Here’s a little bit of trivia for you to impress the guests at the wedding – the word “cravat” is derived from the French word la croate meaning Croat. Apparently back in the 1850’s some Croatian mercenary soldiers did a decent job as part of the war effort against the Ottoman Empire and on their victory visit to Paris were seen sporting some rather fetching handkerchiefs fashioned out of silk around their necks. No stranger to fashion, French lothario Louis XIV, took a shine to them and they caught on. The Croats it seems are pretty pleased with this achievement, claiming they gave the world what is now the common tie. So much so that they actually have a national day to celebrate it as an element of national heritage! No kidding! If you are ever in Croatia on October 18 then you too can join in the celebrations of their gift to the world!
Any way, if you want some advice on tying a cravat then follow the helpful gent’s advice below. Oh, and if you want to know what the picture is below that – an image of the installation “A Cravat Around the Arena” on October 18, 2003 – we did tell you they were very proud!
“A Cravat Around the Arena” taken on October 18, 2003. in Croatia These boys sure are proud of their ties!
