Darth Vader Doesn't Have To Wear A Necktie

Lord Vader, a Beautiful Babe, and a Necktie?
Original Photo Shop Image by Jeffrey Hunter - copyright 2014

Sith Lord Darth Vader trending in a galaxy far far away


Lord Vader a Beautiful Babe, and a Necktie?  Darth Vader can get any babe he wants with or without a tie - he knows the forces - both sides.

Lord Vader takes his wardrobe quite seriously - make no mistake about that. What else would you expect from a Sith Lord then Darth Vader wearing a power tie. Anything less than a threatening red striped conservative tie would not suffice.  Vader is in command of the entire Empire and the Imperial Forces throughout the Galaxy. His stature alone personifies absolute respect from the Storm Troopers, and the Imperial Generals the like; he is absolutely formidable as he knows the dark side of the Force.

Why would Vader where a conservative red rep striped necktie?  Red ties are power ties and rep striped ties are commanding. A necktie of less character would suggest a weakness. For instance Vader could never wear a Disney Mickey Mouse tie or a Looney Tunes Taz necktie either. When it comes to style he is regimented precisely to be one thing and one thing only – 100% dead on ruthless.

A red tie is surely fitting as it matches his light saber and if there is one thing Vader does not want to do, it is to not accessorize correctly. A red necktie symbolizes strength and is very threatening. absolutely fitting for a Sith Lord. He commands with fear and he gives no quarter. Making ill remarks about the Force easily angers him to the point of being hostile and homicidal; he has no patience for insubordination or failure

There is an entire Galaxy to command and the rebels are quite clever at hiding throughout the Galaxy as far away as the Outer Rim. What remains of the Jedi must not become embolden. He must destroy any hope by eliminating every last Jedi and the pesky Rebels.  The long sought after revenge is at hand and there is little time to waste. However Vader does take time for some pleasures with the other half of the species.

Certainly, his necktie affords him a bit of distinction, and style that the lady just cannot resist. Women, even in Galaxies far, far away, just love men wearing neckties to death. It’s that added polished look that makes him debonair and irresistible. It is one thing to be tall, dark, and handsome and he is wearing a uniform too, but it is quite another thing to be wearing a necktie.

He won’t have to bother being persuasive flirting with this babe by resorting to his use of the Dark Side of the Force, his rep striped tie will easily win her over, and the lady will become quite affectionate and manageable. At least until she gets the urge to go shopping, and then Vader better have a few credit cards or a grip of cash, because wearing a commanding rep stripe conservative tie nor the mastering of the Dark Side of the Force are no match for a woman’s need to shop.

Checkout our Star Wars Collector Neckties

Erte Art Deco Neckties

Erte - The father of Art Deco

The father of Art Deco - Erte Art Ties - Romain de Tirtoff 1892 - 1990

One of the most famous artists of the modern era was Romain de Titroff, better known as Erte. He was multi-talented, and today is remembered for his beautiful artwork as well as his significant contributions to the history of twentieth century art. Considered the father of Art Deco Design, his prolific career in theater, sculpture and the graphic arts spanned most of the 20th century.  His style of illustrating women and men and the mood of society was in an unusually elegant manner.  It was that display of opulence that created such  fascination.

This past week two people inquired about the wonderful Art Deco Neckties that are illustrations of Erte Art Deco Artwork.  One inquire from a lady was concerning a necktie she had purchased for her husband in an art gallery, ( illustrated below - right ).  She was curious about the necktie design - specifically the artwork that was used in the design of the tie.  This was a challenge for me however I did solve the mystery - it was two different Erte illustrations that were used by the designers to make this Erte Art Necktie.

Erte Art Deco Tie

Here is the answer: It took a while to find the art works that were used to make this tie.  It was a challenge because the design is based on two classic Erte illustration. This design was a bit more obscure then lets say a tie that has just one illustration with more or less a very close depiction of the original print - borders and all.  I searched Google Images and found the two Erte Art Limited Edition Serigraph illustrations that were used as a collage or composite for this Erte Art Deco tie design.

The graphics are based on these two prints below "Summer Breeze" and "Beauty and the Beast."   The colors are changed; and possibly this tie was made in more then one color scheme which is very common in necktie design.  A design is produced in several color palates so that it will compliment different suit and shirt hues  Summer Breeze was used in another Erte necktie design - image also below.

Erte’s illustration “Symphony in Black” has become the defining artwork of his career.

Erte is most famous for creating the Art Deco Movement of the 1920s that originated in France. His aesthetic was adopted as the popular aesthetic of the world, and it influenced everything from architecture to art and fashion. Erte was a painter, illustrator, costume designer, interior designer, bronze sculptor, tapestry maker, and more. His artistic skills were very diverse. Despite an impressive body of work including some of the most iconic bronze sculptures ever produced and over 200 covers for Harper’s Bazaar, Erte’s most famous work is without question his iconic Art Deco Illustration - "Symphony in Black" ( Art print illustration and Erte Symphony in Black necktie image below ).

Erte Art Deco Print - Summer Breeze,
Year circ 1982, Serigraph, signed limited
Edition to 300 26.5 X 19 inches.
Value aprox. $3750.00 USD

Erte Art Deco Print - Beauty and the Beast
Year circ 1985, Serigraph, signed limited
Edition to 300 24.5 X 21.5 inches
Value aprox. $4850.00 USD 

Derived from the style made so popular by the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925, the term Art Deco became the description of the decorative streamlined design that incorporated geometric patterns in contrasting, often bold hues.    During the roaring Twenties up until WWII Art Deco became a sort of character trait of civilization.  The aftermath of  the war saw a decline in the streamlined style and possibly due to the cold war functional design became more important forcing the fancy ‘Deco style to lose its attraction.

During the last 30 years of last century a revival of Art Deco Style creating extreme interest and heighten value in the artwork and architecture that had its roots in the creativity of Erte.  It was then that his work achieved enough appreciation that his life’s work could be produced to reach a greater market then what he could ever have imagined of interest in the decorative arts of the early 20th century.   Erte’s artwork, in the form of lithographs, prints, limited edition produced sculptures and other mediums were offered in the finest galleries across the Globe.

“Symphony in Black” depicts a statuesque, slender, woman holding an elegant Greyhound on a leash. The woman is dressed very fashionably with a fur shrug, "avant garde" hat, and a dress with a striking silhouette, as the name suggests, the work is almost all in black. The image was re-created in a number of forms by Erte throughout his career including Erte bronze sculptures and paintings. It has been reproduced thousands of times since.

One of the main reasons Erte’s Symphony in Black experienced such wide scope in popularity is that it epitomized the Art Deco Movement which Erte is so famous for defining..The painting’s long and sleek lines and use of a statuesque female form in all black represents Erte’s unique aesthetic.  Erte’s career was long and impressive. However, while it is difficult to sum up decades of work with a single work of art, Symphony in Black is that work.

Erte art tie certificate of authenticity

Erte Art Deco Ties were produced as described in a Certificate of Authenticity that accompanied the ties in a gift box Collezione Erte Cravatte - limited edition cravatte ( Necktie ) of exotic, outrageous and magical work of the legendary Erte. The complete process, from engraving to printing and manufacture, is completely done by hand in Italy, Emilio Ponti - president.

The Los Angeles Times an interview with Erte

Erte Art Deco Ties at Nice Tie Store

Erte Art Deco Illustration and necktie - "Symphony in Black"

Why Would a Hamster Wear a Necktie?

Why would a hamster wear a necktie?

KIA Soul hamsters wearing neckties!

Yes, a hamster would wear a tie if he had to - just consider a hamster pitching a theme in the 2014 KIA Soul automobile television commercial.  He is cool,sleek, sexy, and stylish just like the KIA Soul. He has to sell a car so he has to wear a tie otherwise he would just be a fluffy hamster.

I never watch television. Seriously, I watch movies sometimes on TV - only DVDs, that's because I hate Television commercials. Those stupid TV commercial make me really believe that civilization is at stake.   I just cannot deal with the shallow content of those silly sitcoms, the franchised dramas, and those predictable network sequels.   Don't even get me started on the fake and manipulated mass media network news broadcasting.  Talk about propaganda, whoa. 

However, just by mistake - recently,  I saw an KEA TV commercial produced by a very creative ad agency, David & Goliath that amused me.  Thus the question, Why would a hamster wear a tie?

The advertisement starts out in a very powerful way illustrating a very sleek lime green KIA automobile.  The car is placed very creatively in a series of scenes.  Small details like the car's tail lights, the car's design from distinct perspectives are illustrated  obscurely.  Tightly cropped shots of the interior are framed further capturing the imagination.

Suddenly the car speeds off with several occupants inside.  Again, the cropping reveals only partial details carefully not revealing more than a sleeve of one of the passenger or the driver.  The closing scene sets up with screaming fans waiting on a sidewalk as the stylish Kea screeches to a halt.

The vantage point changes to one that's from the fans view point.  The doors of the car open and three very well dressed hamsters come out wearing suits and ties.  They are the rock stars of Auto TV Commercials - Question answered.

"The hamsters always have their paws on the pulse of pop culture," says Colin Jeffery, D&G's executive creative director, who directed the latest spot. (Even the PR around these ads is required to be cheesy.) "With the help of Lady Gaga, some current fashion trends and our friends at MPC VFX, we introduce a sleeker, sexier and more sophisticated Soul. The hamsters don't look too shabby themselves," Tim Nudd Ad Week.  See the review of this award winning ad campaign  


view the video - Kia television commercial featuring stylish hamsters 

A Dead Man's Necktie - Funeral Etiquette

"Trending in the afterlife - funeral neckties, a skeleton wearing a tie"

A dead man wearing a necktie to meet the creator!

What necktie will you wear to your funeral?

Funeral Etiquette, what to wear to show respect for the departed.  You may hate ties but showing up at a funeral in casual attire is tacky.  And what about the departed presuming the "no longer among the living" is not a female what kind of attire would he adorn.  You may have said you wouldn't be caught dead wearing a tie.  However, there is one time in your life, well actually in this case after your life that you may wear a necktie. Regarding your own funeral attire you will not have much of a choice in the matter because you will not be among the living. Despite your desires you may not even get to decide what kind of tie to adorn yourself with, unless you make arrangements before you kick the bucket. That is usually not something that a man tends to think about - a funeral necktie for the departed or not, what to wear after you are dead?  And what should you wear while you are among the living attending a funeral?

Pallbearers in uniform dress 

Funerals are prominent occasion for men wearing suits and neckties.  Not only for the men showing up to pay their respect for the laid to rest, but for the gentleman headed 6 feet under; wearing a necktie is considered the way to leave this life.  Not all men will be dressed in a suit and tie at their funeral and as well not all men will wear a suit and tie while attending a funeral but the men with style and character will.  For the living in western culture funeral etiquette usually prescribes men to wear black, navy or dark grey suit, white shirt and a black necktie; or a dark conservative small pattern tie that is not colorful or loud, certainly not a conversation or novelty necktie and a handkerchief just in case a lady at your side becomes in need of one to wipe away tears.

Pallbearers should wear a suit and necktie and the ties should match if possible.  This uniform style would usually be at the request of the family.  Normally a black tie is called for however there have been unique occasions where a novelty theme necktie would be appropriate.  In the case of a Spiderman fan being laid to rest the family may acquire Marvel Comics Spiderman neckties; or possibly the surviving loved ones want to send a special message by having the pall bearers wear something fun like an art necktie.  Every man should own at least one suit for showing respect on the occasion of a funeral. As for the deceased the apparel does not have to be so respectful, a Looney Tunes Marvin the Martian tie or a Hawaiian tie without a suit could be the ticket. One thing is certain most men are not buried in T shirts.

The man in the coffin makes no argument or contest, he does not laugh or cry he is just the remnants of a life passed. Since most men don't make their funeral attire style known to others ( as it is just too morbid a subject ) their surviving loved ones make the fashion decisions for them.  If the deceased has no loved ones then the funeral director - mortician makes the choices. This may not seem so troubling however some men would not want to leave this life to meet the creator dressed in something that is not of their liking. The mortician takes great care to orchestrate a hue of color and style taking great care to dress and groom the departed making the lifeless appear convincingly life-like.  Those little details like fashion accessories, or a special themed tie pin distinguish a persons character and personality.

Some men, especially surfers would prefer to end their mortal journey in a Hawaiian shirt while others want to leave their mortal life in more formal attire - a suit and tie, maybe the surfer would be comfortable wearing a Hawaiian print necktie.  I would prefer a black tuxedo and jacquard pattern black silk tie.  It there is any truth to the rumors of demons and devilish souls that are waiting to derail the otherwise un-worldly venture it would be decisive to be dressed to "kill" ( well in this case that cliche doesn't fit well ).    

Something related and fairly unusual to think about is the safety coffin.  This is a coffin fitted with a latch inside so that if you are accidentally buried alive you will be able to open the casket and escape "death" literally.  In the 18th and 19th century during the cholera epidemic there were great fears of being buried alive.  In the 13th century philosopher John Duns Scotus escaped from his casket after being prematurely sent to the afterlife and about 150 years ago Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The Premature Burial," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Cask of Amonitillado" dealing with the subject of un-timely funerals.   Sometimes life or in this case death is stranger than fiction. 
   

The JFK Funeral - the end of Camelot

Therefore the illustration above makes perfect sense considering the fact that timely or not, not everyone wants to leave this life for one reason or another.   Unfinished business, an ax to grind, or maybe this "gent" hated that red tie that the grave digger tied around his neck and he wanted to trade for something a little less provocative.

Funeral Etiquette: What to wear and how to behave at Gentleman's Gazette.  The complete resource for flowers, traditions, letters of condolence 

Checkout our cool ties at Nice Tie Store  

Swooner Justin Timberlake Hits the Mark With His Single Suit and Tie

Justin Timberlake -  "Dressed to the nines." 

"Suit and Tie"– He stuns the crowd when he appears.

Timberlake moonwalks, spins and moves like no

 other – his sensational show has women

 spellbound with his sexy style.

Justin Timberlake, "And as long as I've got my "Suit and Tie" -  Let me show you a few things. Show you a few things about love."

Justine Timberlake returns after six years with a sensational production "The 20/20 Experience" that included a world tour, a studio album and a super hit single "Suit and Tie.  He teams up with Rapper Jay-Z and together they "swoon" the audience with a very sexy performance.  They are dressed in classic three-piece black tuxedos and black bow ties, designed by GQ designer of 2013 Tom Ford, looking about as debonair as possible.  At 33 years old Timberlake can still move on the dance floor crooning with days past "big band" sound.  Unmistakably he emulates Frank Sinatra and the famous Rat Pack.

After a grand entrance leaving the audience in awe he is joined by Jay-Z, an orchestra, and several dancers. He tells the story of dressing to the nines and taking his lady out on the town.  To say that his performance is dazzling is an understatement.  He proves one thing about a man's style - nothing polishes up such charisma like a suit a necktie.  He is the absolute meaning of sex appeal belting out lyrics about love while sporting such a gentleman's look.  It's that sexy tie that says it all.

At the live debut of "Suit and Tie in Hollywood's El Rey Theater women are practically fainting as he belts out the lyrics "And as long as I've got my suit and tie....show you few things about love now that we're in the swing of love."  That distinction of not just wearing a tie but claiming that there is nothing to stop him regarding his romantic quest of the night sets him apart from the average guy.  The necktie is like armor that precludes his strategy from faltering.  He is taking out his lady painting the town red wearing a suit and tie feeling and looking like a million. His confidence certainly does not wane - he is as sure of himself as if he were the king of the jungle.  He just could not croon about love and women while wearing a T shirt ( as long as I got my T shirt ? ) commanding anything at all let alone a beautiful lady.  

Just like the lyrics suggest - he is in control and sure of himself - and that is when women in the real world get weak.  That is because women love men wearing suits and neckties, men with extreme character and style take their appearance seriously.   For proof of this checkout the audience reaction at the live release iHeart Radio Party Justin Timberlake  - Suit and Tie at the El Rey  Theater in Hollywood California   Also check out the Official Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z's "Suit & Tie" Video, Directed by David Fincher below.



Click to watch the
Official Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z's "Suit & Tie" Video Directed by David Fincher

Swooner Justin Timberlake, brings sexy back "Suit and Tie"

[Intro: Justin Timberlake]
I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit, tie
I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit
Can I show you a few things?

A few things, a few things, little baby, cause
I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit
I be on my suit and tie shit, tie shit
Let me show you a few things
Let me show you a few things

[Timberlake]
You ready, JT?

[Verse 1: Justin Timberlake]
I can’t wait til I get you on the floor, good-looking
Going out so hot, just like an oven
And I’ll burn myself but just had to touch it
It’s so fly and it’s all mine
Hey baby, we don’t mind all the watching
Cause if they study close, real close they might learn something
She ain’t nothing but a little doozy when she does it
She’s so fly, tonight

[Hook: Justin Timberlake]
And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie

I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight
And you got fixed up to the 9's
let me show you a few thangs
All dressed up in black and white
And you’re dressed in that dress I like
Love is swinging in the air tonight
Let me show you a few things, show you a few things
Let me show you a few things,
show you a few things about love
now that were in the swing of love
Let me show you a few things, show you a few things
About love

[Verse 2: Justin Timberlake]
Stop, let me get a good look at it
So thick now I know why they call it a fatty
Shit so sick gotta hit and picked up a habit
That’s all right, cause you’re all mine
Go on and show ‘em who you call daddy
I guess they’re just mad cause girl, they wish they had it
My killer, my filler, yeah you’re a classic
You’re all mine, tonight.

[Hook]

[Justin Timberlake]
Get out ya seat Hov

[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
All black at the white shows
White shoes at the black shows
Green card for the Cuban links
Ya’ll sit back and enjoy the light show
nothing exceeds like excess
style got from having the best of the best
is this what it all about?
I met the rest, .. the rant
Disturbing the guests
Years of distress, tears on the dress
Try to hide her face with some makeup sex, ugh
This is truffle season, time for tuxedos for no reason
All saints for my angel, Alexander Wang too

Ass-tight denim and some Dunks
I’ll show you how to do this young
No papers, catch vapors
Get high out Vegas
Who says these devils ain’t looking for trouble
You just got good genes so a nigga tryna cuff you
Tell your mother that I love her cause I love you
Tell your father we go farther as a couple
Didn’t lose a daughter, got a son
I’ll show you how to do this, hun!

Songwriters: TIMBERLAKE, JUSTIN R. / FAUNTLEROY, JAMES EDWARD II / CARTER, SHAWN C. / MOSLEY, TIMOTHY Z. / STILL, CHARLES / STUBBS, TERRY / WILSON, JOHN F. / HARMON, JEROME

Suit & Tie lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Shady Mooch Time Share Salesmen - You Should Have Known

Fast talking slippery tropical time share salesmen wearing Hawaiian neckties - What Else !!!

Every once in a while I post something that is just out right silly.  I created this goofy image and then had to come up with a story.

You have no one else to blame but yourself, for allowing those two slippery vacation resort time share salesmen to talk you into investing in a vacation time share.  Your wife gave up after she became exhausted trying to intervene.  OK so you were all caught up in the moment of things - on the beach, lost in that dreamy state - just completely out of touch with reality.  These guys made the deal sound terrific, and those sweet spiked cocktails with the funny umbrellas did not help matters. Nor did the hula babe with those swaying hula hips.

It could be worse - kind of.  It was only just shy of ten large ( with 2 large due annually ).  You were caught off guard and you just handed over the credit card and signed on the dotted line.  Now you are kicking yourself in the but for letting yourself get taken.  It was just plain unfair, you never had a chance did you. Sure those guys were honed professional salesmen - they're  wearing Hawaiian ties right!

But just take a step back and look at these goons.  These guys are out right scary - nice tailored suits and flashy tropical ties though..

So you over paid big time however maybe that time share will become of some use.  You actually may need a get-away from the nagging wife over this one.  Just think of it -lounging on the beach - not a worry in the world save the fact that you will have to brown bag your lunches until retirement affording that 2 week a year crib in the islands.  That hula babe might be there and well we better stop right there as you'll have even more problems if you get down with the hula babe.  My bad.