Only a handful of menswear retailers sell ancient madder ties, and almost all of them are sourced from the same place—Robert Keyte, one of the world’s only manufacturers still practicing this technique. For this drop, Robert Keyte has sent us 16 ties made from deadstock fabrics no longer in production. Part of what makes these ties unique is that no two are alike, as the dying methods are extremely difficult to replicate from one batch to another. Made in the United Kingdom, each tie features a three-fold, untipped construction with hand-rolled edges and a light lining.
Note: At checkout, you’ll have your choice of six styles: Blue Paisley, Burgundy Diamonds, Green Diamonds, Green Mini Paisley, Green Oversized Print, or Red Oversized Paisley. This drop is for pre-order. You’ll be notified when the ties become available.
Beginning around 3,000 BCE, the roots of the madder plant were used as a dyeing agent for fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton. Much later, in the 19th century, a synthesized version of madder became a popular dye for a specific style of silk necktie, usually adorned with paisleys. The silk first had to be boiled before being dyed, then bathed in a gum-based solution. The result: deep but dusty hues, a chalky hand, and a bit of heft. Today, “ancient madder” refers not to the dye itself but to the silk, with its distinctive look and feel, that has undergone this treatment.
Estimated ship date is Jan 23, 2017 PT.
Payment will be collected at checkout. After this product run ends, orders will be submitted to the vendor up front, making all orders final.