The New Status Symbol? Think Ink

Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

To make a real impression, pull out a pen:

“A handwritten note is elegance incarnate,” said John Z. Komurki, author of “Stationery Fever” (Prestel), a new book detailing the renaissance of writing-related paraphernalia such as pens, pencils, paper and desk sets—not to mention the specialty shops that have popped up globally to serve people who seek the new status of script. These objects and the act of writing, said Mr. Komurki, are “an affordable luxury in a time of crushing vulgarity.”

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Colleagues do take note. A Choosing Keeping customer who bought a raw-aluminum Kaweco AL Sport Ballpoint Pen (about $68) returned to buy another because his tax lawyer had admired it. The finish on the chunky, hexagonal ballpoint, originally designed in 1930s Germany, patinates with use. The store has seen this sort of compliment-driven sale played out numerous times.

Comments

  1. Kudzu Bob says:

    I expect that soon the ability to write in cursive script will be a status marker.

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