The Money Tree Magazine 1st Issue | Page 61

average man needs nautical training just to be able to make it to work in the morning. Having said that, as a South African male you have probably endured at least five years of compulsory tie-wearing during your highschool years, so you should be familiar with the common Four-in-Hand knot at least. In fact the Fourin-Hand together with a Half-Windsor are the only knots you will ever need. That’s good enough. Get a mirror and get practising. Stray from these suggestions and people will prefer to talk to your supervisor: images courtesy of label orange • The bottom of your tie should just touch the middle of your belt buckle. Styles and shapes change, length doesn’t. • Skinny ties are only for fitted and personallytailored suits that are in proportion with the tie. • The material tag on the back of the tie does not need to be used to tuck in the thinner end of the tie. In fact, let it fly loose! • Ties are fragile. Take them off gently and never ever leave them knotted. • Roll your ties. If the tie is creased, hang it for a day to let the crease fall out, then roll the tie loosely around your hand. Never hang knitted ties, as they will stretch. • Matching the colour of your tie to the colour of your shirt, even if they are slightly different shades, is dated. Don’t do it. • The only embellishments you are allowed are a solid gold or sterling silver clip. That’s it. No exception. The guys at Cravatta Pelliano have taken a bold step forward in resurrecting the tie with a product range of striking Italian knitted ties named after some of the most stylish fictional characters. The young Dutch company even offers a range of colourful bowties for those brazen enough. They are now available in South Africa and you can purchase one of these badass yet stylish ties at www.labelorange.com. 59