An off the cuff idea

University of Brighton Faculty of Arts, Graphic Design BA(Hons) graduate Maria Allen saw a set of cufflinks she had designed worn by the Prime Minister David Cameron in parliament.

Maria, who owns and runs her own jewellery and gift business in Hove, designed the cufflinks, which are made from reclaimed Copper Beech wood and sterling silver, when she heard that the New Zealand Prime Minister had made a bet with Mr Cameron that the All Blacks rugby team would beat England.

If England lost Mr Cameron said he would wear a pair of New Zealand cufflinks. As the result was in the All Blacks favour, Mr Cameron had to honour his bet and Maria saw an opportunity to design and make a pair of Kiwi-themed cufflinks for him to wear.

Having sent them off she initially heard no more but watched him on Prime Minister’s question time to see if he was wearing them, which indeed he was. This was later confirmed by his Tweet: “Wore Kiwi cufflinks today (donated by Start Up Loan ambassador Maria Allen) after losing my bet with @johnkeypm…”

Maria has also created a set of Union Jack cufflinks for Mr Cameron to send to New Zealand the next time England beat the All Blacks.

Following her publicity coup, Maria said: “It is absolutely fantastic. I was so pleased. It’s not just a boost for me but for local businesses as well.”

Image: The Kiwi cufflinks designed by Maria Allen 

Maria started her business, Maria Allen Boutique, whilst still an undergraduate and had a turnover in excess of £100,000 before graduating in 2011. Her designs continue to attract buyers from the UK and abroad. She is now an ambassador for the Government’s Start Up Loan scheme and recently attended a meeting at No.10 to help brief enterprise ministers on the needs of UK craft businesses.

Top image: Maria Allen with the cufflinks.