Far from it! Cufflinks, as an indicator of style consciousness, shouldn’t be missing from any wrist. These sparkling buttons have been for everyone – at least since Chanel put them on the scene

When it comes to eveningwear for men, everything has to be just right. From the perfect fit and shirt colour to the knot of the tie – and at the cuffs there must be a sparkle, in the form of cufflinks.

But, just as suits are not made for men alone – Yves Saint Laurent made that abundantly clear in the 1960s – cufflinks can be for women too.

From the 17th century onward, they were used as practical aids to fasten shirt cuffs, replacing the ribbons that had previously been used and proved highly impractical for manual labour. Many men were also unable to change their shirts daily to look fresh. Instead, separate cuffs were slipped on and fastened with buttons. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that materials became more refined – and a new status symbol for men was born.

In the 1920s, it was Coco Chanel who, with her revolutionary designs, broke down gender roles. She introduced into women’s fashion trousers and tweed coats – as well as shirts and cufflinks. In the 1930s, women dared not only to appear in trousers, but also in cuffed shirts.

Today, these elements of classic menswear are accessible to everyone, indispensable on the runways at Saint Laurent (naturellement!), Ralph Lauren, or McQueen. Cufflinks have long ceased to be a men’s accessory, even if they are still often categorised as such.

Style-Match

MARLENE DIETRICH, one of the first women to appear in pinstripes and a tuxedo in the 1930s – and to wear cufflinks while doing so… That’s rebellion with elegance…