MILAN — Neckties are back in fashion. The once-ubiquitous men’s accessory of yesteryear has found new legions of fans among stylish youngsters and luxury brands in recent seasons.
The British specialty brand Holliday & Brown, owned by the Italian silk specialist Mantero Group since 2002, is marking its 100th anniversary this year and has released a celebratory capsule collection inspired by the brand’s archives.
Reissuing designs from the late ‘70s infused with a free-hand sensibility and flamboyant aesthetics, the capsule spans the breadth of Holliday & Brown’s historical collections offering geometric and regimental patterns, micro motifs, as well as more inventive and colorful styles.
It includes ties as well as square pockets and bandanas, in addition to silk and wool scarves, foulards and bandeaus, for men and women alike.
“Today, menswear is shaped by two coexisting sensibilities: a return to classic style, elegance and tailoring, alongside a desire to experiment with accessories that make a look more personal and contemporary,” said Matteo Saldarini, Mantero’s sales director and Holliday & Brown’s general manager.
“Ties, bandanas and small scarves are at the heart of this trend, which is also reflected in womenswear, where neckwear is clearly making a comeback. Holliday & Brown brings these two sensibilities together, creating a distinctive offering that combines tradition and creativity. The brand’s pop, creative spirit is complemented by its quintessentially British DNA — an authentic heritage that continues to evolve without losing its identity,” he said.
Established in London’s Mayfair in 1919 by Aubrey Brown, of the namesake British family of menswear retailers, who first set up a tie shop inside Burlington Arcade, Holliday & Brown was formed when he linked with Mr. Holliday in 1926. Through three generations of the Brown family, the brand cemented its status and moved to Savile Row in the 1990s. A year after Mantero acquired the storied brand, it kicked off a collaboration with Prada, which has often drawn from the Holliday & Brown’s archive for its signature prints.
The centenary — and the current tie craze — has also injected confidence in the brand’s business prospects.
“In recent seasons, Holliday & Brown has increasingly established itself as a leading name in ties and textile accessories. In Japan and across Asia, as well as in Italy, it has become a go-to brand for those seeking quality and character in everyday style. We now want to expand the brand’s presence into new geographic markets. The centenary is an opportunity to tell our story, build new relationships and give further momentum to our growth,” Saldarini explained.
The anniversary capsule is flanked by a dedicated campaign shot by photographer and director Leandro Emede and fronted by Mantero and Holliday & Brown employees.