Review part two: MISTER.duvall

This is the MISTER.duvall fox tie I referenced last post.  h/t my phone camera for accurately detecting the colors.  The piping has a velveteen look to it, basically the same color as the fox's eyes, or close enough that nobody at an appropriate distance will be able to differentiate.  Anyone at an inappropriate distance will probably be about to kiss you and will not, one hopes, be looking at your bow tie at that point.

It's far too easy to run aground when printing little animal images on your neckwear.  For example, my alma mater offers this rather than a nice repp-stripe tie in the school colors (one that does NOT include the logo in 1.5" letters at the bottom of the front of the polyester tie like this I mean seriously polyester for a necktie? I clearly need to go back and sort some things out in Norman).

Anyway.  The fox is in low enough resolution that it's sort of impressionistic. It's got nice colors.  It's a piece that demands to be used in fun and interesting ways.  I am thinking I would build up a winter ensemble of dark denim and gray coat, white shirt--standard neutral palette--but stick some green in it somewhere subtle: maybe socks or shoelaces.  Then stick the tie up top.  Bam.  Step 3 is walking out the door and smiling, as usual.

Thanks to MISTER.duvall for giving me the chance to review this stuff.  I may post on some of their other samples in the future if inspiration strikes.

Review part one: MISTER. duvall

A friend of a friend is affiliated with a newish bow-tie company called "MISTER. duvall."  (Don't worry; their typography is sufficiently well-chosen to carry such a brand name.  I doubt the Virginia Corporation Commission would be able to register it properly, though.)  They bill themselves as specializing in weddings and other special events.  They sent me a few samples to have a look at, and to the surprise of no one, I have many opinions, which I will try to string out into several posts.

The fabric is 100% silk and comes in a huge variety of weaves--twill, corduroy, and more standard options.  The silk is substantial and has a lot of internal structure compared to what you'd find at a department store (I have a question in to them about their interfacing and will update you); knotted, they make for a reasonable-sized bow but can get plenty big if you futz with the tying process.  They have both pre-tied and adjustable self-tied options; you know which to choose.  List price is $120, which is not outlandish for a small business.  JAB sells their noticeably lower-quality, lower-weight, smaller, and un-piped product for $60 list (still very wearable, nothing shabby).

As you can see, this is definitely a special-event bow tie.  Contrast piping is a "sartorial power move" as the #menswear people call it.  A magenta bow tie is not out of the question in court (for oral argument, at least), but the black piping will make it look equally startling next to a gray or navy suit, which would otherwise be its natural and fetching home.  It might work with a black suit, but then, you'd be wearing a black suit.  Compare the navy and orange/rust/brown? tie with matched piping; this could be worn in front of a jury of one's peers or drinking buddies with equal aplomb.

The fox tie on the far right merits its own study.