Finally, that most misunderstood of male fashion accessories, the bowtie, can take a bow.
For years, this elegant neck attire was relegated to infrequent evening wear.
It did not help that fusty academics were known to don it with shirts during the day, scoring them an F in any style exam.
Worse than the egghead vibe was the buffoon vibe that the bowtie also found itself saddled with (think people with fake red noses who pull out bouquets of flowers from their sleeves).
However, the situation has slowly changed.
After years of sprouting under the chins of professors and clowns, the bowtie is now a hip fashion accessory, appearing on runways and celebrities.
Most menswear labels that Urban spoke to have seen a rising demand for bowties and have started bringing in more pieces than they did in the past.
American menswear label Brooks Brothers, for example, now stocks 15 types of bowties in different colours and patterns in its store in Raffles City.
'We used to carry only four types of bowties. With more of our clients buying bowties, we are stocking more than what we used to,' says Brooks Brothers store supervisor Anwar Rashid.
So forget the plain old bowties of yesteryear, which often came pre-fastened and in black.
These days, they are ties that need tying and are worn with a twist, whether it is in the zany way they are paired with an outfit or in the bright colours that they come in.
Dolce & Gabbana sent models in suede bowties paired with denim shirts and suede dinner jackets down its spring/summer 2010 runway, moving away from the traditional black-tie look.
Even teenagers are taking a liking to them, thanks to TV exposure.
Preppy American-style bowties, usually in bright colours like pink or pastel blue, are often seen on the fashion-savvy characters in Gossip Girl, the wildly popular series about the lives of privileged teenagers at an elite school in New York.
Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the Jonas Brothers pop trio, wears bowties with the top button of his casual shirt undone.
In Singapore, actor Christopher Lee took his marriage vows wearing an untied bowtie in May.
Indeed, Akira Goh, assistant sales manager of veteran home-grown shirt-maker CYC Custom Tailor, which also sells bowties, has seen a growing interest in the accessory among clients of all ages.
'Most of them buy black bowties for special occasions such as weddings, but there are also those who buy coloured ones for more casual looks,' he says.
'I like how the bowtie has both the old and new world charm about it.'
However, he notes that not many people know how to tie a bowtie - a key reason why many stay away from this accessory.
Another person who has spotted the rise of the bowtie trend is Andre Neo, advertising and promotions manager of British menswear label T.M Lewin.
'We see more and more young people wearing coloured bowties and it is definitely a growing trend that will last for some time,' he says.
The label will stock bowties in its stores early next year.
'Wearing bowties with striking colours such as yellow and fuschia makes one stand out from the crowd,' says Neo.
Urban concurs. While sombre and more restrained colours are often best for business wear, brighter colours with varying styles and patterns can lift almost any outfit.
The best way to figure out what works for you is to try on several styles and see which looks best.
Here is a list of places to get knotted - in a nice way.
WHERE TO BUY
Brook's Brothers: This American menswear label, which has dressed royalty, politicians and celebrities, specialises in self-tie bowties.
Choices range from black ties to funky, patterned ones. Prices range from $109 to $119.
CYC Custom Tailor: The home-grown shirt specialist has sales assistants on hand to show you how to get perfectly knotted.
Labels stocked include Nina Ricci and L'aignon from France.
The self-tie bowties cost $49.90. There is also a range of pre-fastened coloured bowties priced from $55 to $120.
Robinsons: Take your pick of pre-fastened bowties from mid-priced labels such as Heritage and GoldLion. They come in an array of funky patterns and bright colours. Prices range from $20 to $40.
Topman: For on-trend pre-fastened bowties that are easy on the wallet, turn to this British high-street retailer. Each bowtie costs $23.
rohai@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
