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