Ties: More Than Just Class Dress

On a campus filled with personalities both creative and individual, it is no wonder that, despite the dress code, one article of clothing shines through with colors, patterns, and designs equally as unique as the people sporting ties.

Some welcome the notion of a tie with special vigor. “In a world of such precedent styles and predefined over-worn name brands, the depth of a man’s tie collection can provide a window through which the world may glance at one’s creative individualism…that’s basically what it boils down to,” commented Adam Coppola ’12. Coppola is known for his signature fish tie, a classic piece he discovered in his attic.

Equally enthusiastic about ties, Sarah Sutphin ’13 stated, “Ties are terrific … I like funny ties. I always compliment someone with a funny tie.”

One such tie can be found in the collection of Laddie Trees ’11. “My favorite tie is purple with zebras on it,” he stated. However, Trees is not the only one to appreciate a bold choice of color when it comes to ties.

Tim O’Brien ’12 enjoys a tie given to him by his brother, not only for the iPods dotting its surface, but also for the electric blue background that, O’Brien said, “matches my pastels.”

But the ties one generally sees around campus may not be exactly what they appear to be. Math teacher Nils Ahbel, known for his signature quirky bowties, replied when asked about his preference for bowties, “What I’m wearing, in fact, is a regular tie. What most people wear are called four-in-hand ties, so I would ask the question, ‘Why do people wear four-in-hand ties?’” Mr. Ahbel himself wears ties corresponding to events, such as his tie with a donkey and elephant on either side of a seesaw, which he wears “on days when there’s a really important political decision.”

Some consider ties a much more serious art form. Chuck Jones ’12 spoke of his favorite tie, “a Dominico Vaca, seven fold, beautiful red with horizontal silver stripes, my most powerful power tie.”

Then again, some choose to forgo ties altogether. Julian Gonzalez ’11 said, “I don’t like ties. A tie reminds me of a noose.”

Sarah Woolf ’11 commented, “I’m glad I don’t have to wear a tie. My neck relishes its air.”