Category Archives: tie

How many Pink items are in your wardrobe?

Pink is one of those colours, some people will never wear, whilst others make them a regular in their daily get up. There is something alluring about pink. I’m no psychologist, but apparently, psychologically, it is known to have a calming effect (note to self – where pink in my next bull fight). Or perhaps it’s because pink is complimentary to most skin tones, unless you already have a lot of pink tone in your skin. Some suggest a man who wears pink exudes confidence, yet is sensitive. Pink is easy to coordinate with almost every color in your wardrobe… it goes really well with greys, tans, black, navys and other blues tones. Finally, if you’re still not convinced how great pink is, women love pink and are more likely to give you a second glance! So give pink a try if you haven’t already. Here are a few options that you can incorporate into your wardrobe and ensure you grab second glances from passers by!

Knits and Jumpers
I remember being at a party and sitting back at one stage people watching. There was this guy in a pink jumper and all the girls seemed to gravitate towards him. Perhaps I wasn’t people watching by choice… perhaps they just didn’t like my plain black boring jumper! I must say my girlfriend at the time thought he looked pretty hot too. I don’t recall her buying me a pink jumper though, but it does demonstrate how something as classic and simple as a pink jumper can be a show stopper.

Dress Shirts
Pink shirts are no doubt the easiest ways to introduce pink to your wardrobe. They are easily worn with suits, causal jackets, under knits or vests or on their own with trousers or jeans. I will say that I regularly see a guy at my local coffee shop who often wears pink shirts. He gets many compliments from the friendly staff whenever he does because it breathes new life into his suits and makes him look more distinguished. It’s a winning look that you can wear as more of a feature than one of your every day colours. I wouldn’t wear pink to meeting with a bunch of power hungry conservative guys too often. Pick your audience and wear what is appropriate.

Suits and Trousers
I’m not sure about pink trousers or jackets. I prefer it as more of a feature than the base colour in your ensemble. If you can pull of a pink suit, Spring and summer are probably the only time to conquer this challenge. I know you may be having a hard time visualising this, but when I say suits and trousers I mean light fabrics such as cotton or linen. Perhaps a summer party or wedding is the ideal event for you to try it. Expect some comments though! If you want to start conservatively, wear a pink necktie (checkout out mens ties range) and cufflinks. See how you go with that!

Accessories and T-shirts
If you can’t commit to a more substantial item in pink, start small. Ties, t-shirts, cufflinks, hats or a scarf with pink stripes would be the way to go. Tie and cufflinks are a great way to introduce pink to your suit. We have about 4 ties with a base or splash of pink in them. Check them out here. We also perfectly pantone match our tie colours to our cufflinks and you can see at least 8 pairs of cufflinks that contain an element of pink.

Pink Tie

Pink and Blue mens necktie

We hope this gives you a slight indication of when and how you can add pink to your daily dress code to spruce it up a little. How little or how much pink is up to you!

Ties That Bring A Modern Twist for 2012.

Men’s fashion is a lot different than women’s.  Trends do exist, but the classic foundations usually remain.  While women’s fashion starts to experiment on different cuts for their dresses, men’s (dress up) fashion often sticks with classical suits and accessories.  The cut and the design of the suits changes slightly and accessories change with the seasons.  If you are thinking of giving unique gifts for him for 2012, go with accessories that compliment his classic suit.  Good men’s ties are excellent gifts as they bring a whole new flavour to that all elegant suit.

Men will always get it right in (from a fashion perspective) by going classic.  There’s a reason why the men’s elegant suit, complete with matching accessories commands authority and class time and time again. There is no doubt that a classic look wouldn’t be complete and elegant without a proper men’s tie.  And men can always play around with accessories such as mixing and matching the ties they wear to give it a modern twist.  Below are some men’s ties we recommend for the season.  They are 100% silk and they are set to give a modern twist to that classic suit.

The Sydney Summer Slim Tie

This colourful tie exudes class, combined with modernism and playfulness.  It looks like an elegant tie, but the colors somehow give away a retro appeal.  This tie would be a fantastic compliment to his white, light green, blue, or light pink shirt and is a must have for this season.  Bookmark this item if you are looking for great gift ideas for him.

The Navy Blossom Tie

This tie provides another great example of bringing playfulness and modernism into that classic suit.  The silk construction of the tie enables it to be highly compatible with plain blue or white shirts.  The embroideries on the other hand give a beachcomber appeal as it would generally resemble a Hawaiian polo worn while sipping drinks at the beach.  This lovely tie talks a lot about striking a balance between elegance and modernism and is an ideal candidate for favourite guys gifts.

The Skinny Sleek Navy Tie

The elegant straight white embroidery of this silk tie provides the fine line between good and great.  As a plain blue tie, it completes the elegant suit.  But by adding the thin white stripe, it brings the appeal of a navy or sailor uniform into the equation.  Everyone loves a man in a uniform, so this tie should be a sure hit.

These wonderful gifts add a subtle touch that change a man’s wardrobe from simply good looking to elegantly stunning.  Tune in for more fantastic male gift ideas coming your way from malebox.

How to Properly Tie Mens Ties

Whether you are considering fashionable custom ties as part of your own collection or for other men in your life e.g. dads gifts, or grooms gifts… or you are just thinking of perfect gifts for men… or if you are contemplating purchasing new designer ties for yourself, it helps if you know a little background on mens ties.  Just like electronic equipment include a user manual, seldom do we see anyone offering you assistance on how to wear or tie different ties. malebox has a huge range of classy neckties and we offer you advice on how to tie them! So here are a few of the most famous, popular and classic ways to don mens ties and complete that sharp getup for your big day…. every day.

Below are different methods of tying neckties. Learning these give you variations for your look in terms of “mens ties arsenal” and enable you to look sharp for any day or mood.

a. The Four-in-Hand Knot

 

The four in hand knot, which is specifically designed for certain mens ties, was classically fashionable in Great Britain during the 1850s.  As fashion changed from stiff shirt collars to soft, turned-down collars, the four-in-hand necktie knot gained popularity.  This method also became very popular as it is the easiest to learn and do.

1.    First wrap the wider end around the narrow end from behind, and then holding it with one hand so that the knot does not slip out of place.

2.    After this, wrap the broader end over the narrow end from the front so that it loops around the whole knot, and then take the broader edge of the tie and pass it through the loop.

3.    Now pull the broader end of the tie through the front loop that you have created in the previous step. Slowly tighten the loop in order to adjust the knot in the centre of your collar.

Modern office shirts with narrow sleeves and collar work best with this kind of knot.

b. The Half Windsor Knot

This knot is a bit trickier than the others. However, constant practice and experimentation would help include this knot in your routine. This type of knot is usually used during formal occasions such as business meetings or weddings, and would be a good advice if you are getting married and sharing your tie in a set, as part of your groomsmen gifts. In case your best man and groomsmen aren’t familiar with the know, they can simply follow the instructions below…

1.    As usual, always keep the broader end of the tie on your right and narrow end on your left.

2.    After this, wrap the broader end over the narrow end and hold it with your left hand.

3.    And then bring the bigger end from left to the right by passing it under the narrow end.

4.    Now, carefully pass the bigger end through the loop that you have just created.

5.    And then run it again over the knot from right to left and pass it through the loop.

6.    While holding the knot intact, pull the big end of the tie. Then adjust the knot up to your neck by pulling the narrow end.

c. The Windsor Knot

As a variant of the half Windsor knot, this knot is also used for more formal gatherings as opposed to the usual office getup, and would be a useful advice if you are giving or using an off the shelf or custom ties for special occasions, or any other day!

1.    Start with the wide end (“W”) of your necktie on the right, extending about 12 inches below the narrow end (“N”) on the left.

2.    Cross the wide end over the narrow end.

3.    Bring the wide end up through the loop between the collar and your tie.

4.    Bring the wide end back down.

5.    Pull the wide end underneath the narrow end and to the right, back through the loop and to the right again so that the wide end is inside out.

6.    Bring the wide end across the front from right to left.

7.    After this pull the wide end up through the loop again.

8.    Bring the wide end down through the knot in front.

9.    Use both of your hands to tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.

These methods of tying mens ties are necessary elements and important knowledge for all men with any fashion sense.  Each know makes your getup versatile for any situation, work or formal gatherings. Today the central clothing accessory for males apart from his shirts and trousers that exhibits his professional image is the good old necktie.  In an environment dominated by corporate perception, prosperity is determined by how people will perceive you.  And the classic mens ties maybe the perfect equaliser for you to achieve your goals. Make sure you treat this accessory with the time it deserves to choose and tie it!

Men’s Gifts for The Race Season

The Spring Carnival Racing season is on.  If you are looking for the proper gift for him you have come to the right place to transform your man to dress up to the occasion.

Men’s fashion always go for functionality over style, comfort over aesthetics, but this season is an exception.  The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the few events where men are expected to display their true style with fantastic suits, ties, shoes and even hats.  While most of the blokes think that the race season is just a showcase for women to show their fashion prowess, they do not notice that the women are looking (and expecting ) that the men would match their dresses as well.

Skinny suits are always in for the season. As springtime and the excitement of the race brings warmth to the weather, accessories that match suits made of  lightweight wool, silk and cashmere are definitely the top choice in fabrics   Match your suit with great dark leather shoes and a belt.  If your man is the adventurous type and you are having a hard time finding gifts for him, have a try at some little changes and play with the accessories to liven up the mood. Three piece suits are the in thing this year with the classic combo raising the race wear standards at the Melbourne Cup.

Make His Outfit Stand Out In a Good Way

Trust that every fashionable male will wear a suit and a hat while on the race.  The game is won by matching his suit with the proper accessory that fits his built and personality.  The right accessories such as custom cufflinks and scarves make his style a class above the rest.  Do not let him wear a black suit.  Have him go for charcoal or navy colour instead. Lighter colours would suit younger men and would celebrate their youth.  Have him play around with different colours with his ties and handkerchiefs, but just make sure they aren’t an eye-sore for other people. Use light colours which can lift any outfit and mix it with bold colours to create an urbane and edgy men’s race wear look.

Always Remember.

Hats are definitely back in men’s fashion.  The gangster look is big and very much favoured and is completed with the loft hat.  Don’t forget to have him wear a matching pair of sunnies as well to protect his eyes and for that extra edge.  Wearing statement ties and socks are a NO NO. The key is to keep the getup professional and classy.   His belt and shoes should match ALL THE TIME, and grey shoes should be avoided for the races.  Have your man follow these tips to give him for a perfect time at the race.

Never Go Wrong in Men’s Fashion – Go Classic!

It can be very difficult for the modern man to stay abreast of the latest trends, especially if one leads a hectic lifestyle.  It can also be very time consuming to keep updated and do all the dirty work by making sure your most important fashion pieces never go out of style.  If you are tired of running around trying to keep yourself up to date with what is latest, simply don’t.  Simply go classic.  Here are some of the reasons why we believe that this is best for you.

1)       The classic look never goes out of style – Update those ties and cuffs with new ones.  Go for the ties with traditional designs such as the striped ones.   If you are the playful and adventurous type, play with tie colours and wear a blue blossom or avocado shade.   Check out our latest collection of Tie and Cuffs Combo wherein you get a matching elegant tie and cuff that would complete your classical look.

2)      The classic style exudes elegance and power – Adding a matching cufflink to that shirt, having a trendy pocket hanky ready whenever needed, whipping out that classic money clip, pulling out a stylish compendium are just some of the little things that would make your style a cut above the rest.  It’s those little things that count.  Check out our latest collections and pick these elegant items that suit you.

3)      The classic style has been tested by time to be effective – The latest trends and fads would come and go, but a classical style will always look good even if the fashion police has decided to and an era.  It would then be cost effective for you to take care of your ties, cufflinks, and watches.  We offer a huge range of elegant tie and belt boxes, watch boxes, and tie holders, built to extend the life of your accessories.

No matter where you go.  There would be a part of style that is timeless.  It is better to go with these look as you will never be left out with a proper suit and the accessories that complete it.

malebox featured in FHM with Jennifer Hawkins on cover!

malebox featured in FHM with Jennifer Hawkins on cover!

malebox featured in FHM with Jennifer Hawkins on cover

Checkout the Editors choice page and page 78….

….but seriously stop looking at the cover and check out our accessories and men’s gifts that will have you looking so good that you may attract your own Jennifer Hawkins…

Sydney Olympics 10th Anniversary celebrations – Olympic Park

Anniversary celebrations were held yesterday around Sydney, culminating at Olympic Park for the lighting of the cauldron. As we were having a “sparkling water” prior to the scheduled lighting, the Olympic flame mysteriously burst into life, forcing technicians to re-boot the gas fed mechanism, which delayed the official moment. The Olympic stars eventually made it to the podium where Freeman held her Sydney 2000 torch aloft as the flame was ignited remotely.

Premier Kristina Keneally said while the Olympics were a high point, the city’s greatest achievements were to come – hopefully hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Hopefully some refereeing decisions go our way by then!

As per usual, there were plenty of well-dressed athletes on hand to celebrate this event. As I mentioned last week at Vogue Fashion’s Night Out in Sydney – the skinny tie was in force… If you dont have one at the moment, you are definitely missing out on the hottest look in town.

The celebrations concluded with drinks on the sporting arena and dinner in the Millennium room to honour Australia’s Olympians and Paralympians.

Amongst many highlights, we were privileged to hear from John Coates and Lord Sebastian Coe, president of the London Games organising committee. The former legendary distance runner, who won Olympic gold in 1980 and 1984 over 1500 metres, said Australia and England had much in common in their attitude to sports.

Dimitri Kontopos and Lord Sebastian Coe

Dimitri Kontopos and Lord Sebastian Coe at the Sydney Olympic 10 year celebrations

“Only three countries in the history of the world in the Olympic movement have been to every winter and summer Games,” Lord Coe said. ”Of course, surprise, surprise – one is Australia and one is Great Britain.”

Amongst the crowds the malebox boys were able to catch up with a number of people including John Howard, Lord Sebastian Coe and John Konrads (Australian 1500m Freestyle Swimmer – Gold Medal 1960 Rome – wearing malebox Signature Blue Shades Tie).

John Howard and Dimitri Kontopos

John Howard and Dimitri Kontopos

Dimitri Kontopos and John Konrads

Dimitri Kontopos and John Konrads (wearing malebox designed Blue Shades Tie)

The night ended when chatting to James Tomkins (6 time Olympian) who recommended myself, Mark Bellofiore (Canoe Slalom Olympian) and Harry Kontopos wear less hair product and toughen up a little…. I guess when a triple Olympic Gold Medalist tells you to toughen up, you shouldnt bring up singing in TV commercials…. well I would have if I thought of it…

Don’t Leave Home Without It – Essential Travel Accessories For Men

Men are notoriously light when it comes to packing, so it’s no surprise they often overlook carrying handy essentials to make their trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. If you are a man guilty of under-packing, or you are the other half to a forgetful packer, then read below to discover the travel essentials that every man needs. For business or for pleasure, these must have accessories will be invaluable on any excursion. Continue reading

I’ve stained my tie. How do I clean it?

If you have just been to dinner and the drunk person next to you has splattered you with their spaghetti bolognese, dont panic – there is a chance that your tie may be saved!

The easiest solution is to ensure the stain is removed from your necktie having it dry cleaned by a specialist as soon as possible (this is not fool proof as some of their cleaning agents may not be suitable for your fabric – furthermore, a silk tie will lose its shine after dry cleaning) - preferably within 24 hours of it being stained. Silk is delicate. Cleaning and pressing a silk tie is a specialist skill and you can easily ruin your tie if you don’t know what you are doing. Some common stains are: Alcohol, Grease, Coffee or Ink stains from a pen. Here are some steps if you want to attend to the stain yourself. Continue reading