As the colder months cast the fashion world in furs and wools, what will we in the tropics do? How shall we satiate our desire to remain in step with the latest trends? Accessories, of course! Over the next few weeks, His Style Diary will bring you the most desirable small leather goods, bags, shoes, headgear and jewelry for men – all the things we can indulge in without breaking a literal sweat.
In this issue we’re hitting the mines for silver, gemstones, gold, and more manners of man-bling for the ears and the neck and the wrists. Probably the easiest way to dress up a rather standard t-shirt and jeans combo, putting on some jewelry instantly personalizes an outfit with some flair. Especially true, if the jewelry you pick has some sort of a link to your personality, your history, or your fancies.
AROUND THE NECK
Silver’s still the mainstay for men’s jewelry. Weight is everything when it comes to necklaces – match it to your body shape, and your personality. Personally, I like medium- to lightweight chains, because of my slight stature. Bigger guys should consider thicker ones, especially if you have a muscular build. Of course, if you fall into the Hypebeast or Rebel archetypes, you’d want your necklaces to stand out. Go for shinier finishes like nickel or chrome, or more dramatic chain links like Figaro, Byzantine, or snake styles.
For a vintage look, check out Miansai’s Dove Necklace in oxidized sterling silver, cast to look like a Catholic cameo and paired with a Romanesque coin. Inspired by the ancient Egyptian icon of a snake eating its own tail – representing wholeness or infinity – Gucci’s Ouroboros pendant is paired with a beaded red-touch-black necklace that recalls the patterns of the scarlet King Snake (harmless, unlike its lookalike, the coral snake). If you’re spending fall in the tropics, amp up the beach vibes with Louis Vuitton’s Damier Colors Necklace in a turquoise-tinged blue, set with white stripes in silver-finished brass.
AROUND THE WRIST
We’re infatuated with Saint Laurent’s Marrakech series of wrist candy this season, perhaps because of wanderlust for the exotic Ochre City, or the anniversary of Pierre Bergé’s death and sale earlier this year of the last of their joint estate. These three silver-toned brass bangle bracelets all carry an oxidized patina, boasting in one blue and plum-colored traditional Berber patterns, another Marrakech rope and mezzaluna patterning, and lastly an impressively realistic replication of a wound thread design cast in metal.
Those fancying more color might consider Versace’s braided leather charm bracelet, available in fire-engine red, with gold-tone accents and a removable Medusa clip charm – something we may just replace with the adorable Audrey Versace Dog charm. A heavier, less bling alternative is the leather cord bracelet, which comes with a golden Medusa head in its closure. For the dramatic Eclectics or serious Brandstags amongst us, there’s the leather bracelet with cross pendant from Gucci. Basically a belt for the wrist, it features a frame-and-prong buckle, and a lion’s head from which a multi-colored cross with glass squares that are individually enameled for color – a process that dates back to 6th Century Byzantium.
For a dose of wild Americana, Dover Street Market Singapore carries Cody Sanderson’s Feather Head Star Cuff, which recalls Native American adornments. Natural Instinct’s Triangle Bangle would add an edge to any biker, with its raised pyramid texture, sharp right-angles, and overall badass-ery.
While we’re around the wrist, here’s a pair of cufflinks that caught our eyes from Burberry. Framed in polished, silver-tone brass, the turquoise-green and yellow marble spheres will make a handsome statement on starched white French cuffs.
AROUND THE FINGERS AND ELSEWHERE
I’m infatuated with The Great Frog, available at Dover Street Market Singapore, when it comes to themed rings. The “Michael Rodent” Skull Ring is a hoot, as are the Eclipse Eye and Beaded Eye Rings with their detailed irises and capillaries. From the same store, you’ll find Tom Wood’s Queen Ring Spinel – minimalist yet eye-catching with an open octagon revealing the skin on your fingers.
For the Brandstags among us, y’all would appreciate the rings from Comme des Garçons and Champion’s collab, with the former brand embossed across signet-style silver-toned brass rings alongside taglines like “Live Free”. You might also like Versace’s Rock ‘n’ Royalty pin, with pretty sky-blue crystals set against a gold-tone crown. And yes of course, there’s a Medusa head carved out, right in the middle.
For something really dramatic, perhaps even whimsical (here’s looking at you, Eclectics), there’s Gucci’s brooch with cross and cameo, an oversized statement piece with its roots in archaeological finds. Its large cameo depicts a quadriga, and the cross is put together with seven colorfully enameled pieces reminiscent of cathedral stained glass.
Tune in next time for more accessories this Fall/Winter season that you can get excited about!