Handwoven ties with a touch of luxury
A worker at the loom: Woven with care
When investment consultant Indika Hettiarachchi went in search of an elegant batik tie to present to a client as a gift, he was sorely disappointed with the lack of quality ties and men’s accessories available. This realisation led to his present venture making premium luxury ties and other accessories with the establishment of his brand Ties and Bows in 2019.
The online store also retails an array of luxurious ties, scarves, bow ties and other accessories for men suited for both formal as well as casual occasions. Indika decided to continue the quest for the perfect luxury tie on par with those made in Italy and Japan. He soon realised that although the garment industry thrives in production of undergarments and sports apparel, no one manufactures their own fabrics.
“ You can’t do branded premium clothing if you’re not in control of your fabric. You can’t produce goods from someone else’s fabric,” says Indika.
Indika Hettiarachchi
Aside from the lack of locally manufactured fabric, the unavailability of different types of yarn such as silk or wool was another drawback. Ultimately there were two options for the production of ties; screen printing, which was more easily done as craftspeople who specialised in the technique could be found more readily across the country; or woven ties which proved more difficult as the larger factories couldn’t produce the smaller quantities required.
Indika went with the decision to produce ties that were handwoven instead.
The Department of Textiles was supportive and helpful in the research and development aspect of the process. “ The department helped in making fabrics the way we want in terms of getting the texture done, using the R&D trial and error method. That’s how we came up with the product,” says Indika.
What makes this particular handwoven tie stand out is that it is almost identical to the Grenadine ties produced in Italy. Grenadine is a technique that originated in Italy which utilises a special silk weave to produce a rich texture. The high level of labour and skill involved in producing these ties make them some of the more exclusive neckties worldwide, gaining popularity after Sean Connery’s 007 donned one in the first James Bond film ‘Dr No’.
Inspired by the high-end Italian Grenadine ties
The neckties by Ties and Bows have been selling since last December at the Odel Department Store at Alexandra Place and at present, the company is in the production of its second batch, experimenting with other menswear like waistcoats and suits using the handwoven fabric. Ties and Bows will soon retail at Shangri-La Colombo.
A significant benefit, Indika says is that his company offers employment opportunities to recent graduates and the production of premium products such as these high-quality ties allows them to earn more than they would normally.
See also
www.tiesandbows.com
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