Luxury Ties a Fashion Staple

Before proceeding in the investigation into the history of the Tie, it is perhaps best to firstly define what a tie is. In the dictionary the necktie is defined as, "a band of decorative fabric worn around the neck, under the collar, and tied in front to hang down the front of a shirt or to form a small bow." However, for those that lead a busy lifestyle, clip on neckties are also available. Generally, men and boys wear ties for office occasions and formal events. Private Schools in the United Kingdom have strict tie wearing policies for their pupils. The tie has become a status symbol, largely sported by the middle and upper class. The neck tie has come a long way over the decades from just a piece of cheap, cotton fabric to the opulent silk ties of today.

The origin of the Tie traces back in time to the Thirty Years War, and the styles that evolved were the traditional small, knotted neckerchiefs, which got the Parisian fashion followers interested. Some things never change. Known as a 'Cravat', this new accessory started a fashion craze in Europe where both men and women wore pieces of fabric around their necks.

To the twentieth century when the real tie style makers in America improved the look, to what is now universally recognized as finer-cut tie. Incorporating a three way cut in the fabric, allowing the tie to return to its original shape.

The influences of the skinny tie wearing generation of 1950's America, and onto 1960's, with exuberant, flashy pop designs. Floral ties were created as the consistent theme of the 60s. It was at this time that shirts began to be sold with the Ties. With the 1980s and 90s, the design turned towards a more fun, edgy theme. Cartoon characters and comedic designs also started to appear and turned the once classy silk ties into novelties.

The tie has been an essential element of society with the colour telling a story in itself. The colour can express an individual's affiliation toward a certain club, school or area. Even to this day, wearing the wrong colour of tie in the wrong neighbourhood could spell trouble for that individual.

Nowadays, the tie has turned into a high street fashion accessory though fundamentally these styles have evolved from a rich heritage. Young people have adapted the tie, wearing this design on nights out for more casual events. They can combine the tie with jeans and striped shirts to wear in everyday life.

Even formal fashions incorporate the luxury ties to match bolder suit designs. There is a definite emphasis on colour and bold designs at present, so it is refreshing to have more ties on younger people. The earlier pioneers would be proud the tie, is sitting proudly on so many younger individuals.