Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews one of the new Japanese print pocket squares available from Cravat Club
Product
Until recently The
Cravat Club has been more commonly known for its range of top quality, you
guessed it, cravats. Following a recent re-branding exercise they have
diversified and are now offering gents like you and I a wider range of products
which now includes pocket squares.
As you may know I
have already carried out a product review of their cravats HERE and this post
focuses on their pocket squares, in particular the ‘Midori’ Japanese silk example
depicting a beautiful Japanese Maiko
going about her daily chores.
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| The 'Midori' silk pocket square |
The ‘Midori’ is just
one of three individual Japanese designs available from Cravat Club. This
particular design is also available in blue and orange, and in cream and blue. They also have Mount Fuji in three colour ways along with Koi Carp, again available
in three stunning colour choices.
Each one is made
from 16oz ‘extra soft’ 100% silk twill and is designed in London by
Japanese Artist Yusuke Aoki. They are printed and handcrafted in England and
include hand rolled edges.
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| Artist Yusuke Aoki |
This range is larger
than the standard sized squares and come in at 42cm x 42cm (16” x 16”)
Price
Priced at £60 this
is a more expensive piece and reflects the fabrics, design and manufacture.
It’s important that we support British industry and manufacture but this does
mean a higher price than their mass produced counterparts, which also come with
a larger carbon footprint and the knowledge that 10,000 other guys have exactly
the same one jutting from their left breast.
Packaging & Presentation
The square came
beautifully packaged at a level expected from a product of this value. The
black box with its distinctive gold writing is very sturdy, and the square was
lovingly folded so that the lady’s face was immediately presented once it was opened.
The box was lined with tissue paper and also included an information card
contained in its own wax sealed envelope.
For its journey it
was sealed in a durable plastic wallet to avoid knocks and scratches along way
across the UK in the British postal system (which can be a traumatic experience
for any package)
Performance
The square is silk
so it doesn't have the same stiffness you'd associate with one made from a
thicker man made material. It’s very soft and supple and will flop if you have
too much material poking out of your pocket.
While some pocket squares are
small and disappear annoyingly in to the depths of your pocket this won’t. There’s
ample fabric here to stop this happening but it can feel a little bulky in a
very small patch pocket unless you use your origami skills and fold it perfectly.
Because the image is
so beautiful you'll want to show it off to its best advantage, so unlike
squares with an all over repeating pattern you will need to consider your folds
or ‘bunching’ technique.
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| A closer look at the stunning design |
Pertinency
If you're looking
for a cheap disposable accessory this isn’t it. If you're looking for a quality
piece of great design which is manufactured in the UK and will last you a
lifetime then take a look at the range.
The design is both unusual
and individual, so if you're a gentleman who errs towards things less
‘standard’ this could be for you. Just make sure that you position yourself
near to a weeping damsel so you may gracefully and skilfully whip it out of
your pocket and offer it to her so she may dry her eyes. Let’s just hope that she
isn’t wearing one of these fangled new waterproof mascaras as you'll need a
trip to the dry cleaners the following morning. Feel free however to use this
to your advantage, as if she is a real lady she will offer to pay the bill,
that way you get her number. Win, win.
Pros & Cons
The fact that it is designed,
printed and crafted in the UK is a huge plus point for me. Its unique design, coupled
with the fact that it is available in three different colour ways is another
positive. The fabric is high quality and
the packaging is of a high standard too.
On the flip side, it may be a little large for those used to
the smaller sized squares.
People
The majority of the
team loved the design but one member isn't too keen on Japanese style in
general so wasn't a fan. I suppose the distinctive style will result in a
‘marmite’ moment for some and if you don't like this particular design, Cravat
Club do also offer other pocket squares in a huge variety of patterns and
colours.
Everyone thought the
packaging and the new logo were good quality with comments like “classy” and
“very swish” They liked the feel of the item and could tell that it was silk.
I very nearly didn't get it back as one lady decided to wear it for the rest of the afternoon as a neckerchief
claiming that “it matches my dress, therefore it’s now mine” She reluctantly
returned it to me, weeping as she did, which then placed me in an unwanted
conundrum (see Pertinency above) as I didn't want my pocket square covered in
black gloop, or her number for that matter!
Précis
Overall, I'm really
pleased with the pocket square. I love the design and the overall quality and
feel of it. It’s going to last (mascara permitting) and is a different design
to what we're seeing in our stores. In short it gets the T.D.C. stamp of
approval.
Promotion
