Another impostor

Last week was heavy on the abstract geometrics, so this week I'm wearing some more representational ties, i.e. ties with pictures of something on them. So today: flowers! Any distinctive and popular design is bound to be copied sooner or later (see my recent Pucci and Leonard copies); imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all, but it also sells. Liberty of London florals are certainly some of the most distinctive ties of the last century, so there are also plenty of faux Libertys to choose from. This one is from J.T. Beckett, and is a pretty good approximation of a Liberty, though the color printing doesn't line up quite as well (click picture for a larger version and better detail). At 65 inches long it's the longest tie I've ever had. But even if you're not extra tall, don't be put off by an extra-long tie--you can make a long tie shorter, but you can't make a short tie longer. I brought this one to a reasonable wearing length by tying it in a loose Full Windsor knot. Or if you don't want to go to all that trouble, tying your preferred knot with an extra wraparound at the end should also do the trick. (In case you were wondering, I usually use the Pratt/Shelby knot; the knot "eats up" more length than the popular Four-In-Hand, and gives a more triangular knot.)