The recently noted that the future of neckties is very much in doubt. This highly unlikely projection arose from the fact that the Men’s Dress Furnishings Association, the trade group that represents American tiemakers, has just shut down, and it’s no wonder. No, it’s not because men don’t wears ties every day anymore. The truth is, the majority of ties are made overseas today. However, that’s probably not the main reason this association is defunct.
Would you trust a dentist who had bad teeth? Or a stockbroker who drove a broken down car and dressed shabbily? Apparently, a number of prominent members of the tie association came to meetings without ties. The CEO of Vineyard Vines tie company was quoted as saying, “We make ties for other people so we don’t have to wear them.” Marty Staff, CEO of a clothing conglomerate that includes the Joseph Abboud label declared that, “Power is being able to dress the way you want.” This isn’t power, it is arrogance. And it shouts that your comfort is more important than impressing your potential clients. It is an in-your-face stance.
So who wants to be a member of a tie association whose members don’t wear ties? It’s hardly a conducive environment for success, especially in tough times like today. You must believe in your product, or you will subliminally hate yourself for living a lie – and that’s according to social psychologists.