Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Bow Tie






With prom just hours away it seems fitting to talk about the accessory that just about every guy will be wearing. The bow tie.... its always been a staple of formal wear. Its an accessory which adds that extra dimension of class, usually to a formal suit. Bow ties are either clip on, or the more difficult, but rewarding self tie. The bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century: the Croats used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. The "bow tie" was soon adopted (under the name cravat, derived from the French for"Croat") by the upper classes in France, who were at the time the leader in fashion, and they became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
While bow ties are usually worn formally, don't underestimate their ability to be used as a casual accessory.
Here is Chris, wearing a bow tie in a semi-casual style. He could have just worn a blazer, dress shirt and jeans, but the bow tie adds more character. A bow tie can help you stand out in a crowd at a party, or in the city. Its going that extra mile to assert your style. (If you're wondering, Chris is standing next to the late musical legend Louis Armstrong, the wax version, who is ironically also wearing a bow tie. Some styles are timeless!!!)
Bow ties come in many forms, from the classic...
To the more daring.....



















But, no matter which end of the bow tie spectrum you chose, your wardrobe wins.