CoSTUME NATIONAL Iridescent Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

This iridescent piece by CoSTUME NATIONAL is a far cry from your average tie. Constructed of polyamide and aluminum, the semi-transparent surface and multiple reflections create an optical effect that results in a highly distinctive appearance. Available in light green or light gray, this tie blurs the line between formal and informal, day and evening. 

UNIQUENESS

CoSTUME NATIONAL’s signature mix of street and runway is echoed in this tie shown for Spring 2009. This iridescence, rarely seen in ties, or menswear at all for that matter, scores high points for breaking the mold and pushing menswear forward. While your initial reaction may be to seriously question where and how to wear this piece, consider its unexpected versatility: You’ll hit a modern note for day when paired with a slim black single-button suit, fitted white shirt and a pair of cap-toe oxfords. For rooftop parties in the summer, wear it with a seersucker blazer for some fun. Finally, the iridescence will look brilliant in the moonlight for formal evening wear.

DURABILITY

Innovative in both design and fabrication, CoSTUME NATIONAL’s iridescent tie contains recycled aluminum that not only makes it durable, but sustainable as well. The trend factor here is quite high. Firstly, we’ve seen the skinny tie for several seasons now, so it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. Keep in mind that they are most flattering on guys with slimmer frames. Secondly, because it would be a highly memorable piece in your wardrobe, you’ll want to spread out its wear to avoid overkill. However, since this piece is mostly designed for spring and sum

Band of Outsiders Club Tie

THE ASKMEN TAKE

This silk tie is an avant-garde cravat from the Band of Outsiders design house that features a reversed thistle embroidered sparingly over a traditional club tie motif, and it's bang on trend with the season’s preppy look.

UNIQUENESS

To take a club tie motif and use a reversed thistle design is a less-than-subtle tweak of the nose at the country club set, which makes this the perfect anti-establishment piece of neckwear for those who like to fly a little under the radar but still need to create a stir once in a while. One can almost imagine themselves as a young Mick Jagger sporting this tie as they tip-toe along the lines of social mores and sensibilities. This is all the more obvious as one notices the simple color scheme of black stripe, white thistle and gray base of the silk in this Band of Outsiders Club Tie.

DURABILITY

Silk ties last when cared for, so let's focus on the style, which is impeccable without being drab. Yes, the Band of Outsiders Club Tie is black, gray and white, but this is why it will last many seasons. You may tire of its simplicity, but you will return to it again and again. The difficulty will only be in choosing the right suit cut and colors to match. You can play with the notion of a modern suitcut with high arm holes and narrow lapels or you could just get on with it, and go for the ever wearable two-button charcoal suit to give the tie a proper backdrop from which to make its statement.

L.A. Eyeworks Rufus Frames

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The fact that you need to wear eyeglasses should not condemn you to a unfashionable life. In fact, with the ever-increasing variety and availability of cool glasses to choose from, even those with 20/20 vision have been known to purchase a pair of spectacles simply for their hip style. These Rufus frames from l.a. Eyeworks are exactly the type of glasses that can make you almost glad your vision is impaired, and they have the power to convert even those with perfect eyesight into specs devotees.

UNIQUENESS

l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are not exactly on par with your average LensCrafters offering. Designed for the customer with inferior optical abilities -- but a superior sense of style -- these frames will instantly set you apart in a crowded room. Softly angular edges keep these eyeglasses modern, while the thickness of the frames gives them a weightier, retro feel. For an updated spin on '60s cool, go for a simple yet elegant look a la Raphael Saadiq by teaming your glasses with smart separates, likecashmere pullovers, perfectly fitted blazers and slim-cut trousers.

If vintage clothing isn’t your thing, channel the future by pairing these specs with an electric-colored blazer, distressed denim and some high-tops. For guys who really want to make a statement, these frames are also available in khaki, eggplant, gray, and tortoiseshell on a cocoa-colored background.

DURABILITY

First off, these frames are made of plastic, so we can’t really guarantee they’ll stand up to a significant amount of mistreatment. That said, as far as plastic goes, l.a. Eyeworks’ Rufus frames are about as high-quality as they come. Additionally, because you can wear these year-round and geek chic continues to be a popular theme in men’s fashion,  you really will keep these eyeglasses until they physically destruct. The major setback of these spectacles is their price. Considering, however, that you’ll keep this sleek eyewear for approximately five years and that $250 is an average price nowadays for fashion-forward specs, you probably won’t feel cheated by purchasing these frames.