Like no other fashion accessory, the silk tie has crossed continents and cultures and sustained countless fashion cycles to become the epitome of male self expression. It forms the backbone of the modern day silk route as more than 100,000,000 ties are sold in the USA per annum, alone. In fact it remains the single most popular Father's day gift. How many hang darkly in closets never to see the light of day. Choose wisely; avoid flashing trends, like novelties, they wear off.



Aside from being stylish decoration, it defines class, culture, school and regiment, wear as you like, you will be judged. All the colours are well archived and can be woven to order at silk weavers scattered remotely across the English country side, but you must prove your regimental identity, otherwise take a hike.

Class or no class you can own distinction, the end result is the same, self expression. In England it's worn tight lipped, in America, loudly.

And then there is the rag trade language describing all the component parts; the blade, gusset, under end, tipping, bar tack, inter-lining, fully lined, self loop, machine made or handmade.

There're enough words there to write a song for the listener to interpret, the lesser the tie, more of the make, it's about quality. If you're in anyway associated with the trade and industry, you must learn the lingo or you loose out to questions with no answers, and your customers won't like that.

It would be easy enough to waffle on about historic events of these little fashion accessories, because history has a habit of repeating itself. And since the introduction of the net, it is repeated on millions of pages and easily accessible. To do it again for the umpteenth dozen time is nonsensical, we'd rather flap about what's on the boil now. And it's hot.

If you like three minute eggs, then we'll make it quick. So many brands have said all that can be said, but there is only one that reins true, Vivienne Westwood. Her full range of accessories for men, each piece holds value in quality and the artistic prowess of a gifted designer.

Naturally we sing Vivienne's praise, after all we are one of the few online shops authorised to sell her collections.

For those more conservative, but less inclined to sift through racks upon racks of generic assortments, then have a look at silk ties by Patrick McMurray for a change. There are not many, which make choosing easier.

Now to conclude in complete contradiction of what we said about history: Here is an anecdote about another very popular accessory; the cufflink. ---- Keep in mind the cufflinks themselves pre-dates the shirt.

In fact, according to the National Cufflink Society, there is evidence of cuff fasteners in ancient hieroglyphics and even in King Tut's crypt. The introduction of the French cuff in the mid 1600's moved the cufflink from the realm of practicality to personal adornment, as royalty commonly wore these decorated cuff fasteners.

In the late 1700's, new link styles appeared and were soon adopted by the middle class and tradesmen. By the 1840's cufflinks were usually found in the form of gold, silver, or pearl buttons held together by metal, often brass chain.

At Patrick McMurray, we know the makings of the goods we feature; each piece is history in the making.

We are furthering the silk tie proliferation, by featuring, uniquely, Vivienne Westwood, Timothy Everest, Simon Carter, Victoria Richards, Ian Flaherty, Shane McCoubrey, Michelsons, Cressida Bell, Veritas, London Badge and Button, Patrick McMurray and Louis Feraud.