It's a tie

If clothes make the man, then the tie certainly plays its part in completing the picture. And the Neapolitan Marinella family has built a profitable business adorning the necks of the rich and famous for the past 90 years.

A new book will present the history of the Marinella tie, with proceeds from sales going to charity. Powerbroker clients include the late John F Kennedy, Mikhail Gorbachev, both George Bush's, Bill Clinton, Francois Mitterand and Jacques Chirac. The late Ari Onassis and members of the Agnelli family were also clients.

Eugenio Marinella founded the company in 1914 and built it into a true Neapolitan institution. The Marinella tie represents timelessness, as well it should at £65 a piece.
Maurizio Marinella, Eugenio's grandson, attributes the company's success and popularity to the fact that there is only one Marinella tie shop, in Naples. All clients travel to Naples to stock up, because the ties are not available on internet or by post. Maurizio does not need to advertise, as word of mouth is the only means necessary to reach new clients. He recently acquired a space at the Georges V hotel in Paris where he sells fifty ties a month, and he also has a showroom in Milan, but he is not planning to expand the business any further.

The shop opens at 6.30 am daily, in order to allow clients to purchase their ties before the commencement of a hectic work day. There is a staff of 13 on hand to provide assistance, and the emphasis is on cheerful, optimistic service, according to Maurizio.

The book will consist of black and white photographs of the knots of fifty ties, taken by Fredy Marcarini. Maurizio explained that the knot of a tie can tell a great deal about the character and mood of the wearer.

9 November 2004

Boy Scout Classic

In the midst of a renewal of interest in men's fashion, which has seen expensive separates flying out of stores, one key item has not been cleared for takeoff: the necktie, sales of which are flat as tarmac.

But stylish men are like nature: they abhor a vacuum. Out on the streets - if not at the office - neckerchiefs are winning converts for their brand of bohemian elegance.

If the neckerchief is a Far East story for some, for others it is the Wild West. At Gucci, where the Western look is the big thing for spring, GBP100 silk neckerchiefs in bandanna prints are selling out. For non-Gucci cowboys, it is worth noting that a plain 20-inch-square cotton bandanna, sold by second-hand stores such as Salvation Army, will cost you about 95 percent less, at GBP5.

Whether silk or cotton, they tie the same. Lay it flat, fold it diagonally, roll it tightly and, slipping it around your neck, tie that Boy Scout classic, a square knot.

21 May 2004

Tie Rack To Extend Range

Tie Rack is to substantially increase its range of goods, adding leather accessories, hats, chunky knit scarves and jewellery, to appeal to women as well as men.

20 UK stores will receive a makeover in the next 12 months as Italian owner Frangi, which bought the business four years ago, aims to expand the niche retailer's appeal.

1 October 2003