Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Graphic Bow Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Blame it on the recession, but many designers sought meaning in craftsmanship this fall, resulting in collections where fine apparel and dressing up were major themes. As such, bow ties were seen in abundance. To try out this trend, don’t resurrect your neckwear from prom night; instead, consider this of-the-moment graphic printed bow tie from avant-garde Scandinavian label Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair. Continue keeping things fresh by pairing this pre-tied bow tie, not with a three piece suit, but with a deep V-neck cardigan and a pair of slouchy pants. Or, try it with a button-down, a military-inspired jacket and some distressed denim.

UNIQUENESS

Founded in 2004 by two Swedes, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair specializes in seriously fashion-forward, expertly cut and masterfully tailored pieces made from high-quality fabrics. In fact, so skilled are these designers at what they do that in their hands even the most basic pieces somehow become incredibly cool. Take their graphic bow ties, for instance. It’s hard to make this neckwear hip given that many people consider bow ties to be a stuffy accessory reserved for the most formal of occasions. However, this label has managed to turn out a selection of three for Fall 2009 that are not just wearable in many settings, but add character to your ensembles. Plus, because this label doesn’t have the same following as mass-market chains, there’s no chance you’ll see anyone else wearing one of these pieces this season. Choose from copper or green paisley prints, or black with slightly psychedelic swirls.

DURABILITY

Every piece from Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair’s collection is a carefully designed and artfully executed labor of love, so expect your bow tie to endure for as long as you’d like to keep it. As this fall saw a renewed interest in traditional gentleman’s apparel, you’ll be bang-on when you sport this piece in the coming months. It’s unlikely that bow ties will establish a huge fan base, however, meaning that you can’t expect this piece to look as cool as it does now in one year’s time. If you’re willing to don a bow tie on any old day it suggests you’re deliberately giving your outfits an edge, in which case $100 isn’t necessarily an insane amount to pay for anaccessory. Don’t even think about it, though, if wearing a bow tie everywhere this fall seems more like a punishment to you than a fun fashion statement.