History of the Bolo Tie
The bolo tie is one fashion accessory that is an authentic symbol of the American West. Simply put, a bolo tie is crafted from a decorative clasp that attaches to a length of braided leather or cotton cords that ends in metal tips. Bolo is derived from “boladora” which is an Argentine or Uruguayan lariat used by Gauchos (South American cowboys) to throw at a fleeing animal. Listen for that clue on Jeopardy -- remember you read it here!
The origin of the bolo tie came about in the late 1940s when cowboy Victor Cedarstaff’s hat blew off while riding his horse in Wickenburg, Arizona. Not wanting to lose the silver-trimmed hat band, he slipped it around his neck. His riding companion kidded him about his “nice looking tie” and an idea was born. As a silversmith and leatherworker, Victor fashioned created a sterling silver slide holding a piece of turquoise and attached it to leather lacing with sterling silver weights at the ends. This was considered the first bolo tie for which he received a patent in 1959. It caught the eye of friends and orders started to roll in. Now, that’s an entrepreneur for you -- & fashionable as well!
Native American bolo ties have long been recognized as a true American art form and have been featured in museum collectives and exhibits. Hopi, Navajo and Zuni artisans are known for creating attractive bolo ties with a variety of stone inlays mainly in sterling silver slide clasps. Also incorporated into native bolos are arrowheads, bear claws and feathers. Many are considered vintage and are very collectible.
Bolo ties saw a big resurgence when Hollywood stars started wearing them in their movie and television roles: Jon Cryer in Pretty in Pink (1986); John Travola in Pulp Fiction (1994) and Colin Farrell in the TV series True Detective (2014).
Politics and fashion merged when bolo ties were made the official state tie in Arizona and New Mexico. Not to be outdone, Governor Rick Perry signed a 2007 resolution making the bolo tie the official state tie of Texas.
How is a bolo tie worn?
Men traditionally wear one with a collared shirt buttoned to the top with the bolo firm to the neck as one would wear a regular tie. Bolo ties are becoming more popular as the neck ware for Grooms and their Groomsmen. Modern variations are popping up such as bolo ties with T-shirts and denim vests or with a Nehru jacket.
Women tend to wear bolo ties with Western clothing or as a necklace with a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress.
No set rules but to express yourself!
Ally McBead Jewelry is delighted to introduce her interpretation of the bolo tie using her usual mash-up of non-traditional metals and patina finishes for both men and women. The standard length of leather cording for women and bodies under 6 feet tall is 36 inches; for men and those over 6 feet tall 42 inches.
Resources:
www.authentictexas.com/the-history-art-of-the-bolo-tie
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolo_tie
www.squareupfashions.com/blogs