Mad Men ties
04/16/2021 15:31:38
RECIPE FOR A CINABRE COLLECTION
How does a collection come about? What are the various ingredients needed? When exploring how our latest collection inspired by the Mad Men series came to be, I realized that our creative process at Cinabre often depends on three recurring elements:
1 Good conversation…
For good ideas to become viable, you have to bounce them around with and off of others. We at Cinabre are fortunate to have such knowledgeable connoisseurs and conversationalists among our clientele, who like to talk as much as I do (and, I make the most of it)!
One of the greatest pleasures in my job is talking to people, whether it be a New York architect, a British car collector, or a costume designer for French cinema. As a matter of fact, it was during a conversation with a Parisian journalist - a very loyal customer - that the idea for our first “single-stripe” tailor-made tie was hatched.
+ 1 Direct line to the US……
Curiosity is key in creativity, and mine regularly takes me across the Atlantic. What could be more classic than a striped tie? While doing some research, I found that Americans also found them a bit boring in the long run.
As early as the 1920s and especially in the 60s, they tweaked the so-called British “regimental” or “club” ties (where stripe color and combination signaled membership to a particular English regiment or club) and opted for inverted stripes, fewer stripes, and even bolder stripes. The Mad Men series features some wonderful pieces from this era.
+ French know-how…
Anyone can have a good idea, but it's the quality of workmanship that makes the difference. Thanks to the talented creatives in our workshops, I was able to envision two types of fabrication for this new collection: a “single-stripe” woven into the weft of the fabric and a more couture version with hand-made fabric pieces hand-sewn into the tie.
= our new tie collection
What do our latest pieces have in common? A modern take on a classic with two stripes nestled close-together imparting a “single-stripe” effect from a distance.
SINGLE-STRIPE WOVEN COLLECTION:
For the woven collection, I chose a Repp silk from the silk twill family, which has more texture and a matte finish, 5 different colors, and a navy blue background.
SINGLE-STRIPE PIECED-WORK COLLECTION
The three single-stripe pieced-work ties are exceptional, and made from a cotton-cashmere fabric blend, which is very soft to the touch with a deep rich color. Sky blue and sand are perfect for a summer outfit. Terracotta works well year-round.
The stripe pieces for each tie are made by hand from silk twill in our Loir et Cher workshop. The contrasting textures are striking, and something to behold.
MAD MEN DÉCOR VIBES YOU NEED
You’ve not been telecommuting from your home office this past pandemic year just so you can display your new tie between a ping pong table and a candy machine – That’s sooooo Spring 2015, dahling! We’re giving you some Mad Men inspiration - a time when offices were spacious, stylish and snazzy - so you can spot the kind of open space that will (eventually) entice you off your sofa.
Paris : UNESCO Headquarters
Back to 1958 - why go ? For the conference room and works of art by Picasso, Miro and Calder, among others, as well as the premises’ outstanding architectural qualities.
Don't forget to adorn your next UNESCO address with your single-stripe tie!
Copenhaguen : l'Radisson Royal Hotel
Back to 1961 - why go? For the furniture and architectural details by renowned Danish designer and architect, Arne Jacobsen. It’s the “true home of Danish modernism”.
One of the rare times we actually enjoy going to a hotel meeting room.
Los Angeles : Neutra VDL House II
Back to 1964 - why go? Not only is it a stunning National Historic Landmark, but it was also the office of legendary husband-and-wife design duo, Charles and Ray Eames.
