When you think of bow ties what usually comes to mind? Maybe tuxedos, that one interesting Chemistry teacher, or even Fred Astaire. This is what came to my mind before my trip to Beau Ties Ltd. Although I may not be the oxford shirt, iron-pressed pants New Yorker, every person in the city owns some form of dress clothes. I’ve always leaned towards skinny ties, not for any one particular reason, but maybe because I hadn’t considered the bow tie as a possibility. Upon some historical research I believe bow ties maybe the coolest form of necktie any one person can wear.
The bow tie’s fashion forward style plants its roots in the Prussian Wars of the 17th century. Not only was this necktie created during one of the most interesting areas of your Western Civilization class, but it was the popular style among Croatian mercenaries. The bow tie’s traditional role was to serve as a scarf that simultaneously would close the top portion of the soldiers shirts. Soon enough, like most trends during this time, the French stole and renamed the Croat commodity; calling it a cravat and supporting its flourishing popularity through the 18th and 19th century. Fashion has an interesting way of recycling itself every 20-25 years and with that comes a new generation of trendsetters ready to prove that they’re more stylish than their parents.
Initially when I arrived at Beau Ties I was slightly nervous. I realized I would be speaking alone to several of the most important individuals within this company and wasn’t entirely sure what questions to ask. Ultimately, that was the least important detail; everyone was very pleasant and easy-going. The Beau Tie Ltd. company first started in Vermont around 1993 by a strong-willed man by the name of Bill Kenerson. Kenerson was dissatisfied with retail neckties and aimed to create some interesting beautiful bow ties of his own. After purchasing fabric and connecting with a local seamstress, Kenerson’s idea began to come to life. The first catalog included only eight necktie selections with 5,000 mailers being sent out. In 2012 Kenerson decided to sell his company which he built around the time most of us retire. Beau Ties Ltd. was sold to the safe hands of David Kramer and David Mutter. These two Davids were very personable and share important business ideals regarding American manufacturing and product transparency. The current form of Beau Ties Ltd. includes a sum of 25 employees using the same manufacturing building in Vermont. Large windows adorn the production plant so visitors may see the artisan craft in action. In recent decades of heavy debt and consumerism, quantity has reluctantly out-weighed quality; luckily this is definitely not the case in this circumstance.
A noteworthy detail within the company may be the extensive product selection offered, as well as the ability to produce custom neckties and belts from almost any fabric. If there’s one word completely absent from the Beau Tie lexicon it would be “redundancy.” The hard work performed by Liz Smith and Carrie Root regarding fabric choices, design, and development, result in some signature creations. The catalog spread bridges the gap for all personalities and individuals, along with a constantly changing inventory. Collectively, my experience was serendipitous and I would highly recommend anyone to take a glance at their professional selection. They’ve just unveiled a new Valentine’s Day lineup and some awesome flannel bow ties for the inevitable polar vortex blanketing the North East. Even if bow ties are not a staple in your wardrobe, it’s always healthy to refrain from the mundane. Support your domestic manufacturers and add some individualism to your casual Friday.
