on July 29, 2025
While we are a contemporary brand, we are inspired by the history of fashion and craftsmanship. Buttons, in many ways, are a direct link to that history, which we explore one article at a time. Starting off, buttons weren’t originally invented to fasten clothes. They had no functional purpose other than accentuating clothes. The Indus Valley Civilization, which is now Pakistan and northwest India, were some of the earliest ones to appreciate the art of buttoning and clothes ornaments. They mastered fine shellworking, sewing seashells onto clothes to symbolise luxury, status, and their natural bond with bays of the subcontinent.
It wasn’t until the 13th century in medieval Europe, specifically Germany and France, that buttons began to be paired with functional buttonholes and used for fastening garments. Functional buttoning brought about a wave of new, versatile silhouettes that fit the body better. Ever since then, buttons took the operational side of fashion.
The Renaissance artistic flare in the fashion realm really shows in the materials of which buttons were made. Precious natural materials like ivory, gold and silver adorned clothes in meticulous details. Monarchs especially wore hundreds of buttons, many of which were made of jeweled stones. 18th century France was particularly famous for the miniature canvas buttons, where tiny portraits and flowers were hand painted on canvas buttons.
In military uniforms
And in the time of war, during the 19th century, buttons played a symbolic role differentiating units and regiments from each. Metal buttons were often stamped and proudly worn by military leaders, as a sign of identity and honor. Many contemporary brands still borrow from that heritage, incorporating engraved or embossed metal buttons to reference strength, history, and craft.
Throughout the 20th century, as industrial production became more widespread, buttons became more accessible. However, the best fashion houses continued to treat them as signature details, creating custom buttons, often engraved or molded with logos, to mark their work. Chanel, for example, famously used gold-toned, coin-style buttons as an iconic part of its tweed jackets. Dior, Balmain, and YSL followed similar paths, developing buttons that reinforced their brand identity and offered subtle recognition to those in the know.
Why Materials Matter
The material of a button significantly affects both its function and how it completes the garment. Traditional tailors have always emphasized the importance of details the overall build of a piece. Low-quality plastic buttons can easily be damaged which affects the overall durability and the impression a garment leaves.
Natural materials like mother-of-pearl, corozo (a hard nut from South America) and bone offer unique textures and character. The soft iridescence of shells, marbling of bone,are all fine details with a strong impact. These were historically used in fine tailoring and are still preferred in custom suiting and artisanal work. Metal buttons, especially gold-plated ones, stand out for their strength and sheen. They offer a polished finish that adds structure and their weight contributes to the way a garment falls and moves as well.
The Role of Buttons in House of Yamina’s Design
Every button we use is sourced directly from Italian manufacturers who specialize in premium fashion hardware. These suppliers work with many of the world’s top luxury brands and maintain strict quality control over materials, plating, and finishing.
We see our buttons as part of our garment’s core. Whether it’s fastening a blazer or accenting a coat, the button plays a subtle but essential role. It helps tell the story of the piece. Our buttons are made of real, tarnish-free metals, and selected to match the tones and movement of the fabrics we use
Beyond aesthetics, quality buttons also enhance the lifetime of the garment. They are less likely to fall off, break, or lose their color over time. This is especially important in investment pieces, where longevity matters. For our clients, it’s about owning something that holds its value in both construction and design.
Looking Forward by Honoring the Past
While we are a contemporary brand, we are constantly inspired by the rich history of fashion and craftsmanship. Buttons, in many ways, are a direct link to that history. Whether in royal courts, military uniforms, or classic couture, buttons have always carried meaning and that tradition continues in our collections today. We choose to remain committed to craftsmanship, respect tradition and embrace the modern soul. It’s this attention to detail seen in something as simple as a button, that sets our work apart.
