Cut-throat Individuality

The edgy sophistication that surrounds the neck of pop culture today could be a side effect of the reinvented bowtie.

Originating from the Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian Wars of the 17^th Century it is suggested it was dual purpose, as most births of fashion statements; it wasn’t worn for individuality but rather practicality.

Starting as a piece of cloth tied around ones neck in order to hold together the openings of the shirt, with the alter ego of the material to hide the dirty necks of sweaty men after long days of labour. It was transposed into a men’s fashion icon after the French upper-class fashioners replicated the look, successfully flourishing in popular demand throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Following the trends of all fashion, the bowtie was buried six feet underground just like the men that wore them. Left were the ancient professors and seedy uncles that still lived in the past with the bowtie as a statement of fashion. As a result of the perception of others they too, should have been buried.

Since these men have faded into distant memories, the retro statement of the bowtie has returned to claim its former crown of glory – with the new adopted pop icon surrounding the necks of endearing supporters.

Unlike their cousins, bowties of today are more often than not candy bar striped or polka dotted, because now, along with the introduction of self hygiene, dirty necks are a mere memoir of tougher times.

Those who walk daringly in the moth eaten shoes of their ancestors brave the perception to conquer – are bowties tacky or sophisticated?

With the eye level of many staring straight at the bowtie does this bring you an air of trust and intelligence or push you into the attention seeking, ‘look at me’ stereotype? A bowtie is like icing, it can make a cake look irresistible and copy worthy, or destroy and make it look inedible regardless of the interior design.

The question is – could you pull it off? Does individualism and classiness will one to put your neck on the line for a statement?

~ Hollier