Take a Bow

dapper dogs courtesy of
kimhayesphotography.com

This week I am inspired by the bow tie. Ah, the bow tie. Small, yet mighty. Sneekily stylish.  In league with the elitists, but making back-door deals with the free thinkers.

Seemingly a simple fashion accessory, the bow tie actually has an interesting history.  It is believed that the necktie has its origins in the fashion of Croatian mercenaries of the 17th century, who, during the Prussian war, tied long strips of fabric around their necks to keep their collars closed. I suppose buttons were scarce in Croatia back then.  From here, the bow tie evolved and exploded into popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Well, good for you Croatia.  Bravo.

Thomas Edison.
Just invented the light-bulb.
No biggie.

The most interesting aspect of the bow tie, though, is not its humble beginnings on the collars of Croats.  It is the eclectic list of historical and pop-cultural figures who have been seduced by the power of this little accessory over the centuries.

Think, if you will, about the stereotypical bow tie wearer.  I'm guessing you've conjured the image of an intellectual type fellow, possibly also donning a pocket protector, probably wearing glasses that would be considered hip if only they were paired with plaid.  Yes, the bow tie's role in academia is certainly not understated. It has long been a symbol for smarts for a few reasons, not the least of which is the practically impenetrable web of folds, tucks and ties one must traverse before reaching the point of proud display.  If you can tie the damn thing, you must be a genius.  Thomas Edison wore a bow tie. Enough said.

Humphrey Bogart

However,  once upon a time, the bow tie was associated with the urbane gentleman - constantly attending soirees where nothing less than a tux would do.  Humphrey Bogart very commonly swept his heroines off their feet while sporting the famous tie.  It was also Bogart's devil-may-care attitude that demanded the donning of the bow tie.  Yes, this seemingly silly bit of style was, and still is in many ways, the symbol of rebelliousness and rabble-rousing.  Karl Marx dug the bow tie, as did Winston Churchill and Malcolm X.  When it comes to the bow tie, non-conformists really stick their necks out.

Pee Wee Herman

And then of course there are the clowns. Come the 1970s, comedians like Jerry Lewis turned the bow tie into the badge of geekery and foolishness. Thus we've got a polka-dotted bow tie on every Bozo and Peewee Hermans proudly announcing their nerdiness with the infamous neckwear.

But, the fact remains, despite the evolution of its role in fashion, the bow tie has been and will be a symbol for the outlier, the free thinker, the alternative politician, the debonair debaucher, the unabashed intellectual and  the sensitive slapstician.

And for this, Bow Tie, I salute you. Go ahead, take a bow.

Dapper Dan Clip-On Bow Tie

recently featured in my etsy shop

Why bother with the endless process of tying a the real thing, when you can go for a clip-on and look just as suave?

Metal Mesh Bow Tie Necklace by Plush and Rep

The bow tie can be lady-like too.  You can still make a statement with a subtle and delicate piece like this one.

Kitschy Spice Holders by The Old White House

Everyone loves bow ties! Even strange little spicy chef men. Admit it, without the bow ties, these wouldn't be nearly as cute.

Bow Tie and Cummerbund Set by  Merci

Formal and floral. Get the most out of the bow tie by matching it with a cummerbund! Hello fancy pants.

Yellow Bow Tie, Piercing Eyes Button by Cozy Studio

Even the King of Pop was sweet on the bow tie. Like I said, it's a fashion for free thinkers.