What happens when a financially savvy and intelligent man combines efforts with an equally talented and creative woman? Well, they get married for starters. What happens after that is what gets interesting. The couple we’re going to spotlight here are husband and wife team Esteban Saba and Petra Brichnacova, also known as the founders of luxe brand Handvaerk.
Handvaerk is cohesive. Founded by Saba and Brichnacova in New York in 2013, the label calls The Hamptons home, and Peru their manufacturing base. But it’s not a factory in the middle of a field – it’s a family-run facility where they not only hand make the textiles, but also source the fibers to make the fabrics. And that’s done with intent, too. How do you get the softest white t-shirt you’ve ever put on your back? By harvesting long staple Peruvian Pima cotton fibers. Who even knew that was a thing? It is, and you can own one.
A cohesive brand goes beyond a good story, great hometown(s), and great products. It’s creative direction, aesthetics, names. One thing that Handvaerk doesn’t bother with is a lot of color – they outfit you with the staples, that it just so happens, you can wear every day of your life. And they don’t waste time with frivolous design names either. We’re cut and dry here. You need a henley? Well here’s a long-sleeved henley.
Take a look at the Fall/Winter 2015 line. All items are available now at Handvaerk.com. And since we’re pals, we also have a glimpse at Spring/Summer 2016, for which Handvaerk’s good, clean, pure quality is given a lighter weight and a bedroom vibe.
All Photos: Handvaerk
Spotlight: Handvaerk
Spotlight on Handvaerk, the luxury basics line run by a husband-and-wife team in the Hamptons, manufactured, mostly by hand, at the family-run Peruvian factory.
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Crew Neck T-Shirt
Instead of scoffing at the price tag, consider this - what is one item in your wardrobe you wear on a daily basis, and can look so good on it’s own - sometimes it doesn’t even warrant anything on top? The answer is the basic tee. The Crew Neck T-Shirt, $95, is designed for a close-to-body, tailored fit.
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Crew Neck T-Shirt
The Crew Neck T-Shirt is available in black, grey melange or white. Designed in NYC, handmade in Peru. $95.
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Alpaca + Silk Cardigan
The Alpaca + Silk Cardigan, $425, as office style.
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Alpaca + Silk Cardigan
If you’re ready to make a style statement, a button-down v-neck, premium cotton sweater should be your next move. Let’s not get crazy, or look like we’re moving onto Mr. Rodger’s block, so we’ll stay away from the patterns. Instead choose a demure solid, and then let the layering begin. Pair the Alpaca + Silk Cardigan, $425, over a button down. For added points, toss on that skinny tie. Bring the statement level up by adding on a wool beanie, some classic shades and maybe a denim jacket. Formalize by pairing with dress pants; take it down with your favorite jeans.
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Pique Polo Shirt
The Pique Polo Shirt is available in black, grey melange or white, $125.
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Pique Polo Shirt
What’s in a simple polo shirt? A lot when it’s the Pique Polo Shirt, $125, by Handvaerk. As it turns out, not all cotton fibers are created equal. The Hamptons company ensures a premium feel and look by deliberately harvesting their cotton to preserve fiber length and pureness. The result? This tailored, close-to-body fitted polo, with attractive detailing, like mother of pearl buttons.
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Pique Polo Shirt
The Pique Polo Shirt, $125, is an understated style move when paired with good jeans and the right accessories.
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Long Sleeve Henley
The Long Sleeve Henley, $125, is a versatile upgrade from your basic tees just in time for the cold weather. Made with 100% extra long staple Peruvian Pima cotton, it’s perfect on it’s own or layered under your favorite flannel or a good denim shirt.
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Long Sleeve Henley
The Long Sleeve Henley is available in black, grey melange or white, $125.
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Handvaerk Sweatshirt
The Handvaerk Sweatshirt, $225, available in grey melange. Pair of the Crew Neck T-Shirt in the same colorway, for grey on grey perfection.
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Handvaerk Sweatshirt
A simple crewneck sweatshirt in a wear-with-anything color (we’re thinking grey, black, white or navy), is the new wardrobe staple. The Handvaerk Sweatshirt, $225, is made of 100% Peruvian Pima combed cotton, with a French Terry fabric treatment. Toss this over your favorite collared shirt for a fresh take on layering, or wear alone for simple but sleek look.
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Alpaca + Silk Sweater
A simple, understated crewneck sweater can take you places. Pair over a crisp button up, and be party ready for the holiday party at the swanky downtown restaurant. Or, toss this over a plain white tee, with jeans and sneakers, and be the best dressed guy (who’s not trying too hard, but just enough) at the local watering hole.
Alpaca + Silk Sweater, $375
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V Neck T-Shirt
Made with premium lightweight jersey, you won’t reserve this V-Neck T-Shirt, $95, exclusively for wearing _under_ things. Try this black tee, along with some raw denim and worn in boots, for an “I got up looking like this” look that looks good.
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SS16 | Flex Sweatpants
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - Flex Sweatpants. Price: TBD
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SS16 | Flex Sweatshorts
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - Flex Sweatshorts. Price: TBD
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SS16 | FT Bomber Jacket
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - FT Bomber Jacket. Price: TBD
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SS16 | FT Shorts
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - FT Shorts. Price: TBD
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SS16 | Raglan Flex Sweatshirt
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - Raglan Flex Sweatshirt. Price: TBD
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SS16 | FT Short Sleeve
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - FT Short Sleeve. Price: TBD
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SS16 | Short Sleeve Henley
Coming in the Spring/Summer 2016 line - Short Sleeve Henley. Price: TBD
