From "KING OF CUFFLINKS" to a true lifestyle brand—TATEOSSIAN, a British brand that is expanding its worldview and style proposals from cufflinks, a gentleman's essential, to unique jewelry, and finally to special apparel. On a certain day in December, a coordinated sales event featuring its founder, Robert TATEOSSIAN , was held to great success, and we interviewed him to delve deeper into the brand's appeal.

He brilliantly embodied the personality of his close friend, Elton John.

Founded in 1990 by Robert Tateossian, who had an unusual career path including studying at the prestigious Wharton School and working in investment banking, TATEOSSIAN has become a beloved brand among prominent figures worldwide for its unique and modern cufflinks, which Tateossian described as "the one playful indulgence a gentleman is allowed." However, the "KING OF CUFFLINKS," which is approaching its 30th anniversary in 2020, continues to evolve, offering finishing items such as tie bars and pins, as well as jewelry such as rings and bracelets. Furthermore, this spring, the brand will be releasing accessories to enhance casual occasions and its first apparel collection.

To learn about the brand's current state and future prospects, we interviewed its founder, Tateossian.


"The collaboration with Elton John, which began to coincide with the brand's 25th anniversary, was made possible because of the more than 20 years of friendship with Elton himself. There are two lines of collaboration: one with Elton himself and another with the 'Elton John AIDS Foundation.' The project with Elton himself was released to commemorate the release of the musical film 'Rocketman,' which depicts his life story, and the grand three-year retirement tour 'Yellow Brick Road.'"

This collection features the "Rocketman" as its main motif, adhering to Tateossian's brand concept of "dynamic design." In line with the diverse needs of today, it offers a range of high-status items, including tie bars for gentlemen, unisex pins, items featuring Elton John's iconic star-shaped sunglasses, and items adorned with his initial, E.

"It's a great honor to have been able to create a collection that will become a part of the 'history' of his final tour. I'm also pleased that it turned out to be a highly accomplished homage piece of jewelry, rather than just mere tour merchandise. Elton is such a powerful and crazy person when he's performing, so I was particular about using strong colors and balancing them. I tried to use flashy colors that would stand out under the stage lights."

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a charity collection will donate 30% of its sales to the foundation.

"The medicine capsule-shaped pin I'm wearing today is a special item for this charity. The capsule symbolizes medicine, and it's a very important motif in the sense that this project is about saving lives. While it's an action to eradicate AIDS, for poor countries, medicine is practically life itself. This design was adopted after many meetings."


"With the models that are being sold, you can actually open the capsule and read the message inside. Elton is a very fun person, but he's not very active in social activities. Even at home parties, he's the type to lock himself in the kitchen and watch soccer (laughs). The image you see of him in the media and on stage might be quite different from his private self. He's crazy on stage, but he's a very calm person in real life."

This collaboration with Elton John can be described as a collection that perfectly expresses both a gentleman's identity and a playful spirit.

What are these architectural-like jewelry pieces, and what are these much-talked-about new items?