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Monday, October 03, 2005

Monodelica


Or, monochromatic psychedelica. (Almost monochromatic--there is a gold tinge to one of the grays that really sets off the pattern.) The design influences for this tie come from nature: geological strata for the background, and enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) on top. The tie is by Monterey County-by-the Sea for Men's Wearhouse, which has been in business since 1973, so it might be vintage, or it might not (and my guess would be the latter). Sure looks 70s-ish! I would like to think that imaginative ties like this are still being made, but I haven't seen any others like this "in the wild." On the other hand, similar fabrics still turn up frequently in women's blouses. Hey clothing makers, how about sewing more of that into neckties for us fellas?

2 comments:

Matt said...

That tie was made by Robert Talbot for The Men's Wearhouse in the late '80s to early '90s.

Burl Veneer said...

Aha! Thanks for the info, Matt. Robert Talbot is a necktie juggernaut, seemingly in every department store. They must leave the Talbot name off the ties for the off-price stores. I have a red, white & blue version of this one still in the queue.