Is it ever a good idea to… wear cufflinks? JEAN-MICHEL TIXIER FOR M LE MAGAZINE DU MONDE
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or those who appreciate a certain sartorial classicism, analyzing fashion shows can often feel like venturing into unfamiliar and even hostile territory. Yet, sometimes a detail stands out and unexpectedly opens a new door. Such was the case in Milan during the recent Prada runway show, where the abundance of cufflinks prompted some of us to reconsider our assumptions.
For a long time, we had consigned this accessory to the vast category of once-elegant items now seen as markers of an outdated and somewhat comical style. Like tie pins, collar clips and felt hats, these fasteners for shirt cuffs seemed reserved for a narrow group of men who proudly declare themselves dandies on their Instagram bios.
While the Prada effect alone is hardly enough to stem the decline of cufflinks, it did persuade us to give them another try – with surprisingly satisfying results. Less conspicuous than rings, less flashy than bracelets and far less status-oriented than luxury watches, cufflinks can add a touch of new color, an exotic material, a subtle sense of humor or even an unexpected twist to an outfit, all with restraint and discretion. If your suit and French-cuffed shirt have an opulent, bourgeois look, it is worth opting for cufflinks with a brutalist, if not punk, edge.
