With bow-ties continuing to make a mark on the world of mens fashion, it seems harder nowadays for designers to reinvent the traditional accessory and make it hip, young and chic for a new generation of male fashionistas. However, through the hustle and bustle of hipsters in Shoreditch one sunday, I spotted a series of beautiful hand crafted bow-ties by young designer Rory Hutton. With a-la-mode designs, the future seems bright for this young designer. Originally from Ireland, 24-year-old Hutton studied at Limerick School of Art and Design in Ireland, graduating with first class honors in fashion design. Here is an exclusive interview with the young designer himself.
How long have you been working in fashion?
I first came to London in 2008 as an intern. This was a compulsory part of the course. I interned at Hardy Amies and then later at Vivienne Westwood. These were my first real experiences of the fashion world.
Where did your love for bow ties come from?
I can remember having several bow ties when I was a small child, I was my mothers doll and she loved to dress me up. They all had elastic string, which would go over your head. The one that stands out most in my memory is royal blue, which remains one of my favourite colours. I guess I never grew out of them!
Why do you think bow ties are such important accessories for a modern man?
I’ve always enjoyed wearing bow ties I think they are one of the most fun and individual accessories available to men. They allow for self-expression but are still an essentially masculine thing, it gives a man the opportunity to stand out without being ridiculous!
What are some of your top picks from your own collection?
This is one of the first bow ties I made. My business is barely three months old so I’m not really reminiscing! The collection is inspired by my childhood memories of lazy summers spent in the Irish countryside. I like the traditional British feel of the checked linen and I think the red owls give it an unexpected modern twist.
The next bow I will pick is from the same collection. This is made from silk. Purple is another of my favourite colours as I am most drawn to jewel colours. In all the bows in this range I was trying to create small narratives and I think this is one of the most successful.
Who are some designers that you look up to?
I appreciate designers who are also skilled craftspeople. Working in Savile Row has made me obsessed with how clothes are made. I think there is nothing more beautiful than a simple well fitting suit. It can completely transform the wearer and nowhere does that more brilliantly than the old tailoring shops on Savile Row. I also adore Vivienne Westwood. Her designs have so much personality, she embraces such a wide variety of inspiration and the finished product is always just as powerful as its source.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a vehicle through which I can express myself as an artist. It is putting something beautiful and inspirational into the world, which hopefully will excite other people and they will wear it and feel good about themselves. It may be a cheesy cliché but fashion is about dreams, and for a designer there is no greater feeling than making someone else’s dreams a reality!
For more of his work visit his official website:
https://twitter.com/roryhuttonldn
