Wednesday, March 24, 2010

OTC Recommends: Drakes' Untipped Ties

A favorite friend of Off The Cuff, we like to make a statement with Drakes London. From scarves to ties, whether at work, in business or at a special event Drakes is the embodiment of English style. With a selection excellent handmade ties ranging from knitted to ancient madder, Drakes offers you something for every occasion.

Founded in 1977, Drakes has established itself as one of the leading purveyors of English handmade ties crafted using only the highest quality materials and dyes. Drakes ties are made entirely by hand in the heart of London, drawing on the company's rich artisan heritage of traditional tie making, spanning over 30 years. In sharp Indian silk, textured knitted styles or old-school stripes, a Drakes tie makes a mark of sartorial distinction.

To complete the look of stylish authority, Michael Drake, founder and designer, recommends the four-in-hand or Half Windsor knots. Michael likes to uphold Oscar Wilde's words of wisdom that "a well tied tie is the first serious step in Iife."



Just two of the Spring colors

New this season, Drakes launches the 'untipped tie', a more casual and lightweight spring and summer version. With a slim 7cm width, the new style ties are made from exquisite raw handwoven Indian silk or woven Shantung silk; the blade and tail are left untipped and completed with a hand-rolled finish.

Available in a beautiful selection of Indian Colonial ground colors of oxblood, bottle green, sky blue, tussah brown and Jaipur pink, the untipped ties make the perfect summer accessory for stylish men's attire for any occasion.



My Drakes untipped tie roving the office

Drakes was kind enough to send me one and I have to say, though skeptical at first, I am a convert. I'm wearing it right now and though reminiscent of a thin, "man in the gray flannel suit" era piece of neck wear, this tie is elegantly eclectic.

5 comments:

  1. Something we can agree on! Drake's make wonderful ties. The new line may prove a bit narrow for me, but the color palates are superb and I look forward to checking them out.

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  2. I had the same feeling, but it grew on me very quickly - I felt sharp. Really, that's the word that popped into my head, "sharp." Kind of Dean Martin-y.

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  3. Where are the good sources for Drakes in Washington, DC? I've been to William Fox and unfortunately they have nothing like what's shown in yor post here.

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  4. TPB - I don't believe that they are in any DC-local retail outlets. The best option is to go through Drakes' web site. The customer service is very good and they should be able to help you find the right tie.

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  5. TPB - I take that back, I think William Fox & Co. (1420 G Street, NW)carry Drakes.

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