Issue #364 | The Knotty Death of the Necktie

The Knotty Death of the Necktie

The pandemic delivered a near-fatal blow to suits, completely killing the necktie in the process. But unlike tailoring, which still has a place in particular contexts, the bit of fabric that we used to use to shore up a collared shirt and punctuate pants and a jacket now feels overly ornate. How did we get here? “For all the necktie’s absurdity, it deserves a moment of mourning. It was the last remaining bit of plumage in male attire and an important vestige of dandyism—an aesthetic that, contrary to what people think, was anything but gaudy.” In something of an obituary, the New Yorker unravels the surprising history—and knotty death—of the necktie.

New Yorker

What’s More Timeless Than a Black Tee?

[Partner] A martini, baseball, the northern lights: they all rank, but somewhere at the top of the list is the black tee, forever a companion to blue jeans and crisp trousers alike. They work at art openings, farmers’ markets, nights out on the town—you name it. But not all are equal, which is made clear by the one from Fresh Clean Threads. Fans of the brand’s tees have touted them for their excellent fit, achieved in part by a super-soft proprietary cotton that lays well on a variety of builds. No matter where you fall on the size spectrum, this black shirt is forever a winner.

Get the only black tee you need.

Counterfeit Olympics Merchandise Prompt Police Raids in Paris

Counterfeit goods is big biz, and France definitely isn’t turning a blind eye to it ahead of the Olympic Games. As part of the country’s ongoing battle against knock-offs and dupes, Paris’s police are cracking down on sellers of fake Olympics gear in an attempt to stanch continued losses in the millions of dollars the country has seen over the last few years. “Last year, customs seized 20.5 million counterfeit products, a 78 percent increase on the 11.5 million confiscated in 2022, according to data released in May,” reports Fast Company.

Fast Company

Here’s Why The Bear Season 3 Featured So Many Incredible Watches

So you could care less about what happens to Carmy in season three of The Bear. But if watches are your bag—and you can deal with the on-screen tension that simulates a wicked combo of front- and back-of-house stress—you might want to consider binging for a different reason altogether. The series cameos a run of knockout timepieces that are as well-oiled as a Michelin-star joint, including a Tissot, Omega, and Rolex. Here, GQ chats with prop master Laura Roeper about how she used expensive watches to dial up the drama.

GQ

• Flint and Tinder Linen-Cotton Chino – $118

• Crap Heavy Tropix Sunglasses – $109

• Stussy Big Mesh Tank – $70

• The Negroni Book – $12

• CatskillGlassworks Cocktail Mixing Glass – $85

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