28th August Bow Tie Day

Bow Tie Day occurs on August 28th - a symbol of class, elegance, and social status. However, it hasn't always been like that. Its origins come from Croatian mercenaries who wore a scarf to hold their shirt together around their neck in the 17th century. Interestingly, the style was adopted by the French upper class, which they called "Cravats" - derived from the word "Croat". The fashion trend was popularised in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This is a very fitting end to Book Week for me as this is the week I wore a bow tie. In keeping with the theme Symphony of Stories  I wore a bow tie as I was dressed up as the conductor of the symphony.

My costume was also inspired by this beautiful book,  The Conductor by Laetitia Devernay. It  is a wordless picture book which tells the tale of a conductor orchestrating the leaves of the trees to come alive and leave their branches.

‘Pairing two seemingly disparate elements an orchestra conductor and a grove of trees award-winning artist Laetitia Devernay herself orchestrates a visual magnum opus. Her spare, yet intricate, illustrations truly appear to take flight before our eyes and her wordless narrative nearly roars with sound as the conductor prompts the leaves to rustle, then whirl, then swirl to unexpected life with each turn of the page.’

Quite a few 'jobs' choose to wear a bow tie so look through your book collections for conductors, magicians, grooms, ballroom dancers et al.