Modules!

Japanese tie maker Modules produced some of the finest neo-swing ties ever. The designs were elegant interpretations of 40's styles without being slavish imitations. The construction of these ties is very delicate, with a wispy thin lining and narrow tail, resulting in a tiny knot. Many Modules ties also have an inspired jacquard weave; my favorite one looks like tumbling donuts. This is relatively sedate for a Modules tie, from the simple Eames-like pattern of rectangular panels to the leafy jacquard pattern. The Modules label disappeared in the early 90's, to be reborn as Format. Early Format ties are almost indistinguishable from Modules, but in later years production was moved to Korea and the designs became more ordinary. (Korean ties are OK if price is your only consideration. If you are interested in buying in bulk, there is a lot of 400,000 ties from Korea for sale here. I'll bet you can get a great price!) Format ties can still be found in department stores (and the leftovers in discount stores, like Value City), and some of them are pretty nice, but the elegant swing revival ties are long gone. The swing dance craze still seems to have a dedicated following in Japan, though, and American swingsters Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are still at it!