I am very particular about my accessories. Growing up with an amateur jeweler grandfather and watching him cut silver, solder, and set gems set off my appetite for handworkmanship and quality. With clothing, I will bargain-hunt like a madwoman. With jewelry and accessories, I will save for higher quality pieces I can afford, be them Alexis Bittar, Jane Diaz, or By Boe.
Today, good ol’ Refinery 29 featured Michael Saiger of Miansai. Immediately upon seeing his selection of rope and metal bracelets—which combine a distinctly nautical feel with a craftsman’s touch—I fell madly in love (and thought I could almost smell the sea from my office in Cambridge.)Whether or not saltwater runs in your blood or you’ve tacked and jibed your way down coastlines worldwide, Saiger’s pieces are beautiful, utilitarian, and add a jaunty, tongue-in-cheek prep touch to any outfit (I can see a rope bracelet with my chambray dress, clog sandals, and a straw hat). I am particularly drawn in by the gold hook bracelet (below left; pun intended!) and the Z.U.L.U rope bracelet (second from below left and a nice design nod to African tribal bracelets).
L to R: Light Blue Fishing Hook Cord Adjustable Bracelet; Hunter Green Double Wrap Rope Bracelet With Bronze and Silver Casing; Brown Leather/ Silver and Rope Bracelet; Silver ID on Blue Red Blue Ribbon Bracelet
Bonus: Saiger is a dreamy Renaissance-man whose anachronistic aesthetic and world travels have informed his design process (hand-hewn, by the way, with torches, stamps, and metal cutters and all out of a Miami studio). Ladies, save your pennies for a bracelet, necklace, or the lovely rope ring…Miansai pieces are destined to become heirlooms!
The Man Himself: Michael Saiger of Miansai
I ordered a bracelet from this organization. It was too small. In 4 attempts over 2 weeks of attempting to contact Miansai I have received absolutely no communication on how to process an exchange. I will amend this review but as of November 2, 2011 I can not recommend them as a reputable business. If Height of Style has an alternate communication method than the one provided on the Miansai website please advise.