Year after year and even every season we see changes and trends everywhere. In 2016, there was a new trend and it was the strangest one we've seen so far. A utilitarian ease had trickled into the collections far and wide, from
Louis Vuitton’s polished travelwear to Public School’s do-it-all jumpsuits. The unlikeliest iteration of this trend took functionality to new levels. More niche than a fanny pack, stranger than a sneaker boot, and nerdier than a pocket protector was Fall 2016’s men’s must: the leather lanyard.
But was is a lanyard?
A lanyard is a strap or cord that is sewn together in a loop designed to be worn around the neck and has a clip or hook attached. There are a variety of clip and hook attachments to choose from depending on the use for your lanyard. Lanyards can be made of different materials and the most common ones are the synthetic, or leather lanyards.
How is a Lanyard Used?
- For short term use like conferences and trade show participants event access badges, choose light-weight lanyards with a split key ring attachment for the badge pouch
- Choose full color lanyards (usually called satin lanyards) for personalizing with more detailed graphics and full color photography
- Use sturdy lanyards with a safety breakaway and detachable clip for long term daily use like holding keys and ID tags for manufacturing and maintenance teams or coaching staff
- For staff members in after-dark and low-light areas like night security teams consider reflective lanyards
- For fashion use, choose a leather strap lanyard.
This trend was first spotted in Milan, where
Fendi,
Versace, and
Emporio Armani slung wallets and phone cases around the necks of their hunky models. Versace’s came with a Greco wave-print cord; Armani’s was in sleek black leather; and Fendi’s sported a cute face print on the front. The trend then made its way to Paris, popping up in Kim Jones’s Louis Vuitton collection in the house’s iconic monogram. At New York Fashion Week: Men’s, both
Michael Kors and
Patrik Ervell sent out black leather versions. As Kors explained, it’s for dudes who can’t keep track of their phones.
At that time we thought, will anyone actually wear this? and well, it was one of the biggest fashion trends that year. Now, in 2018 they are returning in the way of carry our precious celphones that are way too big for our pockets. Plus, a little neck adornment goes well with the season’s popular and oh-so-utilitarian bomber jackets. Keep your eye on the streets to see who wears one first.
More and more companies are requiring their employees to have photo identification with them at all times. As a result, we are seeing increase demand for the use of lanyards and for the more fashion forwards: Leather lanyards.
Leather Lanyards hold badges, ID’s or even keys without attaching anything to clothing. We see professionals across so many different industries from healthcare to academic, purchasing lanyards for work. And they are a must-have item for holding access badges at trade shows or conferences.
