Sandrine Mettetal, Auteur à The Blog of BUTTONSPARADISE

Original jackets with large ‘haute couture’ black buttons

Not always easy to know how to dress in autumn or spring or even in winter! That’s the snag with in-between seasons. However a jacket will always remain your best ally, the ideal piece of clothing. If you want to refresh its look and avoid monotony why not accessorize it?

The trapeze shape jacket, cape, blazer, bolero or jacket choose the one that you feel is right for you and then change all the buttons with a more original shape. Look at the panorama of ‘haute couture’ buttons. There is a whole range of sizes, fabric, shapes and styles all very different. Refashion your jacket with large black ‘haute couture’ buttons, you won’t regret it!

Always in tune, in any circumstances, the mid-season jacket is your best friend when temperatures keep changing. It can be worn under your coat in winter. Frankly it is the best garment in your wardrobe. Add a broach, a necklace, long or short or simply a few tassels and your jacket is totally revived. However since you do not always have the time to choose the accessories to remodel your jacket then why not make the change once and for all? That’s where original buttons are simply a must.

A cape with 2 black ‘haute couture’ buttons

If you choose large size massive buttons, make sure you avoid adding any extra accessories such as a scarf or small chain. Keep your look simple and put all the effect on the choice of the buttons. A pretty cuff can be an option but do not emphasize on the jewelry.

On a magnificent white cape in a pale color, pick a massive button, either black or very dark. The impact will be greater and your jacket will benefit from a feminine touch and outline your silhouette.

A cape with 2 black ‘haute couture’ buttons — Dress and coat by Fath, Paris Hat by Schiaparelli, Paris Evening dress by Fontana, Rome. © Regina Relang1951/1952 – Terra Horn Couture button by BUTTONS PARADISE

White winter jacket with black buttons: for the seventies look

The seventies coats and jackets are still very fashionable. The Emanuel Ungaro 1968 coat below is a close fit and the waistline is underlined with a dark leather belt. The double row of vintage black buttons can be replaced by bone buttons or bohemian style buttons for a glamorous effect.

The fifties cape with large size buttons

On this very chic cape choose precious buttons or fancy buttons to break the plainness and add a touch of crispness and originality to your look. Plain and pure, mother of pearl will bring light and brilliance to your jacket or coat.

Jackets with a row of asymmetric buttons

On the bell shaped jacket below, choose decorative buttons and draw a separation that will underline your waist and the roundness of your hips and restore a feminine look. Here too you can add more charm and refinement to your outerwear !

Take a look at our collection of black buttons in the Buttons Paradise catalogue. Design or vintage, fancy or ‘haute couture’ you will find a wide choice to revamp your outerwear.

Jackets with a row of asymmetric buttons — Photo : Livemaster – handmade, DIY & tutorials – Photo : shewhoworshipscarlin.tumblr.com – Horn Heart button by BUTTONS PARADISE

Jewelry designers in Paris: 5 boutique-workshops to discover

More and more designers propose to their customers and lovers of beautiful jewelry to discover their creations and fashion accessories via a showroom. Do not miss out on this great experience. So while visiting Paris, go to the boutique-workshops of talented French designers! It is the opportunity to discover their universe, to get in their intimacy. In short, it is the opportunity to approach a little closer all these French jewels and fashion accessories!

Jewelry designer workshop-boutique N°1: La Tonkinoise à Paris

Flea and vintage atmosphere for La Tonkinoise. Indeed, it is a nice boutique-workshop located in the 11th area of Paris. The Chinese influences of Chantal Manoukian make this place and especially the jewels that are presented there, a real call to the senses and your journey. Discover unique pieces with fine chisels and old pearls of timeless and magical creations. Therefore, come and admire the vintage and contemporary jewels of this famous Parisian designer.

Jewelry designer workshop -boutique N°2: Helmut

Make an appointment to visit the Helmut workshop in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. There, you will then discover the superb graphic and geometric creations of Camille who makes contemporary and original jewels. Very feminine while embodying the quintessence of minimalism, Helmut design jewelry is a pure joy to watch and of course to wear.

Jewelry designer workshop -boutique N°3: Engrenages

Engrenages is a workshop located rue des Dames in the 17th area of Paris. Two young women are in charge of this superb place dedicated to artistic and hand-crafted creation. This workshop allows them to present their original jewels. Some of them are made of silver and others worked with old pieces like tassels or other small objects of everyday findings. And other creators invite themselves into this superb workshop. Thus, they mix their creations with those of the two young women owners of the place.

Jewelry designer workshop -boutique N°4: Les Fleurs

A workshop-boutique of jewels and other objects of creators! Les Fleurs (ie. Flowers) is located passage Josset in the 11th area of Paris. Here also, discover beyond the multitude of decorative and cuddly objects, beautiful, original, contemporary or vintage jewelry as a tribute to all those creators behind the scenes who like to bring you to light.

Jewelry designer workshop -boutique N°5: Buttons Paradise

Finally, and located in the famous couturier district, not far from the school of French fine arts and shops of Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Dior or Sonia Rykiel, Buttons Paradise‘s workshop-boutique is dedicated to fashion accessories and button jewelry. Original necklaces, leather bracelets and large design rings… The workshop-gallery is located 198 Boulevard Saint-Germain. Here we invite you, by appointment, to discover jewelry creations and original fashion accessories in limited editions. You will also discover some beautiful and exclusive French button sets in huge drawers. So, make an appointment without further delay to visit Buttons Paradise‘s Showroom! Or even simpler: hit the window pane located opposite 18 rue Saint Guillaume so that the designer opens you!

7 ideas to customize your black dress

Whether it is a dress for a special occasion, Christmas party or office party, we all have a little black dress in our wardrobe and we adore it. How can we revamp and refashion our little black dress? Whether your prefer the casual look, rock style or arty, there are thousands of ways to wear it. According to circumstances and your mood, choose what’s right for you, unconditionally.

1. Black dress worn with a stylish purse

Extremely plain dress often a strict cut, such a dress will undoubtedly welcome a color accessory. First rule: simply add one touch of color and do not be tempted to add more. The focal point is the detail that breaks the linear shape of the dress bringing a graphic and modern look. In the present case the focus is on the bright colored purse. Pick a printed fabric or plain leather model. What really matters here is the touch of color to make your outfit perfect.

black dress with a stylish purse — Photo wax purse : www.nothingbutthewax.blogspot.fr
Photo red purse and red shoes : www.maman-modeuse.com

2. Black dress worn with stunning shoes

When choosing the your shoes, keep the same principle: favor the range of colored shoes to attract immediate attention. This option enlivens your look and gives a touch of style and force. Stiletto heels, basket shoes, ballerina shoes or flashy derbies pick your fancy !

black dress stunning shoes — Photo : ©Médiathèque du Patrimoine

3. Black dress with a leather jacket or color blazer jacket

To give zest to your black dress, lend your preference to a leather perfecto jacket or a smart blazer with a neat cut. Use the flashy fashionable colors like pink, red or mauve. Your little black dress will acquire style and force.

4. Black dress and statement necklace

To revamp your black dress add a stunning piece of jewelry, chose a sparkling statement necklace, in other words choose a dazzling necklace. It will enlighten your neckline and underline the shape of your dress with elegance. It’s a question of color and generous volumes.

5. Black dress and oversize jewelry

To remain in the statement necklace spirit, refresh your black dress with an XXL piece of jewelry. Try the leather oversize cuff bracelet or large size necklace. This kind of fashion jewelry gives you a stylish look.

leather oversized cuff bracelet — Bamboo Twist Original Leather Cuff Bracelet

large size necklace — Original Comet Pale Blue Necklace

6. Black dress with a leather plastron necklace

The plastron necklace is an exceptional piece of jewelry. It gives a touch of color and a trendy look to your outfits. Here again, select fashion colors that highlight this accessory of a very unusual design.

7. Black dress with fur hat and convertible

A quick reminder of the glamorous sixties looks. You can’t resist this stunning outfit. Very little color save for the magnificent pink color of the convertible, the immaculate white color of the fur hat and cuff and the brilliance of the historic pearl necklace. A luminous and neat outfit don’t you think ?

So if you want to brighten your black dress with precious accessories don’t hesitate to look through the pages of Buttons Paradise to find the right piece of jewelry and the ideal color for you.

Fur hat and convertible — Photo © Médiathèque du Patrimoine

Accessorizing one’s look: what’s the right mix?

Why and how to accessorize your look? Whether you a believer of the casual look or prefer neat outfits, the fashion accessory is fundamental. It has the ability of giving personality to your silhouette. And it becomes the detail that makes all the difference. Choosing the right accessory and knowing how to combine it with your outfits is essential. It is question of volume, color and naturally the right association of both. Here are a few examples of a good match.

Smart clothes and oversized accessories

A free-flowing dress or a long shirt, an ensemble with trousers and blouse, require a minimum number of accessories. A wide belt, a long necklace, a cuff bracelet, a large round shaped ring will bring a touch of stylishness. Accessories deliver a dose of glamour, chic, whether ethnic or simply fashionable. Nevertheless beware of over emphasizing or hazardous color associations. Below the long streamline jacket comes with a wide belt and the earrings are magnificent, oversized. The perfect color match! The resin necklace in the dark raspberry color gives structure to outfit n°2. And it increases the effect of verticality. The examplen°3, XXL bracelets, worn on both wrists underlines the colors of the outfit but attract attention.

Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015 - Buttons Paradise's look with the Anchor Necklace model - Backstage at Marni SS16 article de Dazed — Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015
Buttons Paradise’s look with the Anchor resin necklace
Backstage at Marni SS16 article by Dazed

This Buttons Paradise look features a grey Moroccan style tunic brightened up with a large size, round shaped, two-colored ring made of Lucite with a black inlay. For a very chic effect, this accessory brings a note of style and simplicity.

A single color outfit using accessories to make a strong contrast

Once the lines and shapes are laid down it’s time to choose the colors. To round off single or two colors clothing there is nothing better than a large size accessory with a punchy color. Wearing bright color shoes can be an option, or a hat, a small bag, a scarf, a turban, a necklace, smart glasses or a bright colored large size cuff bracelet. Go for the luminous colors to wear with black, white or natural color outfits. The Buttons Paradise Georgia leather cuff bracelet brings a feminine touch to your entire look.

You can try the Cesaria yellow leather cuff. The buckle is woven brass, adding extreme brilliance and it combines beautifully with the ethnic skirt.

Plain color shirt and bib necklace or color cuff bracelet

A stunning way to break the plainness of a white shirt is to wear a bright bib necklace. The blue borderline reflects the color of the turban and the pink makes a match with the chosen lipstick. As for the second model, very ethnic style featuring an assortment of black and white bracelets. In this sequence the idea is to strengthen the contrast in colors with simplicity and keep the minimalistic graphic features.

Photos et Looks à retrouver sur le blog Lirons d’elle — Photos and Looks from Lirons d’elle’s French blog

Avoiding any ‘fashion faux pas’

A few tips and a bit of common sense to avoid any mistakes:

Overemphasize color matching: gives a look of substantial excess. Use only one color match in this case, that’s chic.
Increase the number of accessories: if you don’t want to look like a xmas tree, only 2 or 3 accessories will be required maximum.
Mixing both refined and oversized accessories: better choose one single option, not both.

To sum it up, you need to remember it’s the fashionable! And it’s trendy details that give your outfit a subtle style. No need to overdo it. Be minimalistic to acquire a classy appearance, stylish whatever the circumstances!

Customize your white shirts with original buttons

For anyone who often finds herself sporting a white shirt, the question of how to personalize the look is certainly a crucial one! So to really bring out the best in your top, and add a note of freshness, why not attach some original buttons? With this one trick, you can personalize your basics by giving them a touch of originality. And you don’t even need to be an expert in couture to give your outfits a makeover. Once you’ve chosen your buttons, simply stitch them onto your shirt. So here’s a quick run through of what this ‘makeover’ actually consists of, and how to choose your model and totally transform your white shirt into an item that’s one of a kind.

Choose your piece of clothing wisely

The white shirt featured above is by Caroll, in lightly striped, cotton voile. The two large patch pockets, in the style of Maison Margiela, give it that added charm. This shirt was bought in the sales for 40 €. When it comes to transforming a shirt, there are a few important rules to follow in terms of style and dimensions.

Measure the buttonholes carefully before purchasing the model of your dreams. For a 10mm button, the buttonhole must be at least 12mm, i.e. 2mm more than the button – and ideally, 4mm. In general though, this will depend on the shape of the button and how bulky it is.

If you choose a shank button, make sure that it is lightweight and also that the material to which you are attaching it is fairly thick. Avoid putting a nickel button on a silk shirt for example: the button may well pull on the shirt fabric and undermine the look.

You don’t need to worry about the previous point for a sew-through button or a moulded-shank button, though. Once these buttons are stitched on, the thread will marry perfectly with the fabric.

As for colour, prioritize contrasts. Avoid putting orange buttons on a red shirt, for example: as a general rule, try not to choose your buttons in a similar shade to that of the clothing.

On the other hand, a white shirt will work well with any shade. The bolder the colour and style of the buttons, the more stylish your shirt will end up looking! So go ahead and be daring!

Glitz up your shirts with stylish and original buttons

Buttons Paradise has a large choice of sewing buttons in pearl, resin, metal, wood, glass, horn and ebony. There are graphic design styles, puzzle pieces and disco, 80s, ethnic, vintage or modern pieces. Here’s a selection of some of the buttons currently available:

French Code Button by Buttons Paradise

Opt for this model if you want to give your blouse a dressy look. The ebony button, with its Swarovski rhinestone (10mm), is the perfect way to add an element of sophistication to your white shirt.

Taupe Mother-of-pearl Puzzle Button by Buttons Paradise

For a unique shirt that is right on trend, opt for this taupe mother-of-pearl button in the shape of a puzzle piece (13mm). It is available in taupe or white.

Green Gray Square Shell Button by Buttons Paradise

To customize your blouse, you can also go for this model in pearl (generally 10-12mm diameter), the Binocular Ebony button or the Mother-of-pearl Sweetie button. Whatever the case, and whichever style you go for, don’t hesitate for a second longer! Go ahead and personalize all your white shirts and your plain basics. Take a few risks in your customizations, and really affirm your style and identity!

Oversized jewelry

Easily spotted from afar without necessarily having to be flashy, oversized jewelry pieces can always work wonders. As far as jewelry and accessories are concerned, the hot trends right now are the bib necklace, XXL rings, oversized earrings and cuff bracelets that encircle the whole wrist. These pieces inject energy into even the most understated and minimalist of outfits. They give a twist to styles that may be a little too on the sensible side of things, personalising day-to-day looks that tend to be somewhat run-of-the-mill. Oversized jewelry can be casual or chic, but is certainly all the rage right now…

It’s an essential piece that you simply can’t do without, and is certainly no exception to the current trend for the oversized: the ring. And rings are being worn in dramatically XXL styles right now. Whether you opt for a simple model – metal, silver-, gold-, copper-coloured, wood or resin – or indeed something more sophisticated or minimalist, the oversized ring will show your fingers in their best light. These rings look great worn alone, or ‘stacked’ together with several rings. So feel free to go ahead and choose the combination that works best for you!

Funny Face Original Button Ring © Buttons Paradise Original Three Perfumes button ring © Buttons Paradise — Funny Face Original Button Ring © Buttons Paradise
Original Three Perfumes button ring © Buttons Paradise

Amidst this carnival of oversized and impressive jewelry, necklaces aren’t doing too badly for themselves either. Costume jewelry models are particularly on trend at the moment. They tend to comprise several rows of coloured beads, or monochrome ones for a more essential touch. Either way, these necklaces bring real style to any décolletage. Ethnic-style bib necklaces are also trending currently, as are models made from rhinestone, Perspex, resin, wood or from dramatically large metal chain links. So now you can really play on the contrast between colours, and dress up your décolletage with one of these oversized models. They can be incredibly flattering, and have a slimming effect that really showcases your neck. It just wouldn’t be right to deprive yourself really!

Collier oversize transparent Monies © Farfetch Caramel Original Button Ring © Buttons Paradise — Collier oversize transparent Monies © Farfetch
Caramel Original Button Ring © Buttons Paradise

The trend for earrings, on the other hand, is to wear them either on their own or as a pair (surely a handy trend for anyone who has that rather unfortunate habit of systematically losing one of her earrings!). Whether worn solo or as a pair, make sure you opt for a model that is impressive and imposing. This accessory is particularly great because it elongates your profile, producing a very flattering effect. XXL hoop earrings are the flagship model to adopt right now, so don’t hesitate! Once again, there’s a choice of materials: whether you prefer synthetic or natural, monochrome or colourful, you can go ahead and indulge yourself. Take a risk with a highly colourful accessory, by pairing it with an understated, plain outfit.

Earrings Celine SS 2016 © Vogue Earrings Marni 2016 © Marni — Earrings Celine SS 2016 © Vogue
Earrings Marni 2016 © Marni

At Buttons Paradise, we haven’t overlooked this trend for oversized jewelry and accessories either. Among the brand’s necklaces, there’s the emblematic Horn Canoes Original Necklace. This necklace is made of three extra-large black horn buttons (95-125mm), which are mounted on a leather cord in the same colour, for truly inimitable style. The other flagship accessory at Buttons Paradise is the cuff bracelet, available in different leather models and a range of shades including raspberry, lilac blue and creamy beige. These bracelets are trimmed with a high-fashion buckle from the 1970s, for a look that works the oversized trend by combining it with class and a touch of the vintage: a real triumph!

Horn Canoes Original necklace © Buttons Paradise Original Nardo Gray Leather Cuff © Buttons Paradise — Horn Canoes Original necklace © Buttons Paradise
Original Nardo Gray Leather Cuff © Buttons Paradise

We’ve given you a quick overview of the options at your disposal when it comes to accessorising all your looks with extra-large jewelry. So don’t hesitate to boost your everyday outfits, or to brighten up your eveningwear with a necklace, bracelet, ring or pair of earrings that is truly XXL!

The long necklace: how should you wear yours?

AW 2016 Defilé Loewe © Vogue AW 2016 Defilé Chanel © Vogue Wooden Doggy Original Button Necklace by Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise — AW 2016 Defilé Loewe © Vogue
AW 2016 Defilé Chanel © Vogue
Wooden Doggy Original Button Necklace by Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise

Long necklaces are great, adding flair and fluid movement to any figure. But how should you wear a long necklace to show it in its best light? How can you really make this accessory work its magic? Long necklaces always look very chic, accessorising any outfit and adding a certain touch of femininity that never goes out of fashion. Coco Chanel was already sporting this look back in the 1930s, and it’s still celebrated in fashion shows everywhere today. So which type of long necklace should you opt for, and what clothes will it work best with?

Whether you opt for an ethnic style or a simpler look, retro shapes or a graphic-design piece; the long necklace is a statement piece in its own right. For truly irrefutable style, simply pair this accessory with basics: a turtleneck sweater or t-shirt, trousers and pumps and you’re good to go! Remember to adapt the length of the necklace to suit your figure, though. It should sit somewhere between your chest and your stomach button: any longer and it will just get in the way. If it is too long, simply tie a knot in the necklace, or pass it through a stylish buckle.

SS2015 Delpozo © Bazaar SS 2015 Celine © Cline HIPPIE SHAKE, SS2015 Edun © IMAXTREE — SS2015 Delpozo © Bazaar
SS 2015 Celine © Cline
HIPPIE SHAKE, SS2015 Edun © IMAXTREE

So how should you be wearing a long necklace?

Rule N°1: match a long necklace with basics. Go for a blouse, a plain vest-top, a dress or tunic, or an understated t-shirt or jumper. Work a simplified look to really showcase the necklace’s design. It’s time to de-clutter your style to the max!

Rule N°2: choose the right neckline or collar. Opt for boat necks, round necks or V-necks, especially if this necklace is the only item of jewellery you’re wearing.

Rule N°3: be daring with contrasts. Really play on the opposition between the colours of your top and your necklace: pair a monochrome outfit with a long necklace. And why not go for something original and a bit dramatic while you’re at it?

Rule N°4: avoid wearing your long necklace with a t-shirt that is too short, with a shirt collar or with a top that has an overbearing row of buttons.

Rule N°5: avoid wearing earrings with your long necklace. Making a necklace work with earrings can be a tricky business, so if in doubt, earrings are best avoided!

Which long necklace should you be wearing?

There are so many long necklace styles to choose from, but of course that goes without saying! There are long chains of pearls, pendant necklaces, and ethnic, graphic-design or minimalist pieces. But we’re now also seeing a whole range of long necklaces with a modern twist and reworked style. So don’t hold back: with a range of shapes, materials and colours, these necklaces are adaptable and will suit any outfit, day and night.

This essential, timeless spirit can also be found in the long necklaces at Buttons Paradise. The Original Anchor Button necklace has a soft, organic feel about it, thanks to its resin buttons and warm, natural colours. Our Wooden Doggy Original Button necklace has more of a reworked, ethnic style about it. Fashioned out of small, vintage, wooden bone-shaped buttons from the fifties, there is a pure and essential quality to this necklace. Then there is our Original Anchor Button necklace, which is truly a timeless piece. It is the star piece in our collection, the large horn-shaped buttons lending this necklace an ethno-urban style that will work perfectly with a great many outfits.

Original Anchor Button Necklace by Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise
Horn Canoes Original necklace by Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise

Cuff bracelets are making an impressive comeback!

Since 2012, we’ve seen cuff bracelets making an almighty comeback. The star of all accessories, and a must-have item, cuff bracelets have been adorning women’s wrists since time immemorial. This oversized piece, which was already very popular in ancient times, saw something of a revival in the 1930s, thanks to Coco Chanel. Cuff bracelets came back into fashion once again, this time towards the end of the noughties. In fact, in 2012 these bracelets were spotted on the wrists of models in catwalks everywhere, and on the runways of some of the greatest fashion designers. Now we’re seeing another revival of a phenomenon that has been around for thousands of years.

Cuff Dinh Van R40 or rose © Dinh Van Cuff - Collector défilé 2012 - Louis Vuitton © Louis Vuitton Cuff-CHANEL Collection Signature © Chanel Cuff bracelet - Collier de Chien – Hermès © Hermès Cuff MONOGRAMME SAINT LAURENT © YSL — Cuff Dinh Van R40 or rose © Dinh Van
Cuff – Collector défilé 2012 – Louis Vuitton © Louis Vuitton
Cuff-CHANEL Collection Signature © Chanel
Cuff bracelet – Collier de Chien – Hermès © Hermès
Cuff MONOGRAMME SAINT LAURENT © YSL

Cuff bracelets: something for everyone

Inspired chiefly by shirtsleeves, in theory the cuff bracelet has no clasp – or at least, that is how the story goes. But today there’s a whole range of different cuff bracelets out there: rigid ones, flexible ones, bracelets with or without a clasp, bracelets made from coloured metal, gold, silver, fabric, resin, Perspex and even leather. These XXL bracelets are worn oversized and close fitting. So whether it’s an understated bracelet made from engraved metal, or something a bit flashier with multi-coloured stones or delicate pearls, there’s certainly something to suit all tastes.

Cuff Marni Foulard, Collection 2012 © Marni Foulard Cuff in leather and metal, Jean-Paul Gaultier, 2012 Collection © Jean-Paul Gaultier — Cuff Marni Foulard, Collection 2012 © Marni Foulard
Cuff in leather and metal, Jean-Paul Gaultier, 2012 Collection © Jean-Paul Gaultier

Cuff bracelets are great for an evening do or a summer’s day. Whether they are worn individually or one on each wrist; they’re the perfect accessory to any outfit. In 2012, cuff bracelets were spotted on the runways at Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain and Hermès. Because it is such a staple piece, the cuff bracelet continues to be the star of all accessories – which is why they can often be spotted on the red carpet, whether it’s an elegant Chanel bracelet, a studded version or something more minimalist.

Timeless classics: simple cuffs and leather cuffs

Cuff bracelets have a certain timeless elegance about them, and an iconic status that really sets them apart from other accessories. Made from fine quality leather, these bracelets will stand the test of time, and won’t age. At Hermès, the leather cuff bracelet tends to be monochrome and enhanced with a metal or silver buckle, for understated elegance and balance.

At Buttons Paradise, our leather cuffs play around with contrasting colours, and have fun with interesting button and buckle shapes. Graphic design elements give these bracelets a bold style and distinctly feminine identity.

With lilac blue, yellow, camel and strawberry red particularly on trend at the moment, these bracelets are often embellished with a coloured Bakelite buckle or a pearl button. These leather cuff bracelets are chic and casual at the same time: they’re the star accessories of recent years, and you can see why!

Strawberry Blue Jeans Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise Blue Lilac Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise Cluff – Artémis- Hermès © Hermès Cluff – Forçat – Hermès © Hermès Cluff by Antonio Pineda © Antonio Pineda — Strawberry Blue Jeans Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise
Blue Lilac Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise
Cluff – Artémis- Hermès © Hermès
Cluff – Forçat – Hermès © Hermès
Cluff by Antonio Pineda © Antonio Pineda

Coco Chanel: the revival of the cuff bracelet

Coco Chanel by Man Ray, 1935. Maltese Cross Bracelets by Fulco di Verdura © Verdura — Coco Chanel by Man Ray, 1935.
Maltese Cross Bracelets by Fulco di Verdura © Verdura

Cuff bracelets had long fallen out of fashion but suddenly reappeared in the 1930s, making their comeback with Chanel’s trademark designs. A vintage item from a bygone era, the cuff bracelet is so much more than merely decorative. It stands apart from other bracelets, inscribing any look with style and accentuating personal flair. These colourful bracelets tended to be decorated with fine stones in the 1920s, but then slowly shifted towards a more art deco style. Here’s a look back at the renaissance of this millennia-old bracelet.

The 1930s: Fulco di Verdura styles the wrists of Coco Chanel.

Fulco di Verdura shows Coco Chanel his cuff in 1937. Photo: Collection Viollet/Courtesy of the Designer. — Fulco di Verdura shows Coco Chanel his cuff in 1937.
Photo: Collection Viollet/Courtesy of the Designer.

Fulco di Verdura, a talented Italian jeweller, joined Gabrielle Chanel’s team in the 1920s. He originally worked in textiles until the legendary fashion designer entrusted him with an important mission: designing her jewellery pieces. The Italian designer quickly set about creating his (soon-to-be) famous cuff bracelets for this iconic woman. She wore them as Indian women wear theirs, with one on each wrist in total symmetry.

Di Verdura designed multi-coloured bracelets with precious stones in the form of a Maltese cross, set against a white background and with a gold interior. And so, Coco Chanel’s cuff bracelets were to go down in History. The Italian jeweller really left his mark on the accessory collections for this fashion house, and nowhere more so than on the Chanel cuff bracelets. They became staple items in the wardrobes of women everywhere, and are still so recognisable today.

Bracelets Fulco di Verdura © Maison Verdura

Cuff bracelets in the 1930s: changing shapes, new materials.

Art deco style began to make an appearance in the 1920s. Bracelets had geometric shapes, with sharp or rounded corners, and came in black or white, onyx or platinum. They were often extremely colourful, embellished here and there with touches of jade, coral, emerald green and lapis lazuli. In the 1930s, jewellery designers began to play around with shape and colour, amusing themselves with the contrast between matte and shine, transparency and opacity – all on the same of jewellery.

Bollinger Bracelet, Galerie des bijoux du V& A Museum © Angela Moore

In the inter-war period, however, these cuff bracelets gradually shifted away from polychrome colours, preferring monochrome instead, as seen in the models below. The geometric forms seen previously were now increasingly streamlined and clean-cut. Jewellery designers produced pieces that were ever more understated and chic, with well-defined contours. These strong, statement cuff bracelets injected 1930s style with a certain boldness, thanks to the colour and the materials used.

Vintage articulated 1930s cuff bracelet in yellow gold and white gold © Collector Square. Bracelet in 18ct, vintage, 30/40s years © Gioielleria Manzoni 214. — Vintage articulated 1930s cuff bracelet in yellow gold and white gold © Collector Square.
Bracelet in 18ct, vintage, 30/40s years © Gioielleria Manzoni 214.

Design pieces: the 1930s cuff bracelet makes a comeback.

For the 1930s jewellery enthusiasts among you, the leather cuff bracelets by Buttons Paradise use vintage buttons and belt buckles from this period. The bracelets combine one-of-a-kind Bakelite elements with streamlined leather forms.

Our collection of 1930s-inspired cuff bracelets is just waiting to be discovered!

Author: Sandrine Mettetal