Anthony Orisses, Founder of RARE CUTGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Photo by Davey KingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Envision it: the good old days when folks were able to put on their best outfits and actually enjoy time out, whether for business or pleasureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. For men in particular, fashion is either astronomically high priced or not as tailored to individual interestsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

That’s where start-up RARE CUT comes inGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Established by Anthony Orisses, an Astoria-based entrepreneur, RARE CUT aims to make men’s fashion accessible, affordable, and just as its name implies: rareGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. With a specific focus on men’s pocket squares, RARE CUT aims to be the go-to brand associated with the menswear itemGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

RARE CUT pocket square/Photo by Jay P

So, why pocket squares in particular? Orisses noticed that a coworker’s costly pocket square was continuously falling apart and not staying up as designedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Following this event, Orisses began to notice a trend with men’s pocket squaresGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. None would stay upGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. He conducted a survey via SurveyMonkey and found that 93% of respondents experienced their pocket squares losing their shape or completely falling apart, using items such as cardboard and tape just to keep the pocket square upGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“Guys wearing suits and blazers on the streets of New York City, in pictures on Instagram, even grooms at their own weddingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I realized how common this problem was and knew there had to be a solution, so I decided to do something about itGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The feedback I’ve received has validated that this is something that guys struggle with and RARE CUT solves that problem” said OrissesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

After four years of perfecting the prototype, RARE CUT has launched, just in time to become the ideal gift for the fashionable men in your lifeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. RARE CUT works because of its perfected design, infusing a soft, paper thin metal between the sheets, thus eliminating the need for having extra accessoriesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As the RARE CUT tagline states, ‘it stays up’Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Comparison of traditional pocket square (left) vsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. RARE CUT (right)Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Photo by Jay PGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

While currently, RARE CUT will be solely pocket squares, Orisses hopes to expand to producing more items in the futureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“Right now, we’re laser focused on making RARE CUT the company that becomes synonymous with pocket squares,” he sharedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Orisses credits living in Astoria for the last seven years, in addition to spending time here during his formative years, in helping to create his bold vision and ambition to make a product that exceeds all expectationsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

“Being around so many young professionals from countless backgrounds who are all looking to make their mark is incredibly inspiring and embodies what the American dream is supposed to be all aboutGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We created our brand for people who are looking to get that edge, stand out from the rest, and be bold in every pursuitGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. That’s essentially what the definition of being a RARE CUT is,” said OrissesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Give Me Astoria would like to congratulate and wish the best of luck to Anthony Orisses on the launch of RARE CUT! If you are interested in learning more about RARE CUT, you may visit its Kickstarter and InstagramGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.