June 2018 - Claudia Charette

Published on: June 29, 2018

Under the Microscope

In my collection I have a few Molecular Expression ties. My favorite which is staying in my personal collection, is the Amber Beer, pictured here.

Molecular Expressions - Amber Beer

Rum & Coke

Interestingly, I have a Cocktail Collection label for Wine which isn't Molecular Expressions but looks like a Jerry Garcia label. It turns out that the company Molecular Expressions is based on artwork of Garcia and Miles Davis but it's their "Molecular Expressions" ties which have solidified their reputation for revolutionizing men's fashion.

For a fascinating article about this company and their ties, go to https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/products/stonehenge/history.html

Published on: June 26, 2018

How MUCH did that cost?

I am sometimes amazed at the price of ties. If it was made in Italy, it probably was expensive. A Gucci can sell for $200. Here is one from JZ Gallery Collection made with silk and cotton. It doesn't look like much but the price tag is still attached - $115! I'm not sure what the Italian Mogador represents. As far as I can tell, Mogador is the former name (until 1956) of Essaouira in Morroco.

Published on: June 1, 2018

Vintage Givenchy

During my weekend wanderings, I found a suitcase full of vintage ties at a yard sale. These had been in an attic for about 20 years. One of them is a vintage french Givenchy. The fabric tag says "Imported Fabric 100% Polyester". Image that, imported from the good ole U.S.A.

I Googled vintage Givenchy and found some very similar ties available as collectibles. Some of us remember when polyester was first created. It was a miracle fabric. Washable, no wrinkles. Woo hoo! Today natural fibers are in big demand. Wonder what the next 20 years will bring. Here's a picture of the Givenchy tie made into an Obi style sash.