Why there’s not a bird in every cage

Today, I would like to share with you my deplorable fate: my sweetheart is a serial shopper! When I go to town with Patrick we always come home heavily laden: three pairs of men’s shoes, a belt, a Paul Smith travelling bag, a Serge Lutens Eau de Toilette (so sexy!),… and for me just one little lipstick. Ok, admittedly we’re talking about Yves Saint Laurent’s Sublime Red No. 9, but nonetheless!

On the other hand, I am free to serve myself from my love’s treasures, which I definitely make good use of. This morning for example, I was in a fix once again while getting dressed: jeans, tweed coat, blouse and all were there ready to hand, but my cufflinks had simply disappeared. Well, weren’t there plenty of them in Patrick’s drawer?

I go for a pair: made of steel and in the middle something that looks like a running clockwork. Very nice, I thought. While eating out for lunch with a client (an advertising guy) he remarks in admiration: don’t tell me you’re wearing those fabulous “Tourbillon” from TF Est.1968?

What’s the guy talking about? I follow his desirous glance that leads to… my cufflinks. Quite cool, I respond “Don’t tell me you don’t have them yet?” Back in my office where I work as a translator, I immediately google TF Est. 1968, and I realize what trendy stuff I’m wearing on my sleeves!

Sheltered behind sapphire glass every cufflink contains a tiny little tourbillon cage with a working clockwork – a real eye-catcher! There are all kinds of cufflink variations: simple and classy made of steel like my model (sorry: his) and many others made of gold, with rubies, phases of the moon…

I particularly like cufflinks made by the well-known designer Elke Berr, with gem inlays of lapis, turquoise or malachite.

My only problem now is: how will I get Patrick to start a collection of these lovely pieces? But I guess that shouldn’t be mission impossible for a serial shopper…

A few words about TF Est. 1968

The man behind this absolutely unconventional brand is a Swiss named Tschumi Freddy D., born in 1968 which gave the brand its name “TF Est. 1968″. The basic idea behind TF Est. 1968 is “affordable luxury” without any loss in quality: selected materials are used in a trendy, groovy, sometimes slightly off-key, manner to make these cufflinks and ball-points which are inspired by the art of watchmaking. Exquisite leather goods and two own watch collections round off the portfolio of “TF Est. 1968″. With prices beginning at CHF 350.00 Tourbillon cufflinks are quite affordable for any non-conformist. Go against the tide, that’s today’s motto!

Flo, lifestyle blogger for coolbrands.ch