Todd & Marlon stand for Daring Elegance but what is that? The Italian actress, model, author and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini perfectly summarize it in one sentence: “true elegance for me is the manifestation of an independent mind.”
People assume that elegance is a standard and, as such, that it defines the same boundaries or the same level of freedom of grace and style for everyone. In a way, this is the actual definition of “elegance” but we do not like stereotypes. We do believe that elegance should be the reflection of everyone own style yet respecting grace and poise. It can be an overstatement. It can be bold. It can be brave. Yet it should not offend others because our freedom ends where the freedom of others starts.
Elegance
To better define elegance we would refer to the words of the writer Paolo Coelho “elegance is usually confused with superficiality, fashion, lack of depth. This is a serious mistake: human beings need to have elegance in their actions and in their posture because this word is synonymous with good taste, amiability, equilibrium and harmony.” In other words, we are not talking only about clothing and accessories. We are talking about behaviors, actions, language, words and even scent. When we interact with other people, we use almost all senses and elegance should be reflected and transmitted through all of them. “Elegance isn't solely defined by what you wear. It's how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read” said the fashion designer Carolina Herrera.
Everyone can be elegant “Never use the word “cheap”. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans — it’s up to you.” ― Karl Lagerfeld and being elegant does not necessarily mean being snob as Yves Saint Laurent claimed, “we must never confuse elegance with snobbery.”
Elegance does not need to be complicated or too sophisticated. “My style is pretty clean, classic, and elegant, with some elements to make it a little funkier. If you see me on a normal day, I'm usually in a T-shirt and jeans, maybe with some cool sneakers, but I'm pretty basic” said John Legend. Just a special touch that reflects your individuality can enhance your elegance. Because elegance, as we said, should be personal, “I don't like women who follow fashion in the sense of becoming victims of it. I like women who have elegance, who have allure, who use fashion, rather than the other way around.” - Giorgio Armani.
Daring Elegance
This is elegance, but what is then Daring Elegance? It is about daring. It is about being oneself. It is about bringing down (almost) all boundaries. “If I can't be daring in my work or the way I live my life, then I don't really see the point of being on this planet.” - Madonna Ciccone. It is about self-expression, “I've been wearing lipstick since I was in 7th grade. That was our form of daring self-expression, because we had to wear uniforms in school. It made our teachers so angry.” - Kourtney Kardashian
Daring is contagious and the more people dare the more will follow. Think about when you visit cities in which people dare any kind of style instead of conforming to one single stereotype. You also feel the freedom to express your personality. “There are looks that I see on other people that I think would look horrible on me, but I think if somebody has the courage to be really daring and try something outlandish, then more power to them. That's just encouraging and inspiring.” - Blake Lively. This is not easy indeed “Daring to wear something different takes effort.” - Miuccia Prada, but we can and should get there.
Summarizing Daring Elegance is the ability and courage of self-expression with grace and poise. This comes relatively naturally to artists “The power of daring anything their fancy suggest, as always been conceded to the painter and the poet.” – Horace. They feel less the boundaries of the society and their self-expression is what distinguish one from another (though some tend to conform). And, daring might assume different meaning over time... for instance, could a mustache be daring today?
Todd & Marlon watches are meant to encapsulate the true meaning of Daring Elegance. They are daring. They are not the stereotypical watch and only the braves dare to wear them. Yet, they are elegant and graceful. They can be worn in any kind of occasion and can be that touch that enhances your self-expression. This is noticeable also through the friends of the brand, Daring Elegant singers and musician … but not only. Hence, be brave! Dare self-expression and elegance and become a friend of Todd & Marlon.
