My name is Helen Ruff.
It’s a horrendous name that I’ve been stuck with since birth. I blame my mother for marrying a man with such a ridiculous name.
A family friend used to try and make me feel better by saying it made her think of the ‘Ruffs’ they wore in Elizabethan days. Wikipedia explains: ‘A ruff is an item of clothing worn from the mid-sixteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century. The ruff evolved from the small fabric ruffle at the drawstring neck of the shirt or chemise. They served as changeable pieces of cloth that could themselves be laundered while keeping the wearer’s doublet from becoming soiled at the neckline’.
It didn’t stop the childish taunts.
When I discovered Esther May Springett I was delighted – someone had brought this unusual, old fashioned, untrendy item into the 21st century!
Esther runs a Folksy shop called Cuffs & Ruffs. I was a teensy tiny bit disappointed when I discovered she didn’t actually design Ruffs to be worn around the neck but I guess – even though this is Brighton and anything goes – walking round in a frilly Ruff might not quite be the thing! Not just yet anyway…
Cuffs on the other hand are another thing entirely. What a way to set of an outfit. The attention to detail and fabrics used are really very impressive – funky, modern, colourful.
I like the green floral cuff, it’s very cute and ‘vintage’. The description explains: ‘Floral cotton cuff with a fresh yellow ruff and green felt trim. Pearly buttons fasten at one side.’ – oh so that’s where the Ruff comes in…
All the buttons Esther uses are vintage and the fabrics include cotton, linen, tweed and tartan.
The prices, £14.50 for the Blue Bicycle ‘kitsch’ cuff, include lovely wrapping, packaging and postage.
I can see these being worn in the summer with a cute pleated skirt and waistcoat.
So if you want to get in on the action and make the term ‘Ruff’ cool again check out Esther’s Folksy shop http://www.folksy.com/shops/cuffsandruffs
By Helen Ruff
