Sometime in the 30s there was a brand dealing with very high quality trench coats. Nationalisation washed away the business of Géza Várkonyi and Gyula Várkonyi from Budapest’s fashion map. But two generations later, with a different profile and name, the family is carrying on this old tradition. Once again they would like to make everyday elegance in the world of men’s fashion accessible and they have opened a handkerchief business under the name Chrysomallon.
We tend to believe that the classic elegance of Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn is long dead. However, a very fresh, Budapest-based brand dealing with handkerchiefs would like to bring back a bit of sophistication to our everyday life. Here we introduce their seemingly tiny, but very characteristic accessories.
The small team came up with the decorative pocket-handkerchiefs, from their unique design to their special presentation. The handkerchiefs are made from the finest materials (e.g. various silks, linen and batistes) and arrive in small wooden boxes. There is no doubt that we are talking about luxury products, accessories that are pleasing to the eye and show sophistication.
The team consists of prestigious artists, designers and architects, including costume and fashion designer Kata Horváth, printer Novokrescsenszkov Tamás, architects Dani Bartolits and Zoli Lang (barlang műhely), and seamstresses with great expertise, who manufacture the fine handkerchiefs using special stitching techniques. The brand’s image is the work of András Fórizs and Ádám Várkonyi.
Unfortunately, the family is left with very little information about the brand Várkonyi Ballon from the 30s and 40s. The grandson, Ádám, only found an old coat hanger and a poster at the National Széchényi Library, made by graphic artist István Irsai, during his research. He and his mother (Kata Horváth, the designer of the handkerchiefs) decided to launch their business with a new brand name and logo, but in the spirit of their ancestors. The meaning of “chrysomallon” depends on the way it is written: on one hand, by using the letter “h”, it is the name of a flying ram with golden fleece, but without, it is the name of an ancient creature from the Atlantic Ocean. They decided to follow the figure of the former, thus coupling the timeless, classic atmosphere of Greek art, legends and culture with equally timeless elegance, represented by their handmade handkerchiefs that are decorated with vintage pearl buttons.Initially, we will be able to order through their webshop only, but in the future, they would like to sell their products in multi-brand stores and elegant department stores. More details can also be found on their Facebook page. They believe that there is still demand for classic elegance, and even if neckties are slowly go out of fashion, these small but pronounced accessories can become popular again.
Prices: $80 - $440
