Friday, November 5, 2010

Ties that bind

I guess it is fair to say that my generation has grown up with the use of ties, from Primary School, through High School, the Air Force Cadets all had the requirement to wear ties. When I started work ties were the expected business dress along with a suit.

All my heroes growing up wore ties. If James Bond could wear a tie in Jamaica and not break a sweat how could I complain about wearing one on a stinking hot Summer day in Sydney. I just figured you had to be hot to be cool! (well an attempt at suave at the very least)

Video still of Sean Connery as James Bond, 007, in 1963's From Russia With Love.

(c) 1963, Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation.
 
Why then over the last 12 months have I been quick to remove this long time companion article, as even through the "dot com boom" I kept wearing a tie almost like a badge of honour. When that period came to an abrupt end and a conservative dress standards again became in vogue, I felt quietly justified.
 
Now unless you have external meetings a tie is optional and I have been going without it!
 
So again why the change in attitude?
 
Well I believe it is a result of our Naturist lifestyle, I can see now that clothes are a mask and I want to be free of these. A tie in particular is a fashion accessory and a badge of rank and I would prefer to be seen for who I really am, not what role I have or job I do.
 
So I now carry my tie in my suit pocket and wear it only when necessary.
 
Now if I could only not wear a suit or anything else for that matter, but I fear our office is not ready for that, unfortunately.