Skip to main content

Charles Olive and his Technicolor Bow Ties

When it comes to bringing the bow tie back, Charles Olive is representing. His grid-like prints incorporate progressive color ways and for the most part, are designed in excel which is really pretty awesome. An avid bow tie wearer himself, the London-based designer has utilized his own experience and preference to create his super smart inaugural collection.

The Manual caught up with Charles during an excel break, to find out more about the welcome resurrection of this sartorial accessory.

Congratulations on the collection Charles! Tell me more- why bow ties? Why now?

Thanks. Well I’ve been wearing bow ties for a few years now; I pretty much wear one everyday. After a while I realized that there wasn’t anyone doing anything overly exciting with bow ties. I started messing around making bow ties just so I had something different to wear and it kind of went from there.

I think it’s an interesting time for menswear. On the one hand you have a lot of guys smartening themselves up and taking an interest in classic tailoring and then on the slightly more fashion side of things people are experimenting a lot more with print and color. Men’s Collections seem to be representing this really well.

The prints are predominantly realized in excel. Can you explain this process?

Well when I first started out I didn’t know how to use Photoshop or illustrator but I really wanted to make some fabrics for my bow ties. I was – and still am – obsessed by Anni and Josef Albers so I just started playing around making patterns by coloring in the cells of a spreadsheet.

It was around the time that the whole ‘New Aesthetic’ thing was blowing up, and I was kind of interested in the influence of technology on art and design and at some point I realized that this was more than just messing about. After that I properly started to look at repeat patterns that would work on a small canvas like a bow tie.

Part of the goal of this collection was to recreate the same feel as a traditional spot or check but via Excel.

Where do you find inspiration for the color palettes you use?

I’m pretty colorblind so when I started out in Excel I had to make sure that the colors were different enough so I could see where the patterns were. I guess that’s partly why a lot of the colors pop off each other. But then I love African fabrics, which is possibly where the yellow comes from.

The thing about bow ties is that because it’s such a small item you can be so much bolder than with a jacket or trousers or a whole suit.

In your opinion, what is the contemporary relevance of the bow tie?

I think they’re becoming more and more relevant the less people wear neckties. It used to be that neckties were the norm and bow ties were the quirky outsider. But as fewer people in general wear ties the bow tie becomes a viable option because the act of wearing any kind of tie is a statement so it doesn’t matter so much whether it’s a bow or a necktie. And this is where the color comes in – loads of my prints just wouldn’t look right splashed all down your front – but a little pop around the collar works wonders.

Who wears a bow tie better than anybody else?

Patrick Grant rocks a pretty mean bow tie. Angelo Flaccavento always looks good in a bow tie. Nick Wooster often rocks a seersucker jacket with a contrasting seersucker bow tie in the summer – that’s a strong look. But I reckon I’ve got the best bow tie collection.

What’s next for Charles Olive the brand, and Charles Olive the person?

Well for the brand I’m working on new collections. I want to show seasonal collections interspersed with capsule collections. And I’m really keen on developing a line in classic materials like lambs wool and cashmere. And then also with the seasonal stuff I want to update the core designs in new colorways. So it’s pretty busy.

And for Charles Olive the person – I need a beard trim. I constantly have to trim it so it doesn’t hide my bow tie!

charles-olive.myshopify.com

Jodie Kharas
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jodie Kharas is a style, art and culture writer who lives in London. She has contributed to the online platforms of POP…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more