The knot

[alden]

Repost from LL Yahoo site:

Dear Andrew,

"Zen and the Art of Knotting the Necktie" is a PhD level course, but
here is an excerpt. The elegant necktie looks as if it tied itself.
It looks like a palm branch that found its place thanks to a gentle
tropical breeze.

The effect of the necktie jutting out from the collar that you
describe is too forced and contrived to be considered elegant. To
achieve this look you will require a necktie made with thick silk or
double lining. You will then have to cinch the knot tightly to
achieve the desired jutting out look.

One can learn a great deal from the language employed. The mere use
of the words "cinch" , "tightly", or "jutting out" should warn you
of an act of the will. All demonstrations of will, wanting, trying
have no place in the lexicon of elegance. These words utter forth
from the mouth of Elegance's great nemesis, Affectation.

The necktie and its knot are, when all is said and done, the most
salient communicators of elegance. Well dressed men recognize
themselves more by the grace of a knot then they do by the cut of a
coat. When you are able to direct the cutting of all the masterworks
of tailoring with ease. When you can combine patterns and fabrics as
if it were second nature to you. Only then, having acquired these
fundamental skills, can you begin to understand the importance of
the knot. And only once you have understood the importance of the
knot, can you understand the imperative for bespoke neckties.

In the knot, we can read the personality, character, intelligence
and wit of the wearer. It tells us what he thinks about himself.
Everything is revealed in this brilliant detail of dressing. Show
me how you knot your necktie, and I will tell you who you are!

Study the necktie knots of your friends or co-workers. Do you not
recognize them in their knots? I am quite sure you do. Now look in
the mirror, do you recognize yourself?

[MTM]

As always, I love the poetry.
Is the old site accessible to the public?
m

[alden]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thelondonlounge/

[MTM]

Thank you!