Retired chief superintendent of education Edmund Chetty
IT MIGHT not get you any kudos for imagination on Father’s Day, but the humble tie remains a mainstay fallback gift item. Just ask Edmund Chetty, who has amassed close to 100 of them over the years.
The retired chief superintendent of education believes that it is the thought behind the gift that matters, rather than the item itself.
Chetty, from Silverglen, started wearing ties as a youngster and began collecting them during his travels abroad.
Noticing his taste for ties, his wife Savitha, who is now late, and children André, Arnold and Annliza always knew what to get for him on special days.
“When it comes to gifts one cannot be choosy; it’s the thought that counts the most,” he said.
“I believe the tie distinguishes and helps men stand out, especially those in the corporate world, and nowadays we don’t find that happening.”
The grandfather of two keeps his prized ties in a cabinet while the mass of others, hanging on a rack in his living room, make for good conversation.
They range in price from about R120 to R400.
“From brands like Hugo Boss to Daniel Hechter, I have it all. In different colours with various shapes – even funny ones with cartoon characters. I even have matching shirts to go with them,” he laughed.
But for Chetty there are two ties that he holds especially dear to his heart: the first one which was from his wife, who passed away more than 20 years ago.
“It’s a silk, maroon, grey and white tie with stripes, by Butler and Webb. I can’t exactly remember when she gave it to me but it is one of my favourites. Another is one I received from my children.
“It came from London and it is referred to as a Lord’s tie.
“It is blue with stripes and it has various cricket bats on it.”
Since his retirement, Chetty now wears his ties to church and weddings.
When asked what he was expecting this year as a present, he laughed, saying he did not mind a tie.