It’s just a slim slip of silk, yet it says so much.
After years under the chins of the pocket-protector crowd, the bow tie is cool. It now appears on “Gossip Girl” characters, fashion runways and sports stars — as well as young hipsters.
Forgotten by fashion for years, a bow tie today is both nostalgic and new. Marcus Wainwright learned to tie one on from his “old man” as a well-bred British youngster. “It’s one of those things you sort of yearn to go back to,” says Mr. Wainwright, one half of the design duo behind trendy clothing maker Rag & Bone.
Last year, Rag & Bone created a few bow ties from unexpected fabrics such as wool suiting material. To Mr. Wainwright’s surprise, they sold well and continue to do so.
Madras, seersucker, twill, matte and jacquard — Brooks Brothers is stocking them all in growing numbers. Richard Cristodero, the company’s neckwear buyer, brightens at the mention of bow ties, whose sales have been surging this spring. “Each week we have increases from last year,” he says. Brooks Brothers stores around the country are asking for more, in bright colors and all shapes, including butterfly and pointy-tipped. What else is selling better this year than last? “Nothing,” Mr. Cristodero replies.
