All tied up: how the school staple became spring’s style star
MENSWEAR’S GONE MAINSTREAM : or specifically, the old-man tie. Forget TM Lewin or the corporate corridors of power. This season’s most desirable neckwear runs the gender-free gamut from Gucci (skinny leather) to Louis Vuitton (floral silk). On the Sportmax autumn/winter runway, models were suited and booted with sharp
corporate girl looks – a double-breasted, hourglass tuxedo suit and leather tie was snapped up by Zendaya for her after-party appearance at the Oscars. Alana Haim and Renate Reinsve were among the first
celebrities to road-test Louis Vuitton’s new collection, first seen at Paris Fashion Week last month. Their top pick? The crotchgrazing striped tie, worn with high-waist trousers and bomber jackets respectively.
The big cravat comeback might not be good news for those who left the accessory behind at the school gates, but consider it a sharp – and easy – update for your spring style outlook. At the Dior show, street stylers went peak Cher Horowitz, styling skinny black ties with untucked shirts and miniskirts (aka what would have got you thrown into detention back in the day). Gamine gals, such as Patti Smith and
Charlotte Gainsbourg, own the New Wave skinny-tie-meets-skinny suit look. At Ralph Lauren’s recent catwalk show, a wide-set black tie peeped out under a classic threepiece suit. It goes without saying the slacks and neck-ties of Annie Hall – a film for which Ralph Lauren, coincidentally, provided most of the clothes – should remain on your mood board at all times. Plus, you don’t need to buy new – the best ties can be snaffled at a local charity shop (think vintage Liberty paisley or natty 1980s prints). Go on, go Hall the way.