Hasta La Ideas

A new collection of handcrafted menswear combines style, art and sophistication

If designer Jonathan Meizler had his way, subtle elements of couture would be a part of every man’s wardrobe. In Title of Work—Meizler’s new menswear label—opulent beadwork, Swarovski crystals and black diamonds embellish English wool crepe, Italian cashmere and silk twill ties and bowties.

After studying art and design in Vienna and London, the Massachusetts native returned to the States where he co-founded JonValdi to industry acclaim. Expanding from hand-painted ties to a fully developed sportswear collection for both men and women, he later created a women’s evening wear line exclusively sold at Bergdorf Goodman. Now the NYC-based designer has returned to his menswear roots with the line of luxurious ties, showcasing his background in couture and a talent for understated flair.

The Title of Work collection is now available online and at Neiman Marcus, hitting select retailers in the United States, Canada and Japan later this fall. Read below to learn more about where Meizler draws his inspiration from and the future of his new line.

You call Title of Work “architectural jewelry.” Can you elaborate?

Architecture is a constant inspiration on both a personal and work-related level—from the Egyptian pyramids to Italy’s basilicas, the humor and function of Gaudi, the fluidity of Noguchi and Zaha Hadid, and Gehry’s postmodernist vibe. I am drawn toward symmetry in the asymmetrical. I feel the most successful of my collection incorporates this structure while integrating jeweled elements, achieving simplicity in the ornate.

What couture techniques do you apply to the ties?

I created Title of Work to explore the craftsmanship of a well-made product, similar to that of a couturier, where each piece is hand finished. Hand-beaded techniques—primarily used in women’s clothing and accessories—are rarely employed in menswear. With this first Title of Work collection, I wanted to establish that beading for men could be modern and accessible, while pushing the boundaries of masculinity.

The collection looks labor intensive, tell us about the process of fabrication.

It is. For example, one of the signature pieces in the collection is a hand-cast sterling silver grommet with Swarovski crystals, attached by a jeweler who hand welds each sterling grommet around the crystal. There is little room for error. All of the collection is handmade and beaded, so no two ties are completely the same.

What’s missing from the menswear market that your line fulfills?

When creating a collection, I think it is important to be as specific as possible, especially in defining one’s point of view in an overly saturated market. I saw an untapped niche in neckwear and felt it was the ideal foundation to build from. As a designer, I take pleasure in the challenge of straddling the line of art and commerce, and I have hopefully created an approachable collection that is subtly sophisticated, modern, sexy and refined.

What do future Title of Work projects entail?

I currently have bowties in the collection, and for spring, I am expanding on that and creating sterling and black diamond cufflinks based on the amulets you see across the line. I am also in the midst of designing a bag collection. A bit raw and deconstructed, but, of course, beautifully finished with hand-cast hardware. On the other side, I am creating furniture, made from reconstructed wood, glass, metals and dead animals. I am obsessed with grommets, ventilators and industrial elements, so this should be interesting.

Seven independent jewelers inspired by geometry

Sacred underlying principle of the universe or Modernist design statement, geometric-inspired jewelry makes for a good look. The following seven examples of Cartesian jewelry by independent designers perfectly add a literal edge for men and women alike.

For an unusual—even slightly eccentric—take on accessories look to RillRill of Portland, Oregon. Each one-of-a-kind piece demands attention with gypsy-esque chain designs of delicate mixed metals. The slave bracelet wraps around the middle finger and comes in several variations, including one made of copper and miniature arrowhead charms, while the silver and gold body chain garter fastens with a hidden elastic band for freedom of movement. RillRill’s creative stylings are available directly through Etsy where they sell between $35-80.

These unconventional triangle hoop cufflinks subtly add a modern accent to any French cuff. Forged of sterling silver and plated with black gold, these clever cufflinks sell through 360cufflink’s Etsy page for $75, also available in white gold.

Sometimes the simpler an idea, the better. Case in point, the brass bar earrings from threedeluxe. Measuring only 3/4 inch in length, each pair of raw brass earrings is small but powerful, made to order in San Francisco. Pick up a pair from Etsy for the modest price of $22.

Large porcelain beads threaded on a sterling silver chain make this statement piece worthy of every eye in the room. The facet ball necklace is made by hand in Australia and available in multiple different sizes and colors. Contact Dani M directly for more information about her playful porcelain wares.

Brooklyn-based design team Loyalty and Blood make a variety of creative necklaces, rings, and earrings inspired by basic forms and a DIY aesthetic. The flat triangles necklace is a pleasing take on the concept of repetition. Made of brass, the 20″ necklace goes for $49 from their online shop.

The cutest of the bunch, Stone & Honey’s tiny triangle ring is made of oxidized sterling silver with brass. Due to this oxidation process, each ring will develop its own unique patina over time, adding a little detail to the simplistic design. At just $20 each, the ring is perfect for wearing stacked or as one alone. You can find the tiny ring in their online store.

Less is more with the beautiful negative space circle tie bar. The elegant piece is constructed of highly-polished sterling silver and handmade in Israel. Head to Erga’s Etsy page to purchase the ideal piece of understated style for $52.

Form and function meet in a Japanese architect’s beautifully understated housewares

Japanese designer Oji Masanori makes everyday living more comfortable, designing a range of objects in various materials that are as refined as they are functional. Graduating with degree in architecture, Masanori seemingly applies those tactics to building small objects, starting with the foundation and allowing the beauty of its shape to lead the design.

His studio, Oji & Design, works with Japan’s preeminent manufacturers to ensure the quality he instills during the initial design isn’t lost during production. Spanning bottle openers ($40), lighting pendants ($450) and a knife keeper ($300), for his brass objects Masanori collaborated with the metal workers at Futagami in Toyama-Takaoka City, who have over a century of experience with hand-casting objects that will develop a distinctly beautiful patina over time.

The young designer looked to the skilled woodworker Hidetoshi Takahashi to craft the Bagel trivets ($80), who meticulously carved Japanese maple, cherry or walnut into perfectly round trivets with smooth flat bottoms. The bagels are great for their intended purpose or as wall decorations when hung by the attached leather string.

Masanori carries out his concepts to the very last detail, doing all of the graphic work and packaging himself. Oji & Design objects sell at various retailers around Japan, and online at Merchant No. 4 and Mjölk.