I'm not certain whether my University chose magenta and navy as its colors before or after Britain's Brigade of Guards chose the same combination, but I know I've always been of two minds over whether I should stir the pot by wearing my old school tie. That indecision arose again when I received a University of Pennsylvania bowtie from England's Smart Turnout, which makes school ties and other products under license from the members of the Ivy League as well as Purdue and Vanderbilt.
I certainly don't blame Smart Turnout for my uncertainty and without a doubt some duplication simplifies a certain amount of logistics for them. After all, in addition to those American universities the company offers a range of products in the colors of various British schools and a variety of military units from both countries. That means it stocks a staggering array of cufflinks, watch bands, scarves and boxer shorts in various official colors. And that doesn't take into account the cast iron doorstops either.
Now, regular readers of ASW know that I am a snob when it comes to clothing. Most days, the only items I'm wearing that weren't made for me are my socks and underwear. Nonetheless, I'm taken with the idea of cricket sweaters, braces and socks in my old school colors, and the quality of the items seems perfectly acceptable.
If only I could reconcile this color conflict with the Household Division.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Sources: Smart Turnout
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4 comments:
It seems to me that the color shown (and represented in Penn's logos and athletic uniforms) is much more maroon than magenta, which is certainly much more pink.
"Most days, the only items I'm wearing that weren't made for me are my socks and underwear." Well? ;-)
Nice tie!
I too think of magenta as more of a purplish-pink as recalled from the Cafe Magenta in Paris where I enjoyed a Pernod.
I first saw bow-ties like this at a store in Toronto and was a little afraid of how much of a bold punch they can bring to an outfit. However, after reading this post and checking out that site, I think I will buy that bow-tie I saw! Thank you Will!
Any suggestions as to how one would go about picking a shirt to go with a tie with these bold stripes?
That tie is actually very conservative paired with a gray or navy suit. It will complement white and light blue shirtings, as well as blue on white stripes.
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