The Nuts and Bolts of it All

Sometimes the truly innovative is truly innovative because it's truly innovative. And sometimes the truly innovative is truly innovative because it's so mundane and common, we wonder why we didn't think of it ourselves. Oh yeah, Benjamin. We love it when you talk in riddles.

Natch'rly folks...there's a gif with this one. An image to delight the palette of the eye. (Is there such a thing as an eye palette?)

When it came to jewels and jewelry, the industry that reigned supreme in its purchasing power and in the public baring of opulence was, of course, the Hollywood productions studios and their stables of actors and actresses. Especially back in the heyday, when being a star was as much glory and glitter as it was talent.

Among the many jewelry designers that catered to the Hollywood mystique and lavishness, was a chap named Paul Flato. He had a shop on Sunset Boulevard, in L.A. for those of you who need these kind of details. So...you want to know who wore Flato's jewelry...or at least associated themselves with him in one way or another? Hmmm? Ya like gossip, folks? Hah! Who doesn't? If you recognize all of these names, then you're giving away your ages.

Okay. Here we go. Fanny Brice. Caesar Romero. Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Virginia Zanuck. Charlie Chaplin. On and on. In the movie Holiday, all of Katherine Hepburn's jewelry was Flato design. One of the rings she wore was a Toe Ring. I guess when you run out of fingers....Merle Oberon wore Flato's creations in That Uncertain Feeling. Greta Garbo wore it. Constance Bennett wore some in the movie Topper. Anyone remember Topper? Anita Loos in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. How about Joan Crawford, folks? Or Loretta Young? Or even Coco Chanel. We're talking big guns here folks.

So what about the special piece, Benjamin. Let's get to the meat of this. Okay okay, folks. Let's talk about one of Flato's designs. A pair of cufflinks. Eddie Duchin owned a pair. And Elsa Schiaparelli, French couturiere supreme, bought a pair when she attended Flato's opening in L.A. So what did these cufflinks look like you may well ask, if you have not yet already guessed. Ahh me lads and lassies...they looked like Nuts and Bolts, just like the kind you find in every man's personal junk drawer...or in your local hardware store. Only these were made of 18 karat yellow gold.

And though I don't know what was paid for these links, I imagine they cost a pretty penny. But I have to tell you, I like them...and I'm going to make a pair for myself. How do you all think I'll look, dressed in my best Tux, bow tie just so, shoes spit-shined to a mirror finish, wearing Nuts and Bolts on my sleeve. Cool is how. Really cool, dudes. Oh, yeah. One more thing. I know I'm blushing. But if any of you out there want a pair too...aw heck folks...don't be shy. Just ask...and I'll make you a set. Think of the company you'll be keeping.

Return to menu

Return to Home Page