We introduced our affinity for SQUARE earlier this week in our product review on the Flamingo Summer. As we mentioned, we wanted to take another opportunity to highlight the creators of the brand and more about the actual creation. We were able to chat with the German visionaries in deep detail. Grab your favorite pocket square, put on your favorite sports blazer, and feel inspired.
After living in Barcelona, Richard and Isabell, were compelled to create something that captured the vibrancy and creativity of the thriving culture. Being two fashion addicts, it instantly hit them to create a handcrafted pocket square line.
LP: SQUARE makes handcrafted pocket squares with the highest quality fabrics sourced and finished in Germany. How does a handcrafted pocket square differentiate from those that are mass-produced?
SQUARE: One of the most important factors that differentiate our entirely handcrafted pocket squares from those that are mass-produced is the exclusivity that is achieved by the quality, level of detail and of course the rarity of our products. At the moment, we only produce 15-18 pieces of each individual design. Also, our pocket squares are comparably large at 15×15 inch (or 38×38 cm).
LP: If SQUARE had a recipe, what would be the ingredients?
SQUARE: Simple: High level of detail, craftsmanship, quality of resources, exclusivity in terms of very limited editions, the affection to creating something special, and a little bit of creative extroversion. Mix, spread, and put it in your pocket.
LP: Who is the SQUARE customer?
SQUARE: Our customer is the outspoken, self-confident and fashion-savvy man with a good sense of sartorial elegance and very good manners. Generally aged 20-35, our customers are comparably young. Nevertheless, our longest standing customer just turned 76, so once more the exception proves the rule. Albeit the age, our customers are educated, well attired and enjoy being a gentlemen.
Founded in March of 2012, the brand started with only seven signature designs. Truly cultivating the idea of exclusivity, each pocket square design is limited to 15-18 squares per design.
LP: Why did you choose to only make 15 of each design? Are customers able to request bespoke or custom pocket squares with special emblems or monograms?
SQUARE: We believe that true exclusivity originates from owning something unique, rare and seldom. This is, why we number each of our pocket squares when we ship them to our customers. They receive their pocket square beautifully wrapped in a gift box with a silk band and a little “thank you note” that states the originality, as well as the SQUARE’s unique number (e.g. “ N° 12 / 15 ”). We may be expanding on that strategy in the future, but will keep quantities low for now. We rather sell out a SQUARE than to put it into some sort of sale. Although we do not offer bespoke or customized pocket squares at this point, we are open for bulk or B2B orders, where we can create an individual pocket square for our customer. This makes sense as a gift for weddings, or for small brands, designers, retailers, companies etc. The minimum quantity would be 15 pieces for our standard (large) pocket squares that are 15×15” (38×38 cm) or higher for smaller sizes. Inquiries are welcome.
LP: What are your hopes for SQUARE ten years from now?
SQUARE: We hope to be able to keep our operations straightforward, to maintain the original spirit of exclusivity and to be free and independent in all steps and processes of creating beautiful accessories. Our plan is to add other accessories for ladies and gentlemen to our line, but this is still in the future. We know what we don’t want, and this is to become a brand that produces in third world countries in order to maximize profits. This would kill our credence of what exclusivity really is – to us and to our customers.
LP: It takes one hour to make every pocket square. Please, walk us through that process.
SQUARE: Making a pocket square takes one hour or more. This only includes the process of stitching its corners and edges. When the fabrics arrive, we cut them by hand with special fabric scissors to ensure the fabrics are not damaged. We do this personally to ensure the highest grade of quality control. Since our fabrics are printed, this is very important to ensure there are no traces of ink on the raw product that can be made of silk, linen or cotton. After the first selection is made, the stitching can begin. This process requires several years of experience and our tailor – a lovely lady – is in the business for more than 40 years. Her experience also flows into the development of new ideas. Only few people have a better idea of what’s possible and what’s not.
The craftsmanship is remarkable: Each SQUARE is being spread out on a special cushion, fixed on the top side of a corner. Then, the corners are hand rolled and stitched using a special pinholing technique. It really requires a high degree of expertise. The hardest part is stitching the corners, which basically means shaping the two ends of a pair of rolls into a sharp-looking and well-crafted nook. Usually, pocket squares of similar or lesser qualities sell for double or triple the price of ours, so this is one of our most important USPs.
After this has been achieved, each pocket square undergoes our personal quality control process again and is packed in and around silk paper to form a beautifully protected package. This is then packed in a custom off-white cardboard box and wrapped with a black silk band. We just love beautiful packaging. Just before shipping, our handwritten thank you note and the SQUARE’s individual number is added and the finishing touches are made to our packaging.
We ship worldwide using DHL to ensure parcel tracking and insurance. Therefore, our customers can rest assured that their pocket square will get to their door in perfect condition.
Find out more details or purchase your own SQUARE on their website, check out their Facebook, on Instagram (square_on), Twitter (@square_on) or simply emailing them at info@square-on.com.
Which is your favorite SQUARE?
Keep your luxe radar on the watch for your chance to win your own SQUARE!
-Marquelle Turner
Author
Great article on an awesome product! The styles and selections were creative, vibrant, and unique. Any fashion forward gent would appreciate such a luxurious and innovative touch of class!
Great write-up! When I read stories like this it makes me want to buy into their brand. Please keep the features coming. I cant wait to “think outside the square.”