BEGÜM KHAN

I have always thought cufflinks have something mysterious about them. They are half hidden under the jacket, half shown. In my opinion, this kind of veiled elegance is very alluring and sophisticated says Begüm Kiroglu. Born into a family of Ottoman art collectors in the ancient imperial capital, Istanbul, Begüm Kıroğlu spent her childhood surrounded by rare and beautiful objects – Oriental artworks, bleu-blanc porcelain, antique carpets, exquisite tapestries and imposing architecture – which fostered a lifelong fascination with Istanbul’s colourful and complex legacy. Later in life, Begüm’s passion for art and culture drew her further east, along the historic Silk Road to China. Five years after arriving in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, where she completed a masters’ degree in Chinese culture and art, the city has become both her home and a rich source of creative inspiration. Strongly influenced by the past and present of these two modern-day style capitals, Begüm began exploring the world of design. With their air of veiled elegance – half-hidden, half-revealed by the sleeve of a jacket, cufflinks had always held a sophisticated allure, and Begüm dreamed of creating original and timeless pieces which would bring a touch of old-world glamour to the contemporary gentleman’s lifestyle. Drawing on the expert craftsmanship that characterises her birthplace, and infusing this with a passion for the ancient and the modern; the East and the Far East; and the luxurious and the extraordinary, the Begüm Khan brand was born. Modern embodiments of imperial Chinese and Ottoman heritages, the cufflinks are handcrafted in the heart of Istanbul’s Old Town, by Turkish artisans devoted to creating original objets d’art. Combining an appreciation of rare and precious materials, from baroque pearls to indian rose cut emeralds, with decades of artistry, Begüm Khan cufflinks offer the modern dandy a luxurious taste of eccentric sensibility and funky elegance. More than mere accessories, each enchanting design has a story of its own and a special resonance for the designer. Encompassing both childhood memories of Istanbul and current dreams of travelling around Asia, Begüm’s cufflinks are destined to become precious heirlooms and antiques of the future.