In partnership with MACHETE. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
As a style writer, I’m picky about accessories. I tend to be a maximalist in terms of clothing, so I usually need minimalism in terms of the complementary jewelry, watch straps, and similar that will accentuate my total ‘fit. In the era of Wrong Shoe Theory and other fashion micro-trends passing at the speed of light (or rather, the flash of an iPhone camera), I tend towards longevity that endures throughout these various cycles—but still want pizzazz.
Enter MACHETE, my new favorite accessories brand that balances timelessness and individuality in a high-quality way. From smart watch bands to hair clips to even blue-light glasses, this brand is my new go-to for sturdy accessories that actually last (and get compliments, every single time I sport them.)
We like
- Enduring quality
- Artistic, well-considered design
- Accessories look chic alone or styled with each other
- Customizable length on smart watch bands
We don't like
- Not much variety in material
Handcrafted quality in every aspect of the design
I first discovered MACHETE through their attractive Apple Watch bands. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, its ethically made watch band uses an iconic Italian acetate finish combined with stainless steel and hypoallergenic hardware. I have such a weird relationship with Apple Watch brands. I find most of them to be either unbearably sporty or uncomfortable. (Have you ever seen that debate about whether or not attendees should be wearing Apple Watches to weddings? Yeah. That. You want to track your steps, but…)
Furthermore, I have a weirdly tiny wrist, so even when I do take the plunge and try something other than the default, the strap usually doesn’t fit—until MACHETE. I appreciated that the MACHETE watch kit includes optional extra links and one complementary Apple Watch Band adjustment kit—a rarity for the market. It’s also ethically made and sustainable, which is always a priority for me when shopping.
The acetate jewelry is crafted from natural and renewable cellulose acetate and bio-acetite. Finishes are recycled brass and ethically sourced silver and gold. And all the jewelry’s stored and shipped in custom, eco-friendly EVA zip bags I then reused around the household.
A conscious, gorgeous design across jewelry and accessories
While I started with the watch band, I loved it so much that I also ended up with its handmade hair claws and hair pins. One aspect I appreciate that elevates MACHETE above the rest is that unlike many other brands, the hair clips aren’t just a copy-pasted design of a singular motif across its surface. Instead, the pattern shifts across the surface of the claw, different across its teeth than on its top.
While that might sound granular (I studied studio art), small details like this that complicate and elevate the design speak to the thoughtfulness and care of its craftsmanship, and make me much more likely to pick up and adore a MACHETE pick than anything else.
Each clip is also double-walled, meaning that your hair won’t be tugged or damaged no matter its texture: long, short, curly, straight, whatever. I’ve accidentally destroyed more claw clips than I can count, breaking off teeth or clipping to my backpack, so it’s been pleasantly surprising not to hear that horrifying crunch only several weeks into use. Each MACHETE piece is actually built to last.
For hair clips specifically, I also find myself always having to adjust it, pretty much negating the effortless effect I was going for in the first place. But MACHETE’s firm construction and considerate design keeps the clip in place all day. It’s also an utter compliment magnet. I’ve gotten so many passing comments on the street about its pattern and gorgeously pigmented colorways.
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We don't like
We like
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Take the MACHETE Midi Heirloom Claw in Stromanthe, a pleasantly retro swirl of greens, blues, and creams. Measuring in at 1.75” x 3.5” inches, I generally sport this clip on the handle of my backpack for easy access on the go, and relish the burst of color and visual interest it adds to my look. While I adore this clip on its own, its distinctive and artistic aesthetic makes me want to build a collection of MACHETE hair clips to display somewhere in the same way people do ties or earrings.
Meanwhile, the watch bands themselves fill me with a small thrill when I see them on my wrist. Designs range from alabaster to bright orange to classic tortoise, enough to accommodate any personality type. I’d love to gift a MACHETE Smart Watch Strap to my mom, my sisters, even my dad. (There are plenty of unisex designs too.) I could pick between black, silver, and even rose gold hardware.
I have an older model of the Apple Watch, so I was a bit nervous that the MACHETE Apple Watch band wouldn’t fit. Luckily, swapping out my existing band was an absolute breeze—and then it actually could cinch thanks to the adjustable fit. You can pick out different case sizes, or opt for the universal size. The band itself measures 8 inches to start.
At just $65 apiece, I find the MACHETE Apple Watch price point to be ideal: with a truly phenomenal cost-per-use, and nice enough to make a fantastic gift with the holidays coming up.
Shop MACHETE now!
In conclusion, MACHETE’s a dream for both minimalists and maximalists.
There’s no other way to put it: the MACHETE jewelry and accessories range is absolutely stunning. In addition to being frankly built for longevity in a way its competitors aren’t, each ethically-made piece can stand on its own, blend into any outfit whether minimalist or maximalist, and complement other accessories from its line, making it a bonafide styling powerhouse to have on hand (or wrist.)
