FROM OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE: FASHION FUTURES BANTER

For Men Not Afraid To Commit

Recently invited to attend a pop-up for Banter, a division of Piercing Pagoda, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that men are bringing girlfriends, daughters, partners, and bffs to have 14K gold chains permanently sealed around their wrists.

This Banter pop-up was held in a bright orange, vintage VW bug wagon that would look more at home parked outside Coachella than across from the Soho Grand on West Broadway. The van and canopy were decked out with the faux grass, vines, and flowers currently covering the entrances of all the trendy downtown stores. Water and treats were offered to those waiting, giving a cool picnic vibe.

While waiting my turn, I chatted with Nicole Weber, district manager of Banter Dallas, who flew up to oversee this event. She told me that more men, both single and in couples, are getting matching permanent jewelry. Couples are treating it as the new friendship ring, solidifying a budding relationship.

I have to admit, when imagining a bracelet being welded to me, the first image that came to my mind was Jennifer Beals from Flashdance, acetylene torch in one hand, gold bar in the other, melting a teeny-tiny drop of gold onto the chain on my wrist. The reality is that it’s all done with an electric charge to the gold, which creates a tiny, but very bright spark that can only be viewed with goggles or through a shield.

The whole experience is fun, made even more enjoyable by the Banter team, on hand to answer any questions. While they currently offer only bracelets and anklets, ($80-$160 retail), they’re working on a technique to safely weld necklaces. If your chain accidentally breaks, Banter will weld it back for a nominal fee. Should the relationship falter, they’re happy to add a clasp.