Hot Rod Hubcaps: Miniature Fashion Accessories

Souped up car, hot rod and dragster enthusiasts, if you’ve ever been impressed by the infinite array of fancy Mag wheels and hubcaps from the 50’s, 60’s and seventies, then you’d be equally impressed with a collection of metal cufflinks by designer brand Lbb London. They bare distinct similarities. Who knows where the designers’ inspiration came from; I guess it’s open for interpretation. But the resemblance to hub caps is certainly there in these minute fashion accessories. Cast your eyes on them some time and make your own interpretation. They certainly have an air of masculinity about them, but not exclusive to our gender. Women have cottoned on, now the demand for these little gems comes from both sides of the fence. They’re also wearing our ties. “Who wears the pants in your family”? Regardless it’s the women is usually the trend setter and can make or break her husbands’ style.

Kick starting or bucking trends takes a lot courage, plus, ignorance of what others may say or think. Maverick screen actress Katherine Hepburn, whose long-term lover Spencer Tracey was a customer of Huntsman, took the extraordinary step of ordering bespoke denim jeans from her late lover's Savile Row tailor. Hepburn's commission foreshadowed bespoke denim collections launched in 2006 by Timothy Everest and Evisu. The 70’s gave birth to “The Dress Leans” derived from Hepburn’s trend.

Now days it’s quite common to see women wearing ties and cufflinks, even suits, following proudly in the tradition of the man who first introduced the dark suit. Brummell rejected 18th century frills (dandy man). His mandate, a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth, survives today as the dark business suit, white shirt and silk ties He was particularly adamant about the whiteness of his cravats. As he made his daily rounds from the park, various gentleman's clubs and fashionable homes, Brummell would stop and change his cravat as often as three times a day. He preferred neck cloths that were lightly starched and carefully folded.
The simplicity of Brummell's uniform was adopted by everyone from many working men to his friend, the Prince Regent, later King George IV. For the first time, poorer men hoping to make their way in the world could easily imitate upper class fashion.

While women are adorning their necks with silk ties and demanding feminine cufflinks
, men are more often seen wearing Brooches, traditionally considered forbidden territory. But what a natural progression, you can have matching links, or even tie pins, complemented by a suitable pocket square.

Did you know?--- 1952: Douglas Fairbanks Jr declared 'Savile Row has recaptured the tailoring supremacy of the world'. Fairbanks Jr is one of the 20th century heroes of Savile Row. As far back as 1937, it is recorded in Anderson & Sheppard's ledgers that he recommended Marlene Dietrich to the firm when she was in England to make Russian revolution epic Knight Without Armour.

Now days the demand for adequate extension to men’s fashion accessoriesand grooming kits is growing strongly, as men become more aware of their general appearance. But there are limitations, ties, cufflinks, lapel badges, tie pins, the odd pendant and that’s about it. So what’s next in line of fashion accessories?
for a well groomed gentleman?

Did you know ---- Keep in mind the cufflinksthemselves predate the shirt. In fact, according to the National Cufflink Society, there is evidence of cuff fasteners in ancient hieroglyphics and even in King Tut's crypt. The introduction of the French cuff in the mid 1600's moved the cufflink from the realm of practicality to personal adornment, as royalty commonly wore these decorated cuff fasteners. In the late 1700's, new link styles appeared and were soon adopted by the middle class and tradesmen. By the 1840's cufflinks were usually found in the form of gold, silver, or pearl buttons held together by metal, often brass chain.