Valentines Day is on the horizon, and this year, we’re exploring gifts that are a little more unique and keepsake than the standard fragrances, shower products or a date night meal out (although you can absolutely ask your man to take this one on board!).
Most men really appreciate a touch of luxury every now and again, but it’s rare they go out and seek it themselves. This is what has brought us to talk about Otway & Orford, a new men’s accessory brand based in London, who create and sell unique, high-quality silk pocket squares. There is no accessory in men’s fashion that shows style and luxury like a silk pocket square, so if you are wanting to impress your other half with something special they can keep for a long time, read on to explore these pocket squares with unique designs, as a gift for a stylish man this Valentines.
The collection of full size pocket squares – measuring 42cm x 42cm – are made and hand-sewn in Macclesfield, Cheshire, the home of English silk printing. But as well as being hand-sewn and made from high-quality 15oz Mulberry Silk, the stand out feature of the premium Otway & Orford brand is that their pocket squares lend themselves to personality. Providing a wardrobe staple for todays well-dressed men, the array of silk pocket squares reflect the lifestyles and interests of the wearers, featuring beautiful artwork and in some cases, sharing a story.
You’ll see what we mean when you browse the collection, which shares appealing subjects of designs across sports, travel and lifestyle designed in the form of contemporary artwork. Among the collection, features some striking designs of the Spitfire aircraft, the original Italian Job film from the 1960s starring Michael Caine and the red, white & blue Mini Cooper getaway cars; Aston Martin’s win at Le Mans; classic Porsche 911 sports cars; The Red Arrows; the Vulcan bomber (as featured in James Bond film ‘Thunderball’) and a host of sports including football, rugby, tennis, skiing, horse racing; polo; Tour de France cycling, sailing, cricket and golf.
These ever-popular subjects amongst men make selecting a more personalised and meaningful gift much easier this Valentines Day. Each silk pocket square retails at £70, which comes with tissue-wrapping in gift box plus card inside box giving the story of the artist and their artwork.
How to choose the right silk pocket square design
When you only have classic designs and prints to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming knowing which design would work best for the man in your life. Would they want a muted design, or a more iconic print? Luckily, the range from Otway & Orford focus on unique and distinctive designs depicting favourite sports, iconic aircraft and legendary cars. This way, each design to chose from is an original and vibrant work of art, the result of collaboration with leading artists and galleries.
The beauty of selecting a style that sits aside from the standard check, stripe or paisley prints we see time and time again across men’s fashion brands is a real selling point for shopping at Otway & Orford. Instead, focus on the inspirations around the man in your life. What do they love doing? What sport or hobby resonates with them? From their interests and passions, what ignites their personalities? The designs sit predominantly within 3 areas of sports, aircraft and cars, which mostly strike a chord with men of all ages.
No matter which design you opt for, each one when folded takes on lovely abstract form with attractive shapes & multi-colours visible.
“The future of the tie is square”
With everyone spending more time working from home, the art of smart dressing has decreased. meaning wearing tie’s to work has become a less regular occasion. That being said, a smart jacket with a sleek silk pocket square neatly displayed is the latest twist on stylish smart dressing for today’s modern man. Whether your partner is off out to a restaurant, an outing with the men, attending a wedding or celebration, work meeting or drinks in the city, his colourful pocket square can reduce the formality of what a tie would bring, and add that element of fashion and personality.
As you can see from the silk pocket square below, you get the personal aspect for interest in cars and racing, yet the artwork is exquisite. The detailing is so intricate, and the colours blending together well like a work of art painting, yet on silk and working into fashion.
For the men who appreciate travel, experiences and adventures, the brand also stock a range of transport themed silk pocket squares, like the aeroplane version below. Although themed after ‘Jubilee Diamond’, inspired by the artist’s collaboration with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, it sits in line with the A Beautiful Jigsaw silk pocket square and the ‘Lone Fighter‘ square too.
Luxury gifts with a difference
Remember that when it comes to buying for men, even those ‘hard to buy for men’, it’s about thinking a little outside the box, but along the lines of a timeless, classic gift that isn’t going to be a fad or trend. It’s hard to think of something that injects a slice of personality into the gift, yet isn’t a little cheesy, like personalised gifts with photos and text everywhere! This is where a stylish, high quality silk pocket square really stands out, having it’s clear link to men’s interests, being beautifully handmade, and also coming in a stunning gift presentation box, complete with tissue wrapping and a card to tell story of artist and subject.
One of the factors about this family ran brand that we loved too which gives these gifts an extra sentimental edge, is the heart-warming story behind the brand. The name is linked to the founders paternal grandfather, who was captain of several glamorous liners during the 1920s and 1930s. He always wore a pocket square whether at sea or on land, and after leaving his collection to the founder, was the inspiration behind the product development of Otway & Orford.
Shop the Valentines Day offer
In the run up to Valentine’s Day, Otway & Orford are offering their special gift-wrapping service free of charge (usually £5) where the gift box can be wrapped in a modern peacock feather design wrapping paper, topped with a hand-tied satin ribbon bow. You get the choice of colours; from red & gold wrapping paper with red bow, or black or grey & gold paper with grey bow. Additionally, a personal message can be included within the gift box too to give it that final custom touch.
You can shop the brand online at OtwayOrford.co.uk and at Harrods in Knightsbridge (store only), and check out the Instagram handle here @otwayorford.
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