Timelessness is an important factor when making a fashion-related investment – and the bow tie only seems to get better with age. A quintessential formal accessory, the bow tie dates back to the 17th century when Croatian soldiers would tie a lightweight scarf to keep together the collar of their dress shirts. At the end of the Thirty Years’ War, French soldiers brought the look back home with them, and by the 1700s neckties had been widely adopted by the aristocracy.
The look continued to evolve – from the stock tie of the early 1700s to the Ascot of the early 1800s – until, towards the middle of the 19th century, the classic, neat silhouette we all know came to the fore. Today, the bow tie adds an elegant final touch to formal dress codes like black or white tie. It’s also been adopted by a number of famous figures throughout history.
Charlie Chaplin often wore a bow tie, as did Fred Astaire. Winston Churchill, meanwhile, bought his trademark spotted silk bow tie from British shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser to remind him of his father, Lord Randolph Henry Spencer-Churchill, with whom Winston had had a difficult relationship. More recently, the style has been given a new lease of life by some of Hollywood’s best-dressed men.
Everyone’s favourite TV chef, actor Jeremy Allen White, showed off an elite-level accessories game , showed off an elite-level accessories game including a black bow tie on the 2024 Emmys red carpet in January. White, who snagged an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his turn as Carmy in The Bear , wore a bespoke white Giorgio Armani suit, elevated with a matching dress shirt, pressed trousers and a contrasting tie. {"@context":"https://schema.
org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Bill Nye with Chris Pine at the after party following the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Photo: Getty Images","url":"https://img.i-scmp.
com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/08/12/5e3c6992-7bdf-4a2c-8ecf-ce9bedf539bf_61eeacc1.jpg"} Bill Nye with Chris Pine at the after party following the 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Photo: Getty Images Challengers star Mike Faist is also a fan.
He styled his black silk bow tie at May’s Met Gala with a Loewe radish brooch, while Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons rocked up in a bow tie with a Thom Browne suit.• Meanwhile, at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner after party, long-time bow tie fan Bill Nye the Science Guy was photographed adjusting the tie of fellow guest, actor Chris Pine, who matched his white silk number to his evening jacket. The bow tie has remained an essential accessory in royal circles, too.
Prince William is often seen wearing a black model at formal dinners and events, like the British Academy Film Awards in February, during which he coordinated with a velvet navy jacket with peak lapels and a white pocket square, along with a matching button-down shirt, dark trousers and patent dress shoes. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Brunello Cucinelli spring/summer 2024.
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jpg"} Brunello Cucinelli spring/summer 2024. Photo: Handout Beyond the classic black colourway, brands are updating the bow tie with eye-catching prints and vibrant colours that pop, in luxe materials like silk, wool and cashmere. At Dior, the bow tie has been zhuzhed up with the house’s signature Oblique pattern, a motif first introduced in 1967 by the house’s then-creative director Marc Bohan, and channelling an eponymous collection created by Christian Dior himself for the autumn/winter 1950-51 season.
Crafted in a silk jacquard, Dior’s straight-edged bow tie comes pre-knotted, with a classic adjustable strap for an ideal fit. Another maison that you can always trust to put a twist on a fail-safe classic is Dolce & Gabbana – and the bow tie is no exception. The Italian brand has enlivened the accessory in a fuchsia silk satin, complete with an adjustable strap and hook fastening at the back.
Brunello Cucinelli, the Italian brand known for its ultra-luxurious cashmere jumpers, meanwhile, opted for a classical approach, weaving the bow tie in a luxe cotton and silk satin – the same fabric that decorates its tuxedo lapels – lending an off-white colour and a smooth, shiny texture. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Ben Simmons at the 2024 Met Gala in May.
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jpg"} Ben Simmons at the 2024 Met Gala in May. Photo: Getty Images If it’s joyous prints and patterns you’re after, British label Favourbrook has been championing an individual style since 1990. One of its most eye-catching bow ties comes in a luxe forest-green silk embroidered with a Napoleonic silver bee motif.
Other alternatives to classic black include one of dupion silk in a lustrous heather colour, and a floral satin silk number in rich navy. With no shortage of options to cater for every taste and occasion, the bow tie is undoubtedly a fun, sophisticated way to incorporate colour and whimsy into your black tie and formal looks – and a modern staple in any stylish man’s wardrobe. Try Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana, Brunello Cucinelli or Thom Browne for classic bow ties in black or white, or Favourbrook for something less traditional.
