Bringing Back the Man Bow
Fred Astaire
While I’m not a dude and have never worn a tie, I think this is a move in the right direction. I miss the days when men and women dressed to the nines to go out. Flip flops were only seen on the beach, accessories were essential and not optional, and men wore suits to dinner, complete with a bow tie.
There is something so classic and debonair about this simple neck tie and yet it disappeared from mainstream fashion for years. Even to the point where you rarely saw a man wearing a traditional tuxedo with a bow tie walking the red carpet. Designers came up with alternatives to make the tuxedo appear more modern and less classic to appeal to the latest generation of celebrities.
Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass
Well, apparently men are changing their minds (as you often see in fashion). As the NYT article recognizes, the resurrection of the bow tie is upon us. Men seem to be embracing the old classics that for so long made men look…well…manly. The bow tie, the fedora, and even cuff links are being revitalized as symbols of masculinity. Nowadays when I look at what men are wearing to my office, I’m seeing more and more Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra influence…and I like it!
It’s even translating to television. Look at what Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl has done to bring back the man bow. Ed Westwick is the epitome of what it is to rock the look. I would even go as far as to say that his TV alter-ego influenced the resurrection of the bow tie in modern day culture.
Mad Men's Harry Crane
And let’s not forget the AMC series Mad Men. While this show is set in the 1960’s New York world of advertising, it has brought that era into modern day and made it chic again. Rich Sommer as Harry Crane carries off the bow tie on a consistent basis, bringing it into the forefront of TV fashion along with Ed Westwick.
Gentlemen, please add at least one style to your wardrobe. There is just something classically sexy about a man that can wear a bow tie. Just a hint from a single girl who notices.
Lanvin 2010 Catwalk
June 3rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Oh how lovely! My friends and I had a bow tie and bubbly party last year so fun with all the ladies and gents dressed up!
June 3rd, 2010 at 7:02 pm
What an adorable idea! I’m totally stealing it for a future party. Champagne is my drink of choice afterall! Thanks for sharing!
August 17th, 2010 at 6:26 am
[...] course I had to post these on Hauteness because a) they back up my post on bringing back the man bow and b) these guys look A-W-E-S-O-M-E. Love [...]
August 17th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Logan has been rocking the man bow since he got a red one that he wore throughout the holiday season last year. Its one of the few things you can alter about having to wear a suit everyday. I likee!
August 25th, 2010 at 6:22 am
[...] with the bow tie, oxfords and the fedora, I have recently noticed the return to popularity of cufflinks in menswear. [...]