Question about a Brioni tie I saw today

[tdial]

My wife and I were walking in the mall today and stopped by Neiman's to check out the ties. As we were looking at the Brioni ties, we saw a strange looking quilt like patterned tie (to be truthful, I found it hideous) It was a very thick, four or seven fold (I think 4, though I didn't want to unfold it too much), and probably had 10 different colors. Retail price came in at a staggering $360.

Does anybody know what gives with this? I guess it's probably hand stitched, but it was really REALLY ugly.

 

[Carlo]

I've seen some very interesting ties from Brioni. Some that I liked and others that were outside my tastes. The most interesting was a pleated tie - very dressy somehow. I seem to recall it being around $300. Not sure if I would wear it but definately interesting - I guess I look at too many ties so something different fascinates me - any chance you can get a pic next time?

I do have a great deal of respect for Brioni's innovative ties and they use good silk.

 

[AlanC]

...Retail price came in at a staggering $360. Does anybody know what gives with this?

A fool and his money are soon parted...

 

[Carlo]

Actually, Alan... I think it goes "A fool and his money are fun to go to Vegas with"

 

[tdial]

Good idea. I'll take a pic with my camera phone next time I'm in there (maybe tomorrow at lunch) and post the pic here. I'll also take a picture of a tie that was made for me by a wonderful quiltmaker from a tiny quilting community in rural Alabama (Gee's Bend). It is one of the neatest pieces of clothing I own.

 

[linux_pro]

Most of the 7-folds I've seen are ugly, with the exception of Chuck's. I'm not sure that the designers remember that these ties are generally meant to be worn with a suit as business attire.

I've really seen some awful stuff lately - horrid pastel paislies, rainbow-like multi-colored bizarre prints, and some truly offensive things from Zegna (what prevents them from designing an attractive necktie?). I asked one sales person yesterday if they sell much of those ties, and he said the most popular are the obvious: repp ties, more subtle prints, and generally ties with 2-3 or less colors (unless done tastefully). Makes sense to me.

I have to add here that I think Talbott's 7-fold series are truly some of the ugliest designs I have seen (although a few are nice). Do they do this to try to show that these ties are exceptional? A poor way to accomplish that. Some of my most elegant ties are from "lower quality" makers - Brooks Bro's, City of London, Michael Kors, Ike Behar, etc. Of course, one of my most cherished is a 1940's vintage Countess Mara (picked up for $5 at an estate sale - those heathens). Very bold, very simple, and very elegant.

I've had people compliment the cheapest ties, and been asked to remove a Talbott 7-fold before a meeting (my boss's exact words: "Where the f**k did you find that piece of sh*t around your neck? Go put on something appropriate, we have an important meeting in less than 10 minutes.&quot. Thank god, I have a gold Ike Behar in my desk for just such occassions. IMHO, most of the Talbott 7-fold series look as if they belong in the wardrobe of a used-car salesman, along with some polyester pant suits and platform shoes. Sounds as if this Brioni you described falls into a simliar category (although possibly an Ahmish used-car salesman?).

 

[Thracozaag]

My wife and I were walking in the mall today and stopped by Neiman's to check out the ties. As we were looking at the Brioni ties, we saw a strange looking quilt like patterned tie (to be truthful, I found it hideous) It was a very thick, four or seven fold (I think 4, though I didn't want to unfold it too much), and probably had 10 different colors. Retail price came in at a staggering $360.

Does anybody know what gives with this? I guess it's probably hand stitched, but it was really REALLY ugly.

Yes, it's Santostefano's patch-work quilted tie. Not very crazy about them personally (and certainly not worth the retail price imo)

koji

 

[AlanC]

I have to add here that I think Talbott's 7-fold series are truly some of the ugliest designs I have seen...

That's why they only make 40 of each...

 

[AlanC]

I'll also take a picture of a tie that was made for me by a wonderful quiltmaker from a tiny quilting community in rural Alabama (Gee's Bend). It is one of the neatest pieces of clothing I own.

Please do. I'd really like to see it. Do you wear it?

AlanC
(lives in Alabama and has a sister who quilts)

 

[hopkins_student]

IMHO, most of the Talbott 7-fold series look as if they belong in the wardrobe of a used-car salesman, along with some polyester pant suits and platform shoes. Sounds as if this Brioni you described falls into a simliar category (although possibly an Ahmish used-car salesman?).

I think you meant a Menonite used-car salesman.

 

[tdial]

Quote:

(tdial @ Feb. 20 2005,17:00) I'll also take a picture of a tie that was made for me by a wonderful quiltmaker from a tiny quilting community in rural Alabama (Gee's Bend). It is one of the neatest pieces of clothing I own.
Please do. I'd really like to see it. Do you wear it? AlanC (lives in Alabama and has a sister who quilts)
I've worn it a couple of times at museum exhibition openings. It's more of a festive tie. I can actually take a picture of this one tonight and post in on here. Will do so in a bit.

 

[tdial]

Well, I just decided to go take some pictures of the tie. Here are two, and I apologize for the amateurish photos--yet another reason why I can't post pics of apparel on here. First picture is of the front of the tie. Worn with the right suit and plain colored shirt (I've only worn it with a black pinstriped suit and solid white shirt), it looks gorgeous. And like quilts, the back is as interesting and beautiful as the front:

 

[hopkins_student]

Well, it isn't anything that I'd wear; consistency is big to me. If you like it, I'm sure it looks fine, more power to you.

 

[tdial]

Well, it isn't anything that I'd wear; consistency is big to me.  If you like it, I'm sure it looks fine, more power to you.

It is a special use tie, for sure. I guess it's also neat knowing the woman who hand made it also has quilts hanging in museums.

 

[Aaron]

Tdial, very cool and unique piece.

A.