It isn't often that I discuss menswear, since--not being a man--I don't really consider it my area of expertise. Nonetheless, when my style-savvy sister shared the Boston Globe article covering a collection of fiercely fashionable bow ties made by two up-and-coming Boston designers, to say that I was intrigued was quite the understatement. I have always loved the look of bow ties, perhaps because my father occasionally wore them and always looked sooo dapper. Or maybe it's just because I love a pop! of preppy from time to time... Whatever the case, bow ties are undoubtedly "in" these days. So what's with everyone wanting to get tied up?
I have to agree with Globe Correspondent, Liza Weisstuch, who discusses the bow tie's fashion duality. On the one hand, bow ties simply continue to rest comfortably on their laurels, amongst academics and intellectuals who never think twice before they tie one on. Yet, more recently, bow ties have gained a cool factor, donned by both hipsters and hip celebs, who have added the bow tie to their arsenal of fashion accoutrements. Somewhere in between these two poles is where Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett, the designers behind Robot & Brucling, enter the scene. The two designers are locals, heralding from Mattapan and Roxbury respectively, and they began their journey into fashion when they grew tired of the standard fare and began designing for themselves.
I have to agree with Globe Correspondent, Liza Weisstuch, who discusses the bow tie's fashion duality. On the one hand, bow ties simply continue to rest comfortably on their laurels, amongst academics and intellectuals who never think twice before they tie one on. Yet, more recently, bow ties have gained a cool factor, donned by both hipsters and hip celebs, who have added the bow tie to their arsenal of fashion accoutrements. Somewhere in between these two poles is where Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett, the designers behind Robot & Brucling, enter the scene. The two designers are locals, heralding from Mattapan and Roxbury respectively, and they began their journey into fashion when they grew tired of the standard fare and began designing for themselves.
In Weisstuch's coverage of the two, Bennett reflects on the gap in menswear, We’re at a point in the fashion cycle where gentlemen need more to express their style. He explains that the key is in the accessories, since you can’t have an outfit that says who you are until you accessorize. Well, accessorize they did! Yet, their approach is (refreshingly) anything but traditional. They work with more contemporary materials like denim and leather, further amping up the edge factor with embellishments from studs and spikes to brass skulls to Swarovski bling (now can you see why I love them?). The result is a brilliant hybrid of preppy/punk, a splendid middle ground where the school nerd and the school bad boy can fashionably--if not peacefully--coexist.
To state the obvious, I am not a man--and thus not the target demographic for the Robot & Brucling bow tie collection. However, I am still fully committed to their vision and utterly tempted to add bow ties to my accessories arsenal. I already love the necktie for the office so there is no reason why I can't rock The Phantom (you know I had to pick a design with skulls). Plus, as I'm currently sporting a baby bump, a necktie doesn't exactly lay flat like it's supposed to; fortunately, I can't think of a better solution than a spectacularly blinged out bow tie.
As a side note, my always fashionable sister and I were discussing Robot & Brucling just the other night and are hoping that they will eventually branch out to headbands. To tide me over, I suppose that I could make a DIY project out of it and physically attach one of their irresistibly irreverent styles to a basic headband. Really, it wouldn't get more fiercely fabulous than that. On that front, I suppose you'll just have to stay tuned... But in the meantime, whether you're a guy or a gal, I implore you to give bow ties a chance--especially when they come bearing skulls, studs, and lace. Sort of makes you want to get tied up, doesn't it?
Special thanks to my lovely sister, Annie, for sharing the good word of Robot & Brucling with me!
Psst... Check out the full article from the June 17, 2010 issue of the Boston Globe, Knots ready for prime time by Globe Correspondent Liza Weisstuch! Here's the link: Local designers reimagine the bow tie - The Boston Globe
Image: (1) bowtie collection by Robot & Brucling, as photographed by Essdras M. Suarez of the Globe Staff for the Boston Globe; (2) Bruce Franklin and Christopher Bennett, the designers behind Robot & Brucling, wearing their own bowtie fashions, also photographed by Essdras M. Suarez of the Globe Staff for the Boston Globe.; (3) The Chelsea, also by Robot & Brucling, as photographed by Michele McDonald for the Boston Globe--also available for purchase for $45 from Robot & Brucling (online at www.robotandbrucling.com).
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