You ever wondered how certain fashiontrends originated? It is obvious that many things in fashion have apractical reason such as long coats that keepyou warm on cold days. One piece of fashion accessory that has been around forover 300 years, and serves no other purpose than being a decorative piece ofclothing, is the men's necktie. While the origin of the necktie is a wholestory in itself, this article focuses on the origin of one particular style ofnecktie: The so called Novelty Tie.


Many different cultures have influenced the evolution of themen's neckwear for the last four centuries. Even though fashion has changed thecut and design of the necktie, it remained as common for men to own ties, as itis for women to wear necklaces. The modern tie comes in an incredible variety ofsizes, colors and designs, to match any social situation. Among these, perhapsthe most radical departure from the traditionalis the noveltytie.


While not necessarily suitable for every occasion, theseinteresting ties are generally created with a no holds barred standard. Today, noveltytie makers are not focused on making fashionable neckties, but are moreinterested in making a tie that is funny, interesting, and will strike aconversation in people. Hence, the novelty tie is oftentimes also called the conversational necktie.


While it may be difficult to verify the originator of the noveltytie, the trend appears to have begun in the 1940s. Many neckties fromthat era bear printed or hand painted designs that range from the unusual tojust plain odd. Some sources credit Salvador Dali with starting the movement,when he shocked the art world by presenting his work on fine silk ties. Dali'sties are among those most prized in our time by collectors. Several otherpopular artists followed suit and even today fine silk ties are produced withthe work of new artists as well as that of masters like Van Gogh. These rangefrom actual hand painted originals to reprints of nearly any genre.


Regardless of how it began, the novelty tiesoon became more than a fad. Idea after idea was sparked, and new lines werelaunched. American businessmen had a new way to express themselves around theoffice and at social events, and manufacturers soon offered more than enough expressions, from the religious tothe risqu. More refined cultures suchas the British, were, of course, slow to accept the change.


Popular themes soon worked their way into the mix, and bythe 90's, nearly any hobby, historic event or publicfigure was being "immortalized" on the face of a tie. Commemorativeties have been created for virtually ever war in American and World History.Personalities suchas Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, all the US Presidents and many morehave all been printed or painted on the face of neckties. Our favorite cartooncharacters, from Betty Boop to Looney Tunes are available in licensed andunlicensed versions. All the teams of the NFL, NHL, NBA, etc. and individualsports figures have all been subjects of this fashion craze.


Holidays, too, have been the launching pad for literallyhundreds of necktie designs. What man hasn't received that Christmas tie thathe's obligated to wear to the company party every year? Valentine's Day isanother favorite, as well as Halloween and even the "Kiss Me, I'm Irish"tie for St. Patrick's Day. Whatever the occasion, chances are a noveltytie has been printed for it, in silk or polyester.


Technology, too, has had an impact on the noveltytie industry. The LED, the microchip and miniature batteries haveprovided us with an abundance of flashing, honking, music playing, and "pullmy finger" wonders that tip the scales from the talk of the party tohidden far, far back in the closet.


Although the noveltytie is not a fashionable necktie that you want to wear to a nicebusiness dinner, or semi-formal event, they are well suited for specialHolidays, Birthdays, and certain types of meetings. For example: It is wellsuited to wear a necktie with Leprecons printed on it on St. Patrick's day, ora Tie with Christmas trees during the Holidays. Just keep in mind that the noveltytie is not supposed to make you a well dressed man. It won't add styleto your outfit, but it is a good way to show your sense of humor on special occasions.


Author Resource: H Pohl is the founder of &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1829)%>" target="_blank"title="http://www.ties-necktie.com/">http://www.ties-necktie.com/ an onlineretailer for men's designer neckties, brand namesilk ties, bow ties, silk pocket squares, and designercufflinks. When not working on the business Mr. Pohl enjoys writing articles related to the necktie industry and men's fashion.


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