2021 starts with hope, with the very welcome roll out of a Covid-19 vaccine the end of the tunnel is very much in sight. True, we are still very much in the depths of a pandemic and living a restricted life, but hope pushes us through.
Nothing says Elizabeth Parker more than a black-tie event where formal wear comes into its own. Black time implies importance; award ceremonies, a milestone birthday party, a grand wedding or a prestigious ball. Some of these events will be reflected on as amongst the greatest memories of someone's life.
Every man should have a tuxedo type suit in his wardrobe along with the shirt and shoes that will complement the look and of course not forgetting the accessories.
Dress Studs add understated glamour to a dress shirt, pair them the matching cufflink and it's a formal match made in heaven. Elizabeth Parker have an array of Dress Stud sets and matching cufflinks that will suit every man and his sartorial needs.
Why not view our money clip and collar stay collection for that little something extra, to really make him feel like the man of the hour with a unique look.
]]>Rose gold is becoming increasingly popular for weddings, because it combines the glamour and elegance of gold with a delicate pink hue, making it undeniably romantic.
This wonderful hue can be incorporated into weddings in many ways - through the containers for flowers, invitations, bridesmaids’ dresses, favours and bridal accessories. Not forgetting the groom, Elizabeth Parker have an exquisite range of rose gold accessories to add to your offering for grooms.
Embellish his cuff with a set of our rose gold cufflinks, whether they 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 his wedding photos. Ensuring the theme runs though the wedding in every little detail.
]]>As we celebrate International Women's Day today, we thought we'd shine a light on our all women team here at Elizabeth Parker. A diverse group of women help make Elizabeth Parker what it is today, from design to accounts.
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.
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 19th 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.
Try adding Elizabeth Parker pocket squares to your formal wear offering and carrying on the tradition.
]]>‘Classic blue is a reassuring shade of blue, it's full of calm and confidence and builds connection, it highlights dependability, trustworthiness, credibility and constancy.’
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, we 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.
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.
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