Ho Ho DNA..........$65

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Many thanks to all that have posted comments, and all the best to you and your loved ones for a safe and happy holiday season. Do however take a few moments to consider those that are less fortunate than you, and have a thought for those that find this time of the year a trial because of lost loved ones and for those that might be alone. Please do consider others in all that you do…..it’s a time of the year to pay thanks for what you have to whichever God you praise…..On Fridays…Saturdays….or Sundays. And a special hello to all you atheists out there who are happy to take a couple of days off anyway!!!!!!

This is the last entry for the calendar year 2011. Your scribe is off to a place where you only need one pair of black “jet” cuff links for when one dresses for dinner…..shoes are optional during the day also….ah the sunny climes.

Today’s links are somewhat special. They were a gift from a close “scientist” lady friend and they apparently hold a sample of her DNA. I am under instructions to head to the nearest fall out bunker in the event of a nuclear attack and pass on the special vial to any scientist present for the propagation of the human species. I’ve always wondered where a humble civilian such as I locates these bunkers but with the events of the past months I am going to have to find one just in case me thinks!!!!!

Glass vial in a sold silver cuff link matched with a Sergio Alvajee silk tie and Brooks Brothers cotton shirt.

Love you all.

Til next year.

ONWARD

Moon Shadows..........$50

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Your scribe has seen many a winter’s day but none so cold as my time on an extended stay in Moscow a few years back. Temperatures sunk to - 45º C and believe me you never want to experience this without adequate preparation. It’s so cold that if you yawn your teeth start to crack and your tears of pain turn to ice on your face!!!!

When I was in Moscow, renowned concert pianist Phillip Shovk was a Chopin student at the Moscow Conservatory and we became great drinking chums. 

I was at a private recital by Phillip not long ago where he was performing Beethoven’s Emperor on the Stuart Grand Piano. After the recital he introduced me to some of his associates and mentioned that we had been in Moscow together during the coldest winter since Hitler, and the latter was the coldest winter since Napoleon!!!!!

The strength of the Russian people is exemplified by their ability to withstand marauders and withstand the cold…..all with the help of some fine Stolichnaya vodka and warm comrade named Olga of course…..

My memory of the full moon one night rising over the Kremlin and St Basils is so vivid, even to this day. It was the largest I had ever seen the moon on its rising and with the backdrop of St Basils from Red Square was simply awesome.

The next day I came across these little moon stone gem cuff links and just had to get them in honour of that fantastic full moon and that serendipitous moment. They are always worn with one of my favourite “moon” ties from Salvatore Ferragammo, Hermés or Chanel.

Til tomorrow

ONWARD

White Rose of York..........$65

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

“A horse, a horse…..my Kingdom for a horse”

A trip to the pubs of York will show that feelings still run bitter and deep even after 5 centuries.

The White Rose of York is still displayed in most pubs and across the streets of York and is emblematic of the House of York. It defines the division of civil war that raged across middle England during the 15th century in the War of the Roses…..The White Rose signifying the House of York and the Red Rose signifying the House of Lancaster. The prize at stake was the English throne and all the benefits of power.

HRH Richard III became the last King of the House of York when defeated at the Battle of Bosworth Field by the Lancastrians. Richard was immortalised by William Shakespeare and there are exceptional portrayals by Lawrence Olivier and Sir Ian McKellen.  McKellen’s portrayal being this scribe’s favourite…..he is sheer evil.

“Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York”

Today’s links were a gift from a Yorkshire Rose and are worn with a silk Balarinji “Sorry” tie on a Brooks Brothers shirt.

Til tomorrow

ONWARD

Silk Knots..........$45

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Every link man has an inordinate amount of silk “knot” cuff links at the bottom of their drawer. They’re cheap and useful to the link man on the move and are indispensible when on business trips. A handy five or six sets in the toiletries bag makes sure you’re not weighted down when checking your bags in and if they manage to loose your luggage, you haven’t lost any precious items with sentimental value.

Your scribe has always wondered about the history of the silk knot link and it lead me to try and find their origins. The first stop in such matters should be your tailor. He is a man that I consider on the same level as my attorney, my doctor and my barber. Your tailor must have the same level of trust and confidence as all other of the link man’s professional associates, as they hold precious tit bits of knowledge not known to the mortal few.

I am reliably informed by my esteemed tailor (regards to you Charles) that the silk knot cuff links origins lie in the Royal Navy. Men on the nautical move in olden days had little or no access to decent laundry services and when one must recycle their dress shirts on a limited basis, what better way to have the links in place every morning than a set of semi permanent silk knots. And if you have only one arm what better way than permanent silk knots…..arise Vice Admiral The Right Honourable The Viscount Lord Nelson KB….our dapper Link Man of the day.

Lord Nelson belted all that came near him in a frigate, but it all came to an end on 21 October 1805 when 50 odd battle ships fought it out on the English Channel in the Battle of Trafalgar. One of England’s most enduring naval heroes died that day aboard HMS Victory. “The battle was won but it was dearly purchased”.

Today’s links are a gold tribute to the sailor’s silk knot. When not on the road, what better way than to replace them than with gold knots!!!!

Til tomorrow

ONWARD

Feliz Navidad..........SOLD

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Today’s links are from Tijuana, Mexico and are worn on only the most holy of days…..like the day of the office Christmas Party!!!!!

Some Do’s and Don’ts……Under no circumstances do you wear any form of head gear that involves reindeer antlers or elves ears or waist coats with mistletoe….. You are however permitted to wear Moschino neck ties with bobbles and peace motifs, chairman Mao wrist watches…..and of course Cross cuff links.

These links were acquired in Mexico in that most famous of towns, Tijuana. I can almost hear Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass playing The Lonely Bull every time I wear these links. Herb of course was one of the great link men of our time and who could forget the cover of Whipped Cream and Other Delights as a teenager.

Herb was the “A” in A&M Records and sold out at the peak of the music business hay days for hundreds of millions of US dollars. Plenty of links in this mans wardrobe!!!!

Feliz Navidad Herb…..Legend Link Man of our times….

Til later

ONWARD

NASA..........$125

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.  

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Your scribe has a passion for all things aviation and aviation buildings such as airports and the like.  Nothing in either of these fields can compare to the NASA Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral for sheer size and awesomeness. The scale of the launch pad and the hangar buildings for the shuttles and payload launch rockets is immense. The main building can house the Empire State Building and is one of the largest building structures in the world.

NASA Scientists say that they have discovered an earth like habitable planet that orbits a far away solar system some 600 light years away. In typical science manner they have dubbed this “planet” Kepler 22b. Your scribe is no mathematician but some rudimentary research reveals that if we packed up a space shuttle and headed off to have a look around Kepler in what is today’s rocket technology, we would get there in roughly 1,000,000 years….oh dear.

Artist impression Kepler 22b…………..“Nothing’s gonna change my world”…..Across the Universe: John Winston Lennon.

Your scribe has fond memories of the first lunar landing by Apollo 11….our generation is fixated with the question: where were you when JFK was shot? Where were you when man first walked on the moon? For the record it was Washington DC, watching it all on an old black and white TV.

I must send a cheerio to my old friend Dr Paul Scully Power AM, author of “Oceans to orbit. The story of Australia’s first man in space” No matter what anyone says, Paul was Australia’s first astronaut…..Today’s Link man from Space. Link man of our times arise Dr Paul Scully Power.

Today’s links were a gift to my Dad from the Chief of NASA, Thomas Paine back in 1969. Worn with Brooks Brothers cotton shirt and airplane motif Hermés silk tie.

Til tomorrow.

ONWARD

Sahdu...........$115

 

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

 Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

A Holy Man once saw today’s cuff links in my business travels through India and was most impressed that the lotus flowers faced both horizons, the heavens and the sun and the moon. He then quipped that there was even his own moustache represented, albeit upside down!!!!! I often chuckle about my brief encounter with this wise old man every time I wear these cuff links. I often think if it all gets to tough, I could simply jump on a plane and head for India and join my friend in the ashram….

This Holy Man’s moustache was something to behold and would have most certainly put any “Movember” candidates to shame….it was waxed to perfection and had obviously been attended to every day in the most meticulous manner. The orange in his robes was the brightest I had ever seen, to which he said that the colours represent the coming of the sun each day. His life was a simple one of meditation and prayer having renounced all worldly pleasures to reflect and be as one with the universe. His aura and sheer presence I have only every felt from rock stars and heads of state.

Today’s Links are from Mumbai. They are brass with green lotus motifs and worn with a Singapore Cricket Club members tie on a Valentino cotton shirt.

These were worn on the day Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai’s favourite son, scored 154 not out at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2008.

Celebrations 5 January 2008, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney Australia

Til tomorrow

ONWARD

Las Vegas Pawn..........$135

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

You can tell a man is awesome by his ability to disembark a helicopter on his way to a card game in Vegas and not spilling a single drop of his bourbon in the dismount…..Frank….Chairman of the Board is our Link Man of the day.

Any entertainer that can span seven decades in the rough and tumble of show business deserves credit. He had highs and he had lows but he was always just there through generations of listeners. After too many gins your scribe will always play “Ebb Tide” very loudly, it’s perhaps his greatest vocal achievement and he did have many.

 Frank epitomised all things Vegas and your scribe will always haunt the under belly back lots of Vegas through the hock and pawn shops whenever I’m there.

Haute couture, jewellery, wrist watches are all regularly sold or “traded” in for that little bit of extra cash to pump through the slots….a veritable gold mine for the Link Man on the prowl between mega glitz shows, Mai Tais by the pool and fine dinning. When on the hunt, the link man should always have an eye out for the universal symbol of loan sharks…..the three brass balls of the pawn shop….

Never comfortable taking advantage of one mans misfortune; this scribe considers casinos as self inflicted for those not wearing their “lucky cuff links” !!!!! If it’s in Vegas and it’s in hock, I guess its fair game. It’s all Fear and Loathing as far as your scribe is concerned.

Today’s links from a pawn shop worn with a silk Gene Meyer of New York neck tie and tailored shirt from Mr Chan of Hong Kong.

Til later

ONWARD

Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen..........$125

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series....

Your scribe has a soft spot for all cities built on canals….Venice and St Petersburg are up there but one of my favourites is Copenhagen….Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen.

The Danes have a proud heritage in architectural design that throws out household names like Utzon, Jacobsen and Larsen……Sydney Australia has been blessed with the magical Sydney Opera House by Jorn Utzon. One of the great architectural public buildings of our time and a World Heritage Listed building. Jorn is of course an honorary Australian and the Australians have an honorary Dane in Princess Mary….perhaps one of the more popular Royals any where in the world.

Not only do the Danes excel in the architectural world but they have a most distinct design style that is recognisable any where. Furniture and jewellery are but elements that your scribe has a passion for in Danish design. A Hennigsen lamp or a Jacobsen chair is a must in any well planned home. But in the field of jewellery where the Link Man is concerned, Danish design provides a distinctive flair that no other cuff links can.

A visit to Copenhagen has two absolute musts…..the Danish Architecture and Design Centre and of course Christiania. For those currently involved in the “Occupy” movement, Christiania is the lamp on the hill of all occupy movements. A sort of micro-nation with its own laws, Freetown Christiania is the embodiment of alternative and communal living….a must visit when you’re there in Copenhagen for an alternative gallery visit or that organic macro wholemeal night out!!!

Today’s links are representative of all things retro, peak 70’s dapper and Denmark. They are copper metal fusion that blares out…..”I am from Denmark!!!!!” Acquired in a small antique design gallery.

 Worn with a silk Gucci neck tie and brushed cotton shirt.


Til later


ONWARD

My Old Kentucky Home..........SOLD

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series....

Your scribe many years ago was commissioned in to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels by the Governor of Kentucky…..so yes, I can go by the title of Honorable Colonel, as I have my letters patent from the Governor as his Aide de Camp and appointment as an Honorable Colonel. It’s great for plane or hotel bookings in militia states but seriously they are a wonderful Order that is a charitable organisation that assists charities and education institutions.

The background to my appointment is a long story in itself but suffice to say it involved far too many bourbon mint juleps in a long drinking session with some antipodean Diplomats in the Governor’s private box at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day. A mountain of cash was won, some life long friendships established and a love affair with all things Kentucky ensued.

I have some notable company in the Order, which include Ann Margaret, Bing Crosby, Dwight Yoakham and even Johnny Depp. Your scribe is in good company. My favourite though is Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali.

Cassius was born in Louisville and his rise to fame included an Olympic Gold Medal in the Rome Olympics of 1960. On his return from the Olympic Games there was no fanfare, life was pretty much the same as it always was. Because of his colour, he couldn’t use public wash rooms and he had to sit in segregated areas of restaurants, theatres and buses. In protest he threw his Olympic Gold Medal in to the Ohio River….I guess he will always know where it is!!!

For the record his amateur statistics are; 100 fights for 5 losses; and professional statistics, 56 Wins (37 knockouts, 19 decisions), 5 Losses (4 decisions, 1 TKO), 0 Draws. He really was “The Greatest”

Muhammad Ali….Link Man….Colonel…..The Greatest.

Today’s cuff links display the Seal of The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and they are worn with a dapper Salvatore Ferragamo blue silk neck tie and Valentino pure cotton shirt.

Til next week

ONWARD

St Andrews........FOUR!!..........$195

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

We once again visit Scotland where it is now most certainly “go to the pub” weather….but if you’re not in the pub and enjoy walking in the sleet and horizontal rain, well then St Andrews is for you in your next constitutional walk.

The world’s oldest course was established in 1400 and is possibly the hardest in the world to play. It has pitfalls that make even Tiger Woods shudder. There are hidden holes, shared greens, gigantic sand pits (112 bunkers in all!!!!) and there’s even an old bridge to negotiate. But its sheer beauty as a golf course is breathtaking. It really is the home of golf and must be played if you ever can. If you’re within 500 miles of the place, you have no excuse not to visit and play a round…..enter the round ballot and have a shot.

Old Course Open Champions include Tiger, Jack, Seve and a true links man for our times John Daly. Albeit golf links are John’s forté, we today bestow on our Old Course of St Andrews Open Champion of 1995, John Daly, honorary status as a ”cuff links” man of our times!

John in better days as the 1995 St Andrews Old Course Open Champion

Today’s links were bought at the Old Course of St Andrews after a horrendous round that saw the demise of a good many golf balls…..the links are worn with a Thomas Pink cotton shirt.

 

FOUR….

ONWARD

Magnum Cum Laud..........$145

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

 Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

 VERITAS

Although Harvard is not my Alma Mater, who is to resist the acquisition of Harvard “Veritas” links when you are in a Harvard merchandising store in of all places Japan.

The store has links, rings, pins, umbrellas, sweats and everything one could conceive with a Harvard crest and arms emblazoned on them. I found the store fascinating for the fact it either exists in Japan for graduates who get the urge or it is a cynical exercise in merchandise promotion along the lines of Manchester United’s franchise stores across Asia and the Middle East.

I bought these links in Japan with a pair of argyle socks in Harvard colours. A most tasteful combination when wanting an Ivy League demeanour.

Not wanting to be too much of a Harvard imposter, I have decided to wear the Harvard links with my own Alma Mater tie today, one of the few that is not silk in this scribes wardrobe!!

Worn today with Ermenegildo Zegna light blue cotton shirt.

For all those that have posted comments on this blog (please feel free to do so if you haven’t) I confer to you all a Magnum Cum Laud in the fine art of cuff link appreciation.

Till Later


ONWARD

Team M versus team C…............SOLD

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

 Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Romeo was a Montague and Juliet was a Capulet….I am unsure whether Romeo was a link man in the days of the Bard but in any other time, I am most certain he would have been. Fancy dresser and one to hang with his buddies, this star crossed erudite lover wooed Juliet with charm and an obvious fashion smarts that would befit a Link Man

Verona was and still is a place of great beauty…every streetscape one can see little “Juliet” balconies across the city. The narrow cobbled streets look like a perfect scene for the street fights that Romeo and his band of pals would have engaged with the Capulets. When in Verona, a little time in a café with an International Herald Tribune, a packet of Gitannes and a strong espresso to ponder such things is a must.

They say it’s the “City of Lovers” and with the right company it most certainly can be. I found it also to be a city of little stores with treasures to be found everywhere for the man with links on his mind.

 Today’s links are copper alloy with green enamel heart shape infill that were found wandering in the back streets of Verona (post café pondering).  They are set off magnificently when worn with Brooks Brothers Egyptian cotton shirt and Moschino neck tie.

 And alone,  their beautiful simplicity shine of all things love.

Til Later

Onward

The Golden Age of Travel and the Link..........$145

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Your scribe spends far too much time in airports….a necessary evil and a job hazard. In aviation there are some shocking examples of civic architecture but in some pockets there are outstanding examples that can take you back to the golden era of travel. Some of my favourites are modernist and others are pure art deco magnificence. La Guardia, Newark and Idlewild’s (later JKF) were show case buildings that took the traveller on a first class journey from the moment of arrival at the terminal.

The “Marine Air Terminal” La Guardia Airport

The cuff link came to fore during the fabulous art deco decades from the 1930’s onward. All fields in the fabric of life took on a renewed purpose and vigour….from your tea pot or your car or the jewellery you wore all the way to the modern office buildings covered in chrome;  life for everyone changed during this golden era.

 Today’s links come from a thrift shop in Louisville Kentucky….a town with its own art deco airfield architecture….Bowman Field.

 Bowman Airfield with Lockheed in taxi mode.......

Found in the corner of a dust covered glass display cabinet in a Louisville thrift shop, these little art deco gems have accompanied me through some of the great airports of the world.

Gold plate art deco links circa 1930, worn with Gianni Versace silk tie and a tailor made cotton shirt.

Til later

Onward

Hermés and those lucky cuff links..........$135

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Hermés and those lucky cuff links in your scribe’s repertoire.

Let me begin today with a confession that I truly believe that there is such a thing as lucky cuff links…a visit to the track or the casino demands the wearing of ones lucky links. It’s a long ride home after a day at the track or a session of Chemin De Fer if you’re not wearing them.

Hermés International of course is known for all things equestrian, and their silk ties and cuff links are a must in any successful power dressing business man’s range of options. Their unique silk scarves and the famous “Kelly” bag are a must in any business woman’s wardrobe. The last of the “family” owned fashion houses, Hermés has been kitting us out with their finest for centuries.

My lucky Hermés cuff links are one of a few that always accompany me to Royal Randwick, Churchill Downs or Ascot. Not that I’m a gambler but as one would in business, you should always have an exit strategy and you must always be prepared for the worst. If that means incorporating superstition in to one’s business plans, then so be it.

The great Giacomo at Churchill Downs........

These Hermés cuff links worn with appropriate Hermés silk tie have witnessed the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the famous Melbourne Cup….Your scribe rests his case.

Happy Punting


Onward

Tiffany Blue..........$285

One man’s mission to share with the world the fine art of cufflinks.

Each blog a different pair and each blog a different story.  Read on in this series.....

Tiffany Blue always excites….

The red Cartier box stirs emotions but the distinctive Tiffany Blue box will always be a winner in any gift choice.

Today’s links are from the Elsa Peretti “Bean” collection exclusive to Tiffany and Co. She is part of a powerhouse collection of other Tiffany designers that include Frank Gehry, Jean Schlumberger and the fabulous Paloma Picasso.

Elsa Peretti portrait follows, by one of the great link men of our times, Helmut Newton. Why wouldn’t you buy something designed by this woman?

New York City’s equivalent to Rue de la Paix is of course 5th Avenue. When in NYC you must visit the 5th and 57th Streets Tiffany and Co. flagship store at dawn after a night down at Studio 54. To recreate the Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak “breakfast” moment is truly magical with a special friend.

“I don't think I've ever drunk champagne before breakfast before. With breakfast on several occasions, but never before” .  Paul Varjak in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

Bubbles all round I say……

Today’s Tiffany and Co. links were a gift from a troubled lady friend that I helped out on a delicate legal matter. She was on the wrong side of the law for just a brief moment and I was happy to lend a hand. It was a wonderful gift from a grateful and exonerated friend.

Worn today with a Savile Row and Co. of Mayfair Egyptian cotton shirt and a navy blue Polo Ralph Lauren silk tie.

 Til later

ONWARD