Journal
Walter Gropius, Modernism, and Batwing Bow Ties
Walter Gropius was one of the most highly regarded architects of the 20th century and one of the founders of the Bauhaus movement in Germany. He was head of the Bauhaus school from 1919 until its closure in 1933 by the Nazis. He was also an avid wearer of batwing bow ties. Six of his batwing bow ties are housed at the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Frances Loeb Library.
Tying a Batwing Bow Tie (or any other bow tie)
Tying a bow tie is often thought of as being very difficult. But once you’ve taken a little time to learn, we think you’ll find it’s as easy, if not easier, than tying a necktie. Follow the directions below to get the basic knot down. Once you get the hang of it, make five or ten time more bow tie knots in a row. After that you should have it for good. The diagram uses a batwing bow tie style, sometimes called the straight or slim bow tie. It is less common than other styles of bow ties and has no flares at the end.
The Batwing Bow Tie
The Batwing bow tie, often referred to as the straight or slim bow tie, is not as well known as the the common butterfly bow tie. It is usually 2” or less at the ends and creates a beautiful small bow tie that is modern, elegant, and understated. Even though the batwing bow tie is on the smaller side, lacking the flared ends of the butterfly bow tie, it has been worn by some of the largest personalities of the 20th century. While similar to the Diamond Point Bow Tie, the Batwing Bow Tie is flat on both ends rather than pointed, giving it a more symmetrical look than the diamond point.
Sashiko, Boro, and the Indigo Patchwork Necktie.
The Indigo Patchwork Necktie by Olaf Olsson is a heavy weight cotton printed with traditional Japanese Sashiko patterns arranged in a random patchwork. This tie gets it’s inspiration from the long history of the Japanese folk art known as Boro and the decorative stitching technique called Sashiko. This functional embroidery technique was traditionally used to strengthen well worn garments, but in modern times is often purely decorative. Sashiko and Boro also represents the idea of re-use and the valuing of well made things that are meant to be kept and cherished for a long time. It’s beauty also suggests that mending to “make do” is not enough, one must also mend to make beautiful.
An Indigo Matsu Bow Tie
The evergreen pine tree, or matsu, was loved by Samurai warriors as a symbol of everlasting prosperity. Another symbol of prosperity in Japan is the deep blue fabrics dyed with Indigo dye, some of which date back over a thousand years. This is why we love using the pine needle on the deep blue Indigo Matsu bow ties and neckties by Olaf Olsson.
An Indigo Samekomon Necktie
Imitating the look of sharkskin has a long history in fashion. While most people are familiar with the sharkskin suit, most are unfamiliar with the ancient kimono fabrics of Japan known as samekomon. The Indigo Komon necktie and bow tie by Olaf Olsson takes it’s inspiration from both of these beautiful fashion statements.