Does fashion make the man?
The latest trends in fashion have never been very important to me. Admittedly, during the sixties my wardrobe statement was typical of the anti-war, anti-establishment crowd; bell-bottoms, long hair, flower shirts, and earth shoes. I had a long beard and even after flower-child era was over, I still wore corduroy pants, flannel shirts and a dark green leather jacket. It wasn’t until I met Barbara that my desire to look good became an issue. She was a classy lady and spending time with her transformed my thinking about my appearance.
Even though I dress business casual for most of my photography work, I made a decision to dress at least as nice as those I was working for. For a number of years, I would wear a tie on a corporate shoot. And even though now I dress more appropriately for the type of assignment I am completing, I still try to maintain a business appearance for the clientele I serve. Dressing down is not only inappropriate, but it reflects on the image you have of yourself.
When I am attending church, there are no more than a handful of men wearing ties. We are a contemporary fellowship and casual is the excepted manner. After all, God looks on the inside and accepts us as we are. As for me, I wear a tie to every service. I’m not there to impress anyone. But if I am going to dress up to attend a business meeting, a wedding or some other event, it seems more important to dress up for a meeting with God by demonstrating that being in His presence is as important as anything else I do.
I love ties! Even though I have quite a few, you can never have too many. What I dislike is the trends that change frequently, making the width and styles obsolete. My favorite tie era was in the seventies, when ties took on a colorful, entertaining flair. There were travel scenes, cartoon caricatures, flowers, fancy geometric designs, and colorful iconic patterns. While it lasted for a number of years, I was sad when the club tie returned. Women shouldn’t be the only ones that get to expose some color and gaiety in their clothing. While anxiously waiting for my style to return, I occasionally don one of my favorite old ties.
One of my newest ties is a cross between the seventies period and today. It was designed by the late Jerry Garcia who died in 1995. After his death over one hundred of his necktie designs have been sold throughout the world. Ties made from his paintings and drawings still being produced today.
This from a guy who could care less how he looked!
All photos copyright 2011 Jim Lockman/Click!