The tie, a garment that has taken paths that are as romantic as they are bellicose. It arose in Croatia in the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War, a topic of which I’ve talked about on another post in the past, when at the time of departure women tied a red scarf around the necks of cavalry soldiers; a symbol of love and fidelity, somewhat similar to today’s engagement rings. Its use spread throughout Europe, since the French Royal Guard recruited the famous Croatian horsemen under the Court of Louis XIII. He was enthused by the red bands that the soldiers wore on their uniforms; linen for the servicemen and fine cotton or silk for the officers. In 1667, Louis XIV declared himself a personal admirer of the necktie, which he considered light, picturesque, and elegant, leading the rigid high collars of the time into decline. It first became popular in France, calling it cravat from ‘hrvat’ that meant ‘Croat’ in South Slavic languages, and later spread worldwide.
With the restoration of the English monarchy, in 1660, upon his return from exile, Charles II, introduced this new fashion accessory to the country, called cravat, which began to be used with such taste that it could be believed to be an original British matter. It was the Englishman Georges Brummell, the world's first known official dandy, who devised the modern gentleman's suit with a tie at the neck, promoting the fashion of it as a sign of distinction. Thus, the Croatian scarf related to war and the bond between spouses tied around the neck entered the world of fashion conquering Paris first, then England and then the rest of the continent. From there it went to the United States and then to the entire world. Despite the historical-war-love vicissitudes, in stylistic matters the tie occupies a podium of honour. The actor Clark Gable believed that “The tie, the pipe and the coat define masculine elegance.” Alberto Moravia defended that it is “the only accessory that clearly reflects the personality of the modern man.” Light or ceremonious, happy, or serious, sophisticated, or casual, classic, or daring, muted or bright. “You will know him by his collar,” said the English historian, Norman Davies.
I am wearing a very special tie that belonged to my grandfather who passed away recently. A beautiful silk piece in black with geometrical print in mustard and red colour. A very sophisticated touch of the outfit that I am styling with a blue Oxford shirt and a colour-block black and ivory cardigan with wide vertical stripes. I am following the predominant colour with black tailored trousers and added some funky elements at the very bottom with black and white socks and shoes in black and orange with similar prints on. Back to the tie´s war origins, I am wearing a military-inspired coat in black and khaki, also colour-block. The leather gloves, black vintage briefcase, and dark shades, complete the rest of the look.
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