals of the wardrobe such as a watch, belt buckle and so on. The functional purpose of a tie bar is to hold a tie in place, and therefore, when used, the tie should not come loose.
- This D-shape tie clip features genuine patterned black carbon fibre inlay on rhodium-plated metal for an industrial look.
- The Braided tie clip features intricately twisted wires that create a textured and eye-catching accessory made with rhodium plated base metal in silver. Also available in various diamond patterns.
SHIRT STUDS
Shirt studs are always worn with matching cufflinks, and with a tuxedo suit, black is the traditional colour. However, they may be won with other formal wear, and the colour of studs may vary depending on the suit. Studs are sold in a set of four.
Rotondo Guilloché Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl stud set
- Rotondo Guilloché stud set is based on the Guilloché pattern, an extremely precise and intricate decorative technique of engraving, in this case, on a disc of white mother of pearl. The base material is rose gold colour plated stainless steel while the clasp is made from rhodium plated stainless steel.
Titanium and Black Agate Stud Set
- These studs have a gleaming finish, and every inlay features a ring of exposed plating and Tateossian’s classic signature diamond pattern.
