This article is taken from the September & October 2020 dual issue of Fraternal Review titled, “The Masonic Style”.
THE NECK TIE
There are different opinions regarding the origin of the necktie. One of the earliest predecessors, the “Trajanuscollony” in Rome—from about 200 years after the time of Christ—is usually men-tioned. It depicts a Roman legionnaire bearing a cloth around his neck. It was probably used as protection against the cold and as a handkerchief.
Modern necktie history has its origin in France. It is not a French invention but something that the Croatian soldiers used during the Thirty Years War. The word “cravatte,” the necktie’s precursor, originates from the French “la Croate,” meaning “Croat.” It refers to the decorative cloths the Croatian Vallerists had tied around their necks during the war. This made them easy to identify.
Silk neckties were strictly reserved for officers, while the soldiers were satisfied with neckties of simpler materials.
THE ASCOT
The ascot tie is a forefather of the modern necktie. It is a type of tie that looks like a cross between a modern necktie and a silk scarf. Unlike a modern necktie, both ends of the tie have the same width. The tie is also tied much looser than a modern necktie, and the knot is typically secured with a decorative pin. To learn to tie this type of knot please visit our guide on How to Tie an Ascot.
The ascot originated during the latter part of the 19th century in Britain. It is named after the exclusive horserace “The Royal Ascot”— an event at which men were required to wear this type of tie in combination with a tailcoat jacket (also known as a morning coat). Today, ascots are rarely worn but still spotted at very formal events and formal weddings.
THE BOW TIE
In October of 1886, Pierre Lorillard designed a new style of formal wear, and wore it to a formal ball held at the Tuxedo club. Named after his family’s estate in Tuxedo Park (an area just outside of New York City), Lorillard’s tuxedo became an instant hit among other wealthy fashion enthusiasts.
The tuxedo and black bow tie look, which became known as “black tie” attire, quickly outmoded the antiquated tailcoat and white bow tie as the primary formal outfit for men, a fashion change that has yet to be overturned to this day.
THE BOLO TIE
The Bolo is a completely unique type of neckwear that is mostly associated with Western/Cowboy wear. The bolo is typically found in Texas or Arizona. It is made of braided pieces of leather that are fastened around the neck with a decorative clasp.
The bolo tie has its roots in the mid-19th century in Arizona. It was invented by silversmith Victor Cedarstaff in the early 1940s. According to the story Mr. Cedarstaff was riding his horse. He got frustrated that the wind kept blowing off his cowboy hat, and, worried that he may lose the expensive silver band which decorated his hat, he decided to take it off and wear it around his neck.
He liked the look, and started making a type of necklace that, shortly after, became known as the “bolo tie.”
THE BOOTS
Artisan leatherman, Bro. Pascal Davayat, makes his living crafting custom-made leather goods; from high-quality wallets, to boots for wrestlers and rock stars. Most recently he created leather chaps for our California Grand Master, Most Worshipful John A. Trauner.
When Bro. Davayat was appointed by his mother lodge, South Pasadena No. 290, to be their Marshal, he made himself a pair of leather cowboy boots, with a classy Masonic touch. When asked what inspired him to make such unique boots, he said, “I wanted to be reminded of the value of Masonic symbolism, with every step I took; and I was not going to wear a tuxedo with boots that didn’t match.”
THE PEN
Your penmanship will never feel better than with the artisan pens Bro. Michael Laidlaw makes out of his garage. These fine quality hand-made pens are made from solid wood or colorful mixed acrylic stock.
Something that started out as a therapeutic hobby has now become a labor of love for Bro. Laidlaw who takes pride in his penmanship skills. “I do it because I enjoy the meditative process and the fact that I’m creating something that will be used to communicate intimately with someone else.”
Written by K.L. “Kast” Burgess II, Isaac Taylor, Ed Segna, and Geno Nadirov