I met two rambunctious designer dudes in the rolling out office a few months ago. I wanted to get to know these guys better, with their unique style and flavor. Being that I’m a fashionista, I had to learn about what they did and why. Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett are the owners of Robot & Brucling. I thought the name of the company was pretty cool and asked them how they came up with it. They laughed and said it was birthed by combining their childhood nicknames. Both from Boston, Mass., but residing in New York City, they launched their custom bow-tie line in April of 2010.
They love history, art and punk and rock ‘n’ roll music and thought it would be cool to design bow ties around that. They use materials like leather, studs, denim, rhinestones, metals and chains on their pieces. Their most popular bow tie is “The Knight,” made with black leather, studs and spikes. Customers can have bow ties specially designed as well.
Singer Steph J
ones has been seen out and about in their bow ties, and they even gifted Rihanna with a black leather one fully adorned with metal chains and pearls. In the past, both dibble-dabbled in fashion, working in retail, modeling and for Ralph Lauren fashion shows. They just launched their Spring line with some not-your-everyday pocket squares to match. They’re also planning to launch more accessories for both men and women. I think the styling duo have a bright future ahead of them! They gifted me with a pink-and-black, leather bow tie, and I was simply too fit to be tied! Thanks, guys, and good luck with your endeavors. –tammie reed
For more info, please visit www.robotandbrucling.com.
