STYLE WARS: Man Jewelry
A new regular feature in which two editors sound off on a fashion trend—is it the next big thing or a total fashion faux pas? Let the debate begin!
YES:
Christopher Kim, Market Editor
My first piece of jewelry was a gold ID bracelet that my parents gave me for my 2nd birthday. Of course, at the time, I had neither an understanding nor opinion on men’s jewelry. But later, as a teenager, I was down for pretty much anything. I experimented with puka shell necklaces, big studded earrings, and even gauges. As my style changed, so did my jewelry. Whether you wear accessories for sentimental reasons or to dress up your look, I truly think that all men can incorporate at least one piece of jewelry into their wardrobe.
Earlier this year, the New York Times reported that the men’s accessories market had grown to a $13.6 billion industry in the 12 months ending May 2014, “capping a two-year period that saw the category grow 13 percent over all.” That’s why brands like Tiffany’s, traditionally known for their women’s jewelry, have begun to introduce more unisex and men’s pieces. I recently bought the Tiffany T Square Bracelet, which I wear to work with a t-shirt and jeans; I even wear it to the gym.
Take note: when it comes to buying jewelry, you want to make sure the piece doesn’t outshine you—it should become a subtle part of your uniform. While some guys might be able to pull off thick gold chains and signet rings, it’s the small personal pieces that are easier to pull off on a daily basis. I try to never wear more then two pieces of jewelry at a time. You want to wear the jewelry, you don’t want it to wear you!
NO:
Joe Zee, Editor-In-Chief
I hate anything on my hands or around my neck, for that matter. I’ve tried to embrace the notion of men’s jewelry at different stages of my life but it just never stuck. In the eighth grade, I loved the idea of wearing cool silver ring so I bought one at the mall. But my enthusiasm only lasted a few days— I fidgeted it with nonstop and then when I somehow lost it, I didn’t even care. In my twenties, it was all about the Brazilian Senhor de Bonfim bracelet, a thin ribbon of fabric knotted on your wrists, which was a favorite of well-traveled fashion people at the time.The idea is that you wear it until it falls off and then when it does, you make a wish and burn it. Everyday I wished for it to fall off, until I think, I finally just cut it off. Wish come true.
I’m not totally opposed to men’s jewelry but it’s just not for me. When I wear it, it becomes a distraction, the weight feels ten times heavier than it actually is. I can’t concentrate because I’m twirling that ring, or pushing up that watch, or pulling on that necklace that feels like it’s strangling me. (My boyfriend, however, has no problem wearing his signature ring with his name on it. He’s had it since I’ve known him and when he doesn’t can’t find it, he feels undressed.) Sometimes I wear a watch— usually when I’m in a suit or filming— but once I’m done, it’s immediately off. In fact, sometimes it comes off when I’m still in the suit! I’ve even been known to lay it next to my fork on a table at a restaurant and then mistakenly leave it. A watch is an accessory for me. If I need to tell time I always look at my phone, even when I’m wearing a watch.
I’ve tried to work on my “man-jewelry” phobia but it’s a challenge. My biggest fear comes the day that I get married. It’s not because I fear a lifelong commitment— that I can handle. What scares the shit out of me is slipping a ring onto my finger for the rest of my life and having to wear a piece of man jewelry forever!
