It's surprisingly hard to find some of the most basic necktie patterns. Perhaps they're hard to find because they don't sell, but I've been a happier man since Drakes opened its online store.
Founded in 1977, Drakes is England's largest independent producer of handmade neckties. Their store, which I have delayed writing about in the unfulfilled hope that they might one day stop collecting VAT on shipments to the United States, has a selection of 14 classic neckties, most of which are offered in several colorways.
Now these are not the bold Drake's neckties that you may have seen at retailers like Ben Silver. They are conservative 9 cm (3 1/2") wide beauties with the rounded "I took forty minutes to make by hand" look that helps justify their £75 (about $150 including VAT) price. Intended to complement morning coats and navy or dark gray lounge suits, the selections include a black and white Prince of Wales check, mini-checks and Churchill dots in six colorways and a couple of silk knits with hard-to-find white spots.
Other than the aforementioned VAT irritation, which amounts to a $30 overcharge for each necktie, the site functions flawlessly. Orders have shipped next day and arrived in the United States in about a week.
Unfortunately, they charge value-added tax to customers outside the EU. Did I mention that?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sources: Drake's
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7 comments:
I might add, Drakes also offers a bespoke service, which for me has yielded excellent results (I prefer my ties slightly shorter and 8.5 cm wide, as I am only 5'8" and like to tie a four-in-hand). Not cheap though. I also hope they change their approach regarding the VAT.
Thanks, Will. Do you know how wide their silk knits are? I know they're usually a bit thinner, but the Drake's site just has obscure references to various Michael Cane flicks rather than any helpful information. Wait, that's a lie: I watched the Ipcress File because of Drake's site. That was helpful. But the transfer was so poor that I couldn't tell whether Michael Cane was really wearing a knit tie. That was not helpful.
Barneys NY sells Drake ties and they charge around $105/tie. I have bought several on sale over the past years for as little as $45.00. I like the ties and they make a very nice knot. I would go to their website but the VAT is too much.
Isn't there some way to get the VAT back? I remember having to sign something for a restorer who was working on a very old MG of mine for parts he had to go to the source for and was charged VAT. I think I got $200 back...
Thanks Will. Drakes are indeed an exceptional neckwear company. The online store does offer bespoke services, but they are not accepting new clients by walk-in or appointment. This requires verification as business models constantly change, however.
Nices ties, especially the very first one.
My ties used to be 9cm wide but my new ones are just 8cm. I am quite thin and I believe I look nicer with the 8 ones
Is there a good source for Drake's products in the Washington, DC area?
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