We were truly honored to be featured on Fox & Friend's “Made in America” segment. Airing at 9:30 a.m. on December 21, 2024, this segment highlighted brands and businesses that embody the spirit of American craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity. Brackish was fortunate enough to be recognized as a brand that specializes in handcrafted feathered pieces in the United States, each one carefully designed to celebrate nature’s beauty. Our focus has always been on creating unique, timeless accessories that bring together the best of both artistry and nature.
At Brackish, we specialize in handcrafted feather bow ties and accessories that are as much works of art as they are functional fashion statements. Every piece is meticulously made by hand in Charleston, South Carolina, where our skilled artisans share our passion for quality and craftsmanship. We aim to repurpose the beauty of nature in a way that feels fresh, exciting, and full of character. Each product tells a story - a story rooted in the natural world around us and the rich traditions of American craftsmanship.
Our Humble Beginnings
The story of Brackish began in a way that feels almost serendipitous—a perfect example of how inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments. It all started with a single turkey feather. Our co-founders, Ben and Jeff, had known each other in college before embarking on the journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Brackish. The concept for the company emerged during a pivotal moment in Ben's life: his wedding.
As he was preparing for the big day, Ben was determined to give his groomsmen a gift that was not only memorable but also deeply personal. He wanted something unique, something that would stand out as both stylish and meaningful. As an avid outdoorsman, Ben was captivated by the natural world around him, and he began to notice the rich iridescence and stunning design of the turkey feather. Its colors, textures, and intricate patterns sparked an idea: what if he could incorporate this beautiful element of nature into his wedding day? The first feather bow tie was born out of this moment of inspiration.
When Ben shared the finished product with his groomsman, Jeff, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Jeff was so impressed with the bow tie that he kept it for years and wore it to multiple occasions. After much adoration from others, he saw the potential for a business. Ben's gift had sparked not only a passion for handcrafted accessories but also an entrepreneurial spirit in Jeff. It became clear that there was something unique and special about the design and craftsmanship of these feather bow ties, and so, the foundation for Brackish was laid.
In 2012, Ben and Jeff decided to take the leap and turn their vision into a full-fledged business. With their shared love of nature, artistry, and American craftsmanship, they set out to create a brand that would specialize in one-of-a-kind, handcrafted feather accessories. From the very beginning, Brackish was built on the idea of repurposing the beauty of nature and turning it into something meaningful, elegant, and enduring.
A Brand Built on Craftsmanship and Nature
The name "Brackish" itself carries deep significance, reflecting the environments from which our co-founders resided. One grew up on fresh water, while the other spent his childhood on salt water. This blending of two different types of water served as the perfect metaphor for the company’s mission: to merge two elements of nature into something wholly unique and beautiful.
What began as a small line of handcrafted feather bow ties has since blossomed into a full men’s and women’s luxury accessory collection. Today, Brackish is proud to offer an array of products that includes bow ties, pocket squares, earrings, belts, and other accessories. But despite the brand's expansion, the essence of Brackish has remained the same: each product is handmade with care, precision, and love for the craft.
At the heart of every Brackish piece is a commitment to craftsmanship. We house a talented team of artisans who share our values of attention to detail, dedication to quality, and respect for the beauty of nature. Every bow tie, belt, and accessory is made by hand in our Charleston studio, where each artisan pours their passion into every stitch, every feather, and every design. No two pieces are ever exactly the same, which makes each Brackish product truly one of a kind.
As our product line has expanded, we’ve been able to incorporate more design elements that reflect our vision of timeless elegance with a contemporary twist. One of our recent launches, the women’s belts collection, is a perfect example of how we’re taking our craftsmanship to new heights. These belts, available in a variety of styles, including the ACE Basin Abby, Loblolly Lizzy, Nocturnal Natty, and Trippin Tipsey, celebrate both classic styles and modern sensibilities.
Each belt is carefully crafted with the same level of artistry that goes into our feather bow ties and other accessories. Whether you choose a bold, statement-making design or a more subtle, understated style, Brackish belts allow you to express your individuality with confidence. These belts are not just accessories, they are a reflection of your unique spirit and your love for quality craftsmanship.
In addition to our new belt collection, we have continued to expand our men’s belt line as well. These pieces combine the functionality of a traditional belt with the luxury and artistry that Brackish is known for. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking to add a touch of flair to your everyday wardrobe, Brackish belts are designed to elevate any outfit.
An Extra Touch: The Brackish Experience
When you purchase a Brackish piece, you are not just acquiring an accessory, you are investing in a product that is crafted with care and attention to detail. We believe that the experience of owning a Brackish product should feel as special as the product itself, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure that each piece is delivered with care. Every Brackish accessory comes in a custom wooden box, which we recommend storing your piece in to help prevent damage and ensure its longevity. Each box is hand-branded with our Brackish “B”, giving your new Brackish accessory an extra touch of love and personalization. We take great pride in every aspect of our business, from the design of our products to the packaging in which they are delivered.
Moreover, we understand that sometimes things can happen to your favorite pieces over time. Whether it's a feather that gets frayed or an earring that lost its backing, we want to ensure that your Brackish products stay as beautiful as the day you received them. That’s why we offer the Brackish Guarantee: if your piece ever gets damaged, misplaced, or needs a little extra care, we offer complimentary repairs for the lifetime of that piece. If for any reason we cannot repair it, we will replace it with a new one. This commitment to our customers speaks to our belief that craftsmanship should be long-lasting, and that your Brackish accessory is something you can enjoy for years to come.
Looking Toward the Future
As we look ahead to the future, Brackish remains committed to maintaining the core values that have been the foundation of our brand since its inception: quality craftsmanship, respect for nature, and a passion for creating truly unique, one-of-a-kind accessories. Our team continues to work hard to innovate and bring new designs to life, while always honoring the traditions of handmade artistry that have made Brackish the brand it is today.
We are grateful to our customers, artisans, and supporters who have been part of this incredible journey. Every bow tie and accessory we create is a testament to the love and dedication that goes into the Brackish brand. From our humble beginnings with a single turkey feather to the launch of our latest collections, we are proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re excited for what’s to come.
Thank you for being part of the Brackish story. We look forward to continuing to craft beautiful, handcrafted accessories that inspire and delight for years to come.
