BTB March News RoundUp

Now, BTB regulars know that normally, we would treat you to the month's news in a vaguely chronological order. But, since an attempt at the Ides of March was made 10 days late on March 25th, the outrageousness of  one particular element of the article must open this month's news roundup. Yes, just as the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15th (44BC) became a turning point for Roman Civilisation, so The (normally reliable) Guardian printed what must be branded an utter BTB scandal in an attempt to halt the 'march' of the bow tie revival...

In an article for the Men's Fashion section, Sam Diss (@SamDiss) debuted with a list of 10 signs of being stuck in a style rut because you may be, 'holding on to a trend too long,' and attempted to suggest routes of escape. Under such introductory descriptors as, 'a horrific re-tread,' 'a dated mess that can border on sad if you’re not careful,' he, quite calmly, listed number four as, "You’re wearing a bow tie."

Arrgghhh! Our EYES!!!

 

Right?

He went on. Seriously, he went on...

Oliver Cheshire for M&S

The suggested knitted neck tie

from the Pitti Uomo show

"The bow-tie’s resurgence was swift and devastating: a modern take on a British classic for a world finally emerging from a skinny-tie dark age."

He went on, "It was a bold look, but goodwill and Doctor Who couldn’t keep it afloat for very long, with M&S’ little-loved Oliver Cheshire-fronted Best Of British AW14 collection the final nail in the coffin." (L)

 

Tie-less or a knitted tie (R, ALWAYS controversial) would serve well, he affirmed, suggesting that the latter's "change of texture offering a contrast that will liven up your suit, as anyone at this year’s Pitti Uomo show can attest."

Hmmm. We're not sure that such a great fashion house as Marks and Spencer should be held up as the last word for any style-related issue - whether it be the construction of a look or the direction of a fashion shoot or style trend. And we certainly don't think that the death knell for an accessory that we and other BowTieBanditz love could be sounded, based on decisions made by M&S. It's Marks and Spencer, people! We can only patiently smile and assume that Mr Diss was writing for faddists and not true lovers of the bow tie for reasons which every monthly news roundup confirms.

 

Please, mop the blood from your eyes and read on. Happiness awaits.

Much of our bow tie news comes from the States this month. But, it is no less interesting for all that. And, as if to further educate the uninformed, March's news goes like this:

March 2nd saw yet another designer break into the wooden bow tie market, as South Haven Wood. Third-generation wood crafter and Connecticut native Robert LeQuire has ended up in New Orleans transforming antique wood recycled from old NOLA houses into bow ties he claims are variously cut to suit any body shape. The fabric representing the central knot are also sourced from antique bow ties. And, having made one as a novelty to wear to a party, he was immediately inundated with inquiries about where they could be bought! As if the eco angle isn't endearing enough, wearing one of these beauties means you take a little of The Big Easy with you each time. And that is cool. See the etsy store too.

 

Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Elizabeth Wellington decided in her Trendlet article, that far from being 'over', "snazzy neckwear is a sartorial sign that dandyism still exists," and felt that the introduction of polka dots, African prints and abstract patterns actually takes an 'OK' look to one 'worth a second glance'. She points out that BTs are often worn by tastemakers. She describes BT aficionados as,  "Men who want you to know they care - really care - about personal style. Bow ties are proof that their wardrobe choices are intentional." And wonders whether the fact  that she's never dated a BT wearer might account for her single status...

Philly Trendlet: a William + James bow tie $75.

Now then.

Did you know that there was such a thing as Arabs Got Talent? No, neither did we. But there is, and their final aired on March 8th. One of the judges, comedian and actor Ahmed Helmy, inspired emotional scenes as he sported a seemingly ordinary blue and white checked bow tie (cotton?) and confessed why it was a very special bow tie...



Ahmed Helmy



If any BT wearer might be allowed a diss, there was a week to digest the news that the children's comedy fictional character Pee Wee Herman is making a comeback after 27 years. This inexplicably popular series will return in Pee Wee's Big Holiday on Netflix. Still, Pee Wee at least boasts originality in his custom made plaid grey glen suit and gifted red bow tie.

Pee Wee Herman's constant red bow tie makes a 2015 comeback on Netflix **shiver**

Australia appears to have caught the BT bug, as this little snippet Bow ties: know the rules appeared around the middle of the month. The author says she was informed that American doctors can sometimes be referred to as 'bow ties' (we didn't know that!), that Matt Smith's 11th Doctor popularised them (we did know that!) and that if you're going to wear them, you should learn to tie them by hand (errrrrm... personal expression..?) However, she does say that, "... increasingly, younger men want to show off their fashion chops by sporting a bow tie. It’s generally deemed a little more highbrow, but rendered in a jaunty pattern or colour is more fashion than formal..." Yay!

 

Mo Bridges and Daymond John

The world is still enamoured and fascinated by Moziah Bridges, the teen with the healthy bank account and 7 employees (including mum and grandpa), who launched Mo's Bows at only 9 years old. He and his retired seamstress mother appeared on Shark Tank (like Dragon's Den) in 2013 to ask for $50,000 for 20% equity in the company. Last year, Mo accompanied the Shark Tank Investor Daymond John to September's New York Fashion Week, and John had to pass his phone to his 'junior' partner when the CEO and President of the Nieman Marcus Group called looking for him. Like the NMG would waste time on acquiring stock from a dying trend... Follow @MosBowsmemphis.

If you love sport and/or the Indiana Pacers, check out this Miller Time Podcast from the 23rd when pundits Jon, Flava Dave and Jon Washburn discuss the best coaches in the team's history... and why you should always wear a bow tie!

 

In his March 25th debut Guardian article, Mr Diss' also managed to both support and contradict two fashion trends from the Oscar red carpet a month previously. One of the style ruts was, "You think wearing a fedora looks ‘smart’" and suggests a Panama instead... This, after Best Supporting Actor winner (everywhere) JK Simmons was pictured sporting one and looking very smart, and with no criticisms of the look obvious anywhere. Oh, and like Pharrell, it now has a small but determined following @JKsimmonsFedora. The other, as we already pointed out in our February AwardsWatch, was that both David Oyelowo and Neil Patrick Harris had been bang on-trend by sporting shades of burgundy in their Oscar evening wear. He conceded that Marsala was the on-trend colour, "a darker, burgundy hue that exudes class and versatility" (replacing 'lilac', the style rut...)

 

Next, came one of our favourite stories - San Francisco-based Tasty Ties and Trick Dog have collaborated to produce a line of limited-edition bow ties to match nine of the world Top 50 bar’s most popular handcrafted cocktails. Each Jen Hartford design is packaged in a custom-made (also designed by Jen) wooden cigar box with the recipe for its corresponding cocktail: The Bank Robber, Pennies From Heaven, I Am I Said, Gypsy Tan*, Ain't No Sunshine, Polar Bear, Baby Turtle*, Louie Louie and the Pantone 7621*

Designer Jen Hartford wearing a Baby Turtle... Honest!

The Baby Turtle is made from  linen, whilst both the Gypsy Tan and Pantone 7621 are 100% raw Indian silk, which has a tweed-like texture. For the cocktail recipes, you'll have to buy a tie! Follow @TastyTies.



Pantone 7621



Gypsy Tan

 

 

 

 

 

The month ended with news of yet another set of bow tie entrepreneurs. Chris DiAntonio and Kyle Boswell launched Virginia Southern last year, selling bow ties and pocket squares aimed at the pockets of students with the look of designer brands. As such, and quite unique to the brand, the colour palates reflect the colours of various East Coast colleges, starting with Virginia Tech, JMU and University of Virginia. They intend to expand to include other schools and, "... bring back that 1920s look with the vintage gangsters." Follow @VAS_Neckwear.

There were also some fantastic causes supported by bow ties in March:

• The Tie theKnot Campaign supports marriage equality through the sale of bow ties, which gives same-sex couples the opportunity to customise and send an actual 'save the date' card to a Supreme Court Justice of their choice, particularly in the 14 states that still do not have marriage equality. It was founded by Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita.
• The Bow TiesAgainst Bullying Campaign took place on March 19th, when two State Republicans invited all legislators, staff and pages to support their fundraiser for The Samaritans of RI by wearing a bow tie or scarf And, in hoping to see a 'sea of bow ties and scarves in support of this fundraising effort to fight bullying', they pledged to donate $10 for each individual who participated. It's not clear if that's $10 each or between them per individual...
• The Boogie,Bow ties and Burgers event was a dance held to  benefit the non-profit Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago after they received a donation of... 3, 000 bow ties. The Winthrop Harbor VFW and the local Women's Auxiliary decided to host a 1940s swing-era dance, where everyone would receive a bow tie with their $10 admission, because, "If you have people dressed up in bow ties and you have food, there's gotta be some dancing,"

March Pick of the Pics

William Flex celebrating Ghana's Independence Day

Anniversary in BT colour

Our March Pick of the Pics is William Kwabena, who's William_Flex Instagram motto is 'life is never dull'.

 

Since African prints are increasingly grabbing fashion global headlines (e.g. Bowtaye) and March hosts Ghana's Independence Day (Ghana, the Africa Cup of Nations runner up), we thought serendipity had stepped in when our Bow Tie Eye met William Flex at the Akwaaba UK Ghanaian Independence Day Celebration in East Central London.

 

He was patriotically sporting a custom hand-made silk bow tie and matching pocket square imported from Ghana itself in vivid colours. As with January and February, Bow Tie Eye has brought you another one-of-a-kind bow tie for March!

Judging from his archive, he has a genuine BowTieBanditz  sensibility and is never, ever dull.

 

To end March and close out the movie awards season, Empire Magazine hosted their 19th movie awards. Starting in central London in the afternoon, this is a much less formal affair than the BAFTAS but boasts a similar guest list. It is also famous for being laid back and a huge amount of fun, according to our contact.

 

This year, actor Arnold Oceng (The Good Lie) was one of only a very few guests who sported a bow tie at this event. We're sure you'll agree that the lack of BTs was probably down to the informality of the affair and NOT M&S!



 



Actor, Arnold Oceng