That Old Hollywood Magic

Against my better judgment, I watched the 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday (I would have preferred to tune into Boardwalk Empire and an undisclosed guilty pleasure reality show, but that’s why we have HBO on Demand and the DVR). I should have listened to my instincts.

Here is my review of the Emmy’s in one incoherent strand: While not the worst, Jimmy Kimmel proved to be a lackluster host, how many times can Modern Family win and why does the “supporting male actor in a comedy” category ALWAYS consist of the entire cast, how is it possible that Jon Cryer was even nominated for “lead male actor in a comedy,” let alone actually WIN the coveted statue, and where has Homeland been hiding?

That’s my problem with award shows. Every year, they are terrible—I know this. But, for some reason, I cling to this false optimism that THIS year they won’t disappoint. Some day, I will learn for good. And the worst part? I didn’t even watch the Red Carpet interviews, which was a poor move considering I use this blog to poke fun at celebrities and what they are wearing. Thank you, Internet recaps!

I’d like to discuss a notable award show trend with the men: They truly are owning the bow tie. The bow tie strikes a chord with me and I am glad to see it return to the limelight. Let me explain. I have attended many weddings over the last several years. The majority of the groomsmen have opted to go with the tie/vest combination. It’s a clean look and I have no issue with it. In fact, I assumed that is what my husband was going to choose when we got married in 2008 (yes, I gave him some input). Instead, without hesitation, he selected the bow tie/vest combination (Detail: Our bridal party, with the exception of me, wore black). I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. And, of course, I had to hear unsolicited opinions from certain wedding guests (Note: They were not even in the bridal party). But my husband was surprisingly on to something.

Bow ties have that old Hollywood feel. If you say “bow tie,” I envision a handsome actor back in the day socializing at a black tie event with a brandy in his hand. So, no bow tie remorse here.

And the same goes for these men who paid homage to this classic accessory:

• Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family)

• Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

• Judd Apatow (Writer/director)

• Julian Fellowes (Creator of Downton Abbey)

• Jimmy Fallon (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon)

• Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

• Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings)

• Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation)

• Dario Franchitti (Racing driver and husband of Ashley Judd)

• Ben Falcone (Husband of Melissa McCarthy)

Why should bow ties be reserved for the Hollywood elite? Maybe some of your clients want a timeless look that screams: “I know formal wear.” Give the customer what he or she (yes, women can rock bow ties, too) wants, and who knows what your promotional future holds. Bow ties, for sure—hopefully followed by the lush lifestyle that is often associated with them.

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