This and That About Neckties

Some of the most popular and sought after neckties among collectors today are ties designed by the famous Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali in the 1940’s and 1950’s, when, in response to street artists making a living painting men’s ties just after World War II, tie manufacturers decided to jump on the bandwagon, and hired the likes of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso to create wonderful designs they could then mass market to the public.

This vintage tie is part of my personal collection.  It does not have a name printed on the underside.  I call it “Dancing Ballerinas”.  I love the subject matter, which is more feminine than many of the other Dali neckties. Some of the proposed images were disturbing enough to warrant  Dali and his assistants to revise the designs to appeal to a broader base of customers.

Notice the artist signature printed near the tip, which is the location of practically every other authentic Dali necktie.  It is not a wide tie and the design is benign, leading me to believe this tie was produced in the early 50’s.   Knowledgeable collectors believe there to be between 42 and 45 designs, with three to four color versions of each design. The discrepancy may be due to the possibility that not all known designs have surfaced at auctions and private sales. Here is a link to images of other ties from the KNOT website.  There is a Salvador Dali museum in Florida, and I plan to contact them for more information.

This neckwear bears two tags; one is the manufacturer label and the other is a retail label.  This particular tie is a Carholm Cravat made using spring back construction.  It was sold by the Derge Bodenhausen Clothing Company of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

I love this tie! I love the theme.  I love the choice of colors.  I wouldn’t change a thing.