Black Tie

image: Hermes

We attended a Black Tie even recently and I went back and forth over what to wear. The tuxedo is a classic satin notch lapel with flat front pants with satin stripes on the sides. I am also wearing a white, spread collar, pique bib front, french cuff shirt from Paul Smith. I had three options for the tie: a black satin bow tie, a Paul Smith navy blue tie with a small pattern, or what I finally chose, the Hermes "life in a pocket" tie. This silk and lurex midnight blue tie has a special pocket in the lining for a condom and a portion of the proceeds goes to Sidaction to support advances in AIDS research. I felt the tuxedo looked younger and more contemporary with a "regular" tie, but the sparkling fabric and the deep midnight blue color made it appropriate for formal wear. The image from the Hermes website shows the tie in purple.

Available here: Hermes.com