Transparency of the Process

Without those little white stitch marks (real or trompe-l'œil, I don't know and I don't care -- same effect) this tie would be pretty bland -- just another simple striped tie. However, not only does the white stitching give the tie some ornamentation and a little visual pizazz ("bling", if you will), it also emphasizes the art of fashion by showing transparency of the process. Fashion begins with the stitch -- and what this tie so slyly suggests is that the stitch is not only functional but also fashionable.

If you don't buy the analytical bull crap, that's A.O.K. with me. It's still a cute tie. Plus, I'm loving the vibrant and warm color choices; the olive green, the warm orange -- it's a very Tuscan color palette. My personal favorite? The plum. Black and purple (especially such a dark shade) is just such a romantic and sexy color combination.

Scottish Cousin

How cool are these ties? Masculine, subdued, and mature. Plus, wool always makes me smile.

Although the very traditional striped-repp tie will always be in fashion, they are HUGE right now, thanks in part to the popularity of JCrew and Band of Outsiders.

In this context, you can't help but see a little striped-repp in the above plaid ties, especially the first. It's as if Polo were riffing off the popularity of the striped-repp, creating the Scottish cousin of a traditionally English tie. Very cool.

60s!

The colors in this Zegna tie are amazing. The light blue and the stripe colors are very retro, very 60s; the tie looks like a Saul Bass film introduction (check out the title credits for "Around the World in 80 Days" and "West Side Story"). Even the stripe pattern is evocative of Saul Bass (check out "Psycho" and the Saul Bass inspired "Catch Me if You Can" intro below).

Seasonal Ties

I'm not sure when I first learned about Alexander Olch, but his website has been on my favorites list for a while now. I love the variety of materials that he works with; in fact, most of the ties on his website right now aren't silk. You've got wool, cashmere, corduroy, cotton, seersucker, etc... It's amazing.

Let's take a look at the first tie. The material (no nonsense cotton), the color, and the pattern are all light and airy--everything about it screams summertime. Still, the tie remains mature and sexy. I would definitely wear this for formal occasions during the spring and summer.

The second tie is more casual: the thin brown stripes may seem a little too subtle, but the tie is still fun and casual because of the seersucker. Yea, it's kinda preppy and reminiscent of lobster bakes in Maine, but just don't wear the tie with pants with whales on them and you'll be ok.

Let us transition into the fall and winter! The third tie is just lovely. The wool houndstooth is so old-school cool. And the tie is cut nice and slim so it's still young and fresh. This tie is a dream come true for fall ensembles, bringing in pattern and texture in a unique way.

And finally, a simple brown cashmere tie. Really, it's kind of boring--but I have such an odd emotional reaction to it! The brown cashmere makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside; it's hot chocolate, fireplaces, fall foliage, and chestnuts all in simple slim brown tie.

Godley

I had never heard of Robert Godley, but his ties are among my favorites right now at Barneys. After doing a little research (yea, all I did was google him), I found out he's worked at Drakes, Turnbull & Asser, and Ralph Lauren. For a tiemaker, I don't think you could ask for better credentials.

Godley also makes the Psycho Bunny collection of accessories that you can find at Neiman Marcus; it's all pretty cute, but it's subversive humor is a little too obvious in my opinion (skulls with bunny ears). His eponymous collection at Barneys, though, is definitely more sophisticated and more my style. Above are 2.5 examples.

I've resisted blogging about the brown striped tie because it really doesn't look all that special. But under closer inspection, it's really quite kooky: the drab browns are drab to the point of interesting and the odd stripe variations give the tie an off-kilter feel. In the end, it's weird, but surprisingly aesthetically pleasing.

Godley's dot ties are also very cool; very floral meets math. I prefer the burgundy, but the Barneys website didn't have a close-up, so I put up the mint as well. Is it floral? Is it abstract? I don't know and that's why I like 'em.

Fruit Stripe Tie

There's something about this Jack Spade tie that I find very appealing. The bold chunky stripes give the tie a masculine feel, but the yellow girl-ies it up a bit, giving the tie a kind of built-in sexual tension--the same principle governs the allure of the pink dress shirt. I have to be honest though; deep down, I think I like this tie because it reminds me of my favorite childhood gum:
I know, right? Totally. In addition to the childhood nostalgia, there's also some adult(ish) curiosity that feeds my love: an unlined tie? handkerchief turned edges? hand picked stitching? I admit, I'm not a huge expert in the construction of ties, but this sounds pretty cool. I may just have to buy this tie, but $85 is a bit much just to quell my curiousity.

EDIT 06/10/07: I got myself down to New York and went to the Jack Spade store. First thing I looked for was this tie. I was initially a bit turned off by how thin it is -- it almost feels cheap. But, the thinness keeps it youthful, fresh, and casual. Something you could wear with a blazer and jeans. It's not as versatile as I would have hoped (a no-no at fancy occasions), but tres chic nonetheless.

Hip to be a Square

I WANT THESE NOW.

Band of Outsiders is huge right now; their clothing, especially their ties, are on like every GQ/Details page. And rightfully so. Their ties are skinny and hip, but with a traditional flair.

Simple blue navy stripes = drool.
Gingham = drool.

Yea, so the gingham tie might be too Dorothy via Oz but I think that's where it gets its charm. If you think the gingham's a little too country, the striped tie is for you: it's a bit more sophisticated and masculine, but just as charming. Perfect spring ties, my friends. Clean and cool.

And the squared off ends really do make these ties--their like little surprises. With the normal pointy shape, I feel like these ties would just be kinda boring.