V&A

Black Silk Butterfly Bow Tie

1950s · English

Production

ready-to-wear

Material

silk

Culture

English

Movement

New Look / Post-War

A classic black silk bow tie featuring the traditional butterfly shape with pointed ends and a curved waist. The tie consists of two identical bow pieces connected by an adjustable neck band with what appears to be a hook or clasp closure mechanism. The silk fabric has a smooth, lustrous finish typical of formal evening wear accessories. The bow portions show the characteristic pre-shaped construction that allows the wearer to tie the bow manually, creating the proper formal silhouette. The proportions and styling reflect mid-20th century menswear standards for black-tie formal occasions.

tie

Connected To

Black Silk Butterfly Bow Tie

67%

Grey Synthetic Fiber Formal Tail Coat

Worn with·formal shirtWorn with·formal trousersFunction·formal-evening

SHAREDcross-culture · cross-category

The sinuous curves of that 1950s bow tie and the razor-sharp tailoring of the '90s tailcoat represent two poles of formal menswear's eternal tension between softness and structure. Where the silk tie flows like liquid ribbon, designed to be knotted into organic curves that complement the human neck, the synthetic tailcoat cuts an unforgiving silhouette with its peaked lapels and geometric lines—a product of the decade that gave us shoulder pads and power dressing.

Text57%

Image64%

V&A

1950s