You ever wondered how certain fashion
trends originated? It is obvious that many things in fashion have a
practical reason such as long coats that keep
you warm on cold days. One piece of fashion accessory that has been around for
over 300 years, and serves no other purpose than being a decorative piece of
clothing, is the men's necktie. While the origin of the necktie is a whole
story in itself, this article focuses on the origin of one particular style of
necktie: The so called Novelty Tie.
Many different cultures have influenced the evolution of the
men's neckwear for the last four centuries. Even though fashion has changed the
cut and design of the necktie, it remained as common for men to own ties, as it
is for women to wear necklaces. The modern tie comes in an incredible variety of
sizes, colors and designs, to match any social situation. Among these, perhaps
the most radical departure from the traditional
is the novelty
tie.
While not necessarily suitable for every occasion, these
interesting ties are generally created with a no holds barred standard. Today, novelty
tie makers are not focused on making fashionable neckties, but are more
interested in making a tie that is funny, interesting, and will strike a
conversation in people. Hence, the novelty tie is often
times also called the conversational necktie.
While it may be difficult to verify the originator of the novelty
tie, the trend appears to have begun in the 1940s. Many neckties from
that era bear printed or hand painted designs that range from the unusual to
just plain odd. Some sources credit Salvador Dali with starting the movement,
when he shocked the art world by presenting his work on fine silk ties. Dali's
ties are among those most prized in our time by collectors. Several other
popular artists followed suit and even today fine silk ties are produced with
the work of new artists as well as that of masters like Van Gogh. These range
from actual hand painted originals to reprints of nearly any genre.
Regardless of how it began, the novelty tie
soon became more than a fad. Idea after idea was sparked, and new lines were
launched. American businessmen had a new way to express themselves around the
office and at social events, and manufacturers soon offered more than enough expressions, from the religious to
the risqu. More refined cultures such
as the British, were, of course, slow to accept the change.
Popular themes soon worked their way into the mix, and by
the 90's, nearly any hobby, historic event or public
figure was being "immortalized" on the face of a tie. Commemorative
ties have been created for virtually ever war in American and World History.
Personalities such
as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, all the US Presidents and many more
have all been printed or painted on the face of neckties. Our favorite cartoon
characters, from Betty Boop to Looney Tunes are available in licensed and
unlicensed versions. All the teams of the NFL, NHL, NBA, etc. and individual
sports figures have all been subjects of this fashion craze.
Holidays, too, have been the launching pad for literally
hundreds of necktie designs. What man hasn't received that Christmas tie that
he's obligated to wear to the company party every year? Valentine's Day is
another favorite, as well as Halloween and even the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish"
tie for St. Patrick's Day. Whatever the occasion, chances are a novelty
tie has been printed for it, in silk or polyester.
Technology, too, has had an impact on the novelty
tie industry. The LED, the microchip and miniature batteries have
provided us with an abundance of flashing, honking, music playing, and "pull
my finger" wonders that tip the scales from the talk of the party to
hidden far, far back in the closet.
Although the novelty
tie is not a fashionable necktie that you want to wear to a nice
business dinner, or semi-formal event, they are well suited for special
Holidays, Birthdays, and certain types of meetings. For example: It is well
suited to wear a necktie with Leprecons printed on it on St. Patrick's day, or
a Tie with Christmas trees during the Holidays. Just keep in mind that the novelty
tie is not supposed to make you a well dressed man. It won't add style
to your outfit, but it is a good way to show your sense of humor on special occasions.
Author Resource: H Pohl is the founder of http://www.ties-necktie.com/ an online
retailer for men's designer neckties, brand name
silk ties, bow ties, silk pocket squares, and designer
cufflinks. When not working on the business Mr. Pohl enjoys writing articles related to the necktie industry and men's fashion.
