An appreciation for the luggage of yesteryear led husband-and-wife team Ashley and Sherna Griffiths to create The Brothers, a men's accessory label fashioned from leather. Continuing the tradition of craftsmanship set by their grandfathers, both have brought hands-on experience to the range, Sherna having worked in design and production at accessories label Saben and Ashley in the building industry.
Produced in Bali, the vintage-inspired pieces in their first "Legacy" collection have been updated for today's uses - iPad holders, wallets and overnight bags sit next to briefcases and ties. Fittingly, their favourite things reflect these masculine traditions, with a classic razor and antique backgammon set taking pride of place in their home. Sherna shares with us their favourites.
MY FAVOURITE THINGS
1. Wedding ring
My ring was designed for us by Greg Fromont of Meadowlark. I love this ring because it was designed with a combination of diamonds from my mother's and grandmother's rings. It incorporates the most important women in my life and also has a bit of me in it, so when I pass it on to my daughter it will reflect all three generations.
2. Ship painting
My poppa, a painter who loved ships, left behind many beautiful works of art. One of my favourites is this painting of a ship. I have fond memories of watching him paint as a child, and when I look at this painting I remember those times.
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Advertise with NZME.3. Antique plane set
Ashley's grandfather, a hobbyist and all-round craftsman, left behind meticulous lathe-work pieces, artwork and immaculately maintained wood-working tools - Ashley's favourite being this antique plane set.
4. Leather backgammon set
For us there is nothing more precious than time, and no better way to spend it than with good people. This backgammon set reminds us of time spent together as a family, something our families both embraced, and that we hope lives on. My mother bought this set in New York in the 70s. It's such an elegant set.
5. Dovo mammoth straight razor
Ashley has recently embraced grooming with the straight razor. It's such an elegant and timeless way to shave. This razor is particularly special because it is made with genuine mammoth ivory, which is extremely rare. The mammoth became extinct about 10,000 years ago but from time to time Russian scientists detect remains of mammoths. The tusks from these remains are retrieved in complex and helicopter-aided expeditions and only released for commercial utilisation after thorough scientific examination. It's exciting to have such a rare piece of history.
