The ties that bind

As a more classic approach to menswear enjoys a revival, it's clear that reports of the death of the tie have been greatly exaggerated

- Written by Rosie Macdonald

THE TIE is to a suit what braces are to trews: a timeless item of clothing giving one the opportunity to add some colour and character when dressing. Yet there has been a rebellion in the ranks. Men of a certain age are no longer wearing ties, with some even declaring the tie is dead. However, the mantle has been taken up and reversed by the younger generation hailing 'long live the tie'.

This is confirmed by Ollie Severn of William Powell Sporting. “The majority of our clients are of the older generation and they shoot a lot, probably 30-plus days a year. They tend not to wear a tie,” he reveals. “Whereas for those whose day’s shooting represents a very special occasion, mostly a younger crowd, a tie seems to be actively and enthusiastically embraced.”

Severn explains William Powell's ethos: “As a letting agency we are keen everyone has a good time; therefore if some guns prefer not to wear a tie, we don’t mind. We don’t enforce it or encourage it — it’s totally the clients' choice. However, I always wear a tie and there isn't a day when any of us at William Powell is without one,” he adds. “I carry a spare in the car for emergencies. I haven't had to lend it to a gun yet, though you do see the minority getting stick from other guns in terms of whether they are or are not wearing one.”