In case you missed it, yesterday was National Bow Tie Day. No worries: you can still wear one today. And if you don’t have one, visit the father-son duo at R. Hanauer, which operates BowTies.com and is one of Ivy Style’s most loyal sponsors.
And to inspire you, here are some outfits from Ivy Style Facebook group member Rashid, whose nickname might just be beau. — CC
I have been saving up for a new bow tie made by a company in Charleston, South Carolina called Brackish Bow Ties. They are made from feathers but are quite expensive at $200.
I love bow ties but I have a heck of a time finding any like the wonderful unlined specimens I inherited from my father. The licker, lined ones most stores sell just don’t sit right when tied, like they are trying to imitate a pre-tied bow or something.
As is often the case, I am a day late but happen to be wearing a Hanauer bow tie today. Congratulations, Rashid, for bringing a contemporary sense of style to classic elements of traditional dress. It reminds me of M Magazine back in the 80s which often showed men dressed in a traditional style that didn’t seem dated. I wish M were still around, but fear that these days it would have degenerated into the trend-following, bro culture that GQ and Esquire have come to embody (at least to my eyes). Perhaps failure to adapt to cultural degeneration was the reason for M’s demise.
Here’s the question… Is wearing a bowtie, outside the confides of black tie, so unusual in 2018 that it can be construed as a form of ostentation and/or peacocking?
Cuff Shooter, you need to try the R. Hanauer bow ties and long ties for that matter. They really are the best. I live a stone’s throw from their base in SC. Great people as well.
As far as Brackish “ties” go, I think the only use for them is black tie. I can’t imagine seeing one used as a daily driver.
That’s an interesting question. Perceptions certainly change with time. Standard things from the past can certainly become more flamboyant as they become rarer. I think the bow always carried a bit of an egghead association, and I think that still overrides any perception of peacocking.
Benjamin — I agree with Jim that bow ties are not ostentatious or “peacocky.” Certainly not in most cities in the northeast and south, which is what I am most familiar with. However, wearing a jacket and tie at all can almost feel like like cosplay in some parts of the country, so it may be more of a novelty depending on where you live. I say hold your head high, and set an example of good taste by wearing whatever sort of tie you feel comfortable with. I find that I tend to get compliments on my ties (whether bow or four-in-hand), suits, sport coats, etc. wherever I am, particularly from women, including my wife.
Great stuff, Rashid. I’m going to try to incorporate some of your combinations. Kind of tricky, but very well done.
I really like the unique lapel buttons. I never got any type of US Army discharge pin, so I fashioned my own, from one of my Dads brass pocket buttons from his WW2 uniform. For the record, I had his buttons sewed on my uniform 46 years ago, and wore them proudly, during my service.
University of Michigan ensemble is great! Pull it out Saturday for the opener vs ND!!
I have been saving up for a new bow tie made by a company in Charleston, South Carolina called Brackish Bow Ties. They are made from feathers but are quite expensive at $200.
@Mitchell S. Bill Murray does Brackish well.
@Eric, thanks for letting me know.
Andy Samberg, Don Cheadle, Jack Nicholson, and Ringo Starr have worn them also according to the Orvis website.
I love bow ties but I have a heck of a time finding any like the wonderful unlined specimens I inherited from my father. The licker, lined ones most stores sell just don’t sit right when tied, like they are trying to imitate a pre-tied bow or something.
Beau Ties:
https://www.beautiesltd.com/
As is often the case, I am a day late but happen to be wearing a Hanauer bow tie today. Congratulations, Rashid, for bringing a contemporary sense of style to classic elements of traditional dress. It reminds me of M Magazine back in the 80s which often showed men dressed in a traditional style that didn’t seem dated. I wish M were still around, but fear that these days it would have degenerated into the trend-following, bro culture that GQ and Esquire have come to embody (at least to my eyes). Perhaps failure to adapt to cultural degeneration was the reason for M’s demise.
Here’s the question… Is wearing a bowtie, outside the confides of black tie, so unusual in 2018 that it can be construed as a form of ostentation and/or peacocking?
(I’m not saying this with judgement)
@Benjamin – Uh…no.
Cuff Shooter, you need to try the R. Hanauer bow ties and long ties for that matter. They really are the best. I live a stone’s throw from their base in SC. Great people as well.
As far as Brackish “ties” go, I think the only use for them is black tie. I can’t imagine seeing one used as a daily driver.
@Ben
That’s an interesting question. Perceptions certainly change with time. Standard things from the past can certainly become more flamboyant as they become rarer. I think the bow always carried a bit of an egghead association, and I think that still overrides any perception of peacocking.
Benjamin — I agree with Jim that bow ties are not ostentatious or “peacocky.” Certainly not in most cities in the northeast and south, which is what I am most familiar with. However, wearing a jacket and tie at all can almost feel like like cosplay in some parts of the country, so it may be more of a novelty depending on where you live. I say hold your head high, and set an example of good taste by wearing whatever sort of tie you feel comfortable with. I find that I tend to get compliments on my ties (whether bow or four-in-hand), suits, sport coats, etc. wherever I am, particularly from women, including my wife.
As much as I’m rooting for the Fighting Irish this weekend, the Michigan ensemble is a sublime tailgating outfit.
Great stuff, Rashid. I’m going to try to incorporate some of your combinations. Kind of tricky, but very well done.
I really like the unique lapel buttons. I never got any type of US Army discharge pin, so I fashioned my own, from one of my Dads brass pocket buttons from his WW2 uniform. For the record, I had his buttons sewed on my uniform 46 years ago, and wore them proudly, during my service.
Cheers!