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History of Novelty Ties

Novelty ties, or conversational ties as they are sometimes referred to, are ties that contain unusual images or designs or even gimmicks meant to elicit a reaction from the viewer. While today licensed cartoon characters and other pop culture figures come to mind, novelty ties had their beginnings in the 40's, with the advent of the Bold Look, which occurred between 1945 and 1952. The Bold Look evolved after service men returned from WWII, ever so tired of dark and conservative styles from the 30's, instead seeking ties to reflect their newfound optimism and cheerfulness. As the name Bold Look indicates, tie makers initially employed stimulating geometric patterns in vivid colors in Art Deco style, which harkened back to the good life people had enjoyed before the war. Popular themes and scenes evolved, such as flowers, leaves, palm trees, western themes, cowboys, horses, leaping fish, birds, butterflies, zebras, unicorns, flamingos, hunting dogs, deer, snowflakes, coat of arms, numbers, symbols, egyptian hieroglyphics, and the like.

Countess Mara introduced a kaleidoscope of subjects in her designer ties, causing a whole host of designers to follow suit. Tie manufacturers noticed the increased popularity of ties created by individual artists who handpainted scenes right onto the ties to provide a personalized look, this resulting in their contracting famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso to design surrealistic and artistic images under various labels. Glow in the dark ties, promotional ties, photo ties, mirror image ties and peek-a-boo girlie ties, which featured nude and semi-nude photos of girls on the inside lining of the wide end of the tie, were much sought after.

Themes were reincarnated as pop art in the 60's to reflect the cultural and fashion changes occurring in the United States at the time. Andy Warhol soup cans appeared on ties. Hippie imagery such as peace signs, doves, and flowers were enormously popular. Novelty themes such as birds, farming scenes, racing scenes, and Roman soldiers continued into the 70's.

The 80's and 90's experienced yet another explosion of novelty ties that continues to this day. Battery lit Christmas themed ties as well as gag ties that squirted water entered the scene. Licensed character ties by Disney, Mickey and Co., Peanuts, Looney Tunes, Dr. Seuss, and Warner Brothers made an appearance, as did licensed sports teams and themes from Team NFL. Coca-Cola, Tabasco, and Anheuser-Busch produced advertising of their trademarked products. Musicians and artists such as Jerry Garcia and Grace Newburger printed ties based on their artwork. Ralph Marlin ties still cover the gamut, from Van Gogh's "Starry Night" to fish shaped ties whimsically named "Holey Mackerel". Environmentally conscious labels such as The Nature Conservancy and Endangered Species as well as ties with a cause such as The Cocktail Collection (a percentage of sales go to MADD), Save the Children, and UNICEF carry their own line of men's ties. Brands as varied as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Home Improvement, and Hallmark have gotten into the act. Contemporary designers such as Nicole Miller and Vicky Davis offer unusual subject matter such as cigars and the Kinkos store! The Addiction brand continues to plaster smiley faces and luscious red lips and such onto their ties. And numerous companies now offer custom designed ties whose only limitation is their clients' imagination!