The continuation of Off The Cuff’s exclusive interview with luxury watch maker Mike Kobold, founder of Kobold Watch Co. To read Part I of the interview, please click HERE. Off The Cuff: So, who is your customer? Who is a Kobold guy? Mike Kobold: He is someone who has an affinity for finely made products…
Tag: Brands
The Interview: Michael Kobold (Part I)
Close your eyes. What comes to mind when I say, “handmade mechanical timepiece,” “exacting quality,” and “coveted by collectors, celebrities, explorers and heads of state?” Did your thoughts immediately drift to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Maybe they should. While Switzerland is home to the likes of Rolex and Germany to Glashutte, the Steel City is in fact…
Saks Goes Private….Label
What do you think of when I say “Saks Fifth Avenue”? Exclusivity, style, pricey clothes and perhaps most of all – labels. Saks typically brings you the kinds of label that break the bank: Armani, Boss, Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli, Burberry, Cavalli, Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, Rag & Bone to name just a few. One of…
Dunning Sportswear: Modern Classics
Here at Off The Cuff, we are always happy to promote a great brand that most people have never heard about. With that, please meet Dunning Sportswear. Apparently designer Ralph Dunning is a fan of OTC. A Toronto native and lifelong athlete, Ralph Dunning draws inspiration from his passions for sport, music, fashion and modern…
OTC: A Social Media Case Study? Yep.
My good friend David Wescott over at It’s Not A Lecture has turned Off The Cuff into a social media/blogging case study. Seriously. David is an online communications and issue management guru who works for a global PR firm. He clearly had some spare time on his hands a few days ago when he sat…
The Brand of You (Part 2)
In Part One of this essay, we discussed some of the recent and dramatic changes that have set the concept and practice of brand loyalty on a dramatically new course. It’s still an ongoing shift, but the edges of the curve of the new pathway are becoming clearer. In plain terms, what is changing, and…
OTC Recommends: Maurice de Mauriac Zurich Watches
With the sharp rise of interest in high-end mechanical watches over the past several years, luxury brands like Rolex, IWC Panerai, Omega and Cartier have become interchangeable status objects – with glossy magazine ads, flashy websites and extensive marketing and “ambassador”campaigns to back it all up. Though each is certainly unique on its own, luxury…
Summer Argyle
I have always tended to think of argyle as an Autumn thing. To me at least, argyle’s fundamental overlapping diamond motif has a certain heavy warmth which reminds me of bundling up on crisp mornings to walk the dog. Maybe it’s the historic pattern’s Scottish heritage or its current prevalence in sweaters and thick socks,…
The Challenge of Branding Real Life
An anonymous gentleman posted the following comment about the recent “Vineyard Vines” column. He raises a very interesting point and I quickly drafted three paragraphs in response. So, instead of overloading the comment screen, I decided that a more organized response was appropriate. OTC- Being a Vineyarder, I’ve always been a little frustrated with Vineyard…
Valentine’s Day Deals From OTC Favorites
Still looking for that perfect St. Valentine’s Day gift? Two of Off The Cuff’s favorite brands are offering some nice discounts. Each of these companies also have great options for both the ladies and gentlemen in your life, so make sure to visit their websites and take a look! Tucker Blair’s American Flag Needlepoint Belt…