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Fit to be (bow) tied

Lately, we’ve noticed a few students on campus sporting dapper-looking bow ties. So we had to wonder: Are bow ties coming back? If so, maybe we can credit some Marquette gentlemen who long ago adopted this classic form of neckwear. In fact, this brotherhood of the bow tie was kind enough to explain its allegiance to this particular fashion statement and the secret of how to tie one.

Dr. Christopher M. Foley, professor and chair of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Bow tie track record: "I have been wearing bow ties since 1987 when I worked as a structural engineer in Chicago. I had many architect friends in those days and we had a small coffee clutch of bow tie wearers at A. Epstein and Sons Inc."

What he loves about them: "Bow ties don't get caught in drill presses, lathes and other rotating machinery. They also don't drag and hang across your drafting board when creating building drawings. Too bad I don't hang around machine tools and drafting boards any longer. I love them because they are classical and let the world see how well the dry cleaner pressed your shirt."

Does he ever wear a regular tie? "When I wear a tie, it is a bow tie 99 percent of the time."

In his collection: “I have about 20 bow ties in the Foley Collection. I even have a custom-made pink one I wore at my wedding a year ago. I would say the pink one is my favorite for the obvious reason.”

Tying one on: “I read an article in Esquire magazine that gave the insightful instruction that it is like tying a shoelace, but around your neck. That stuck and that is how I learned. It really isn't bad once you stop trying to make it look like a clip-on tie from the tuxedo rental store. It should be a little crooked and ‘droopy,’ in my opinion."

Rev. Philip J. Rossi, S.J., interim dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences and professor of theology

Bow tie track record: Since the mid-1990s.

What he loves about them: “Lots of color in a small package.”

Does he ever wear a regular tie? “Only when I’m at Creighton University for a board meeting. Though my board colleagues have become accustomed to this Jesuit wearing a tie, wearing a bow tie may be pushing the envelope a bit far.”

In his collection: “Have never counted, but it continues to grow; I know that I can go for over a month without a repeat. I like bigger ones, but the Winnie the Pooh one I have is also one I particularly like.”

Tying one on: “My theology colleague Bob Masson and his wife, Grace, decided that bow ties would be a good ‘fit’ for me, so they gave me one as a birthday gift. Bob then coached me on how to tie it and, as they say, the rest is history.”

Dr. Robert Masson, associate professor of theology

Bow tie track record: “More than 31 years, but I do not remember exactly when I started. My wife gave me one for some occasion and I haven’t worn anything but bow ties since.”

What he loves about them: “More comfortable, never gets in one’s soup, never has to be tucked in and stays put.”

Does he ever wear a regular tie? “No! When I wear a tie it is always a bow tie. And never, never a clip-on. Authenticity and integrity are essential. Have to admit that I am getting more casual and do not religiously wear a tie.”

In his collection: “Several dozen. A few favorites.”

Tying one on: “The first tie came with directions that were a bit difficult to decipher. There are two tricks. You have to make sure that the length is set correctly and then not to fuss with the knot too much after you have made it. Have to admit that I still find a mirror helpful.”

His role as a bow tie mentor: “My tie was so commented upon by colleagues when I came to MU in 1980 that at various occasions my wife and I gave them to colleagues as gifts. That is how Father Rossi got his start. There was a time when grad students would evaluate doctoral qualifying exams and dissertations by the number of bow ties. We had a few five bow tie defenses, but the numbers have dropped in the last few years. Maybe this publicity will get things going in the right direction again.”

Michael S. Switzenbaum, professor and executive associate dean of the College of Engineering

Bow tie track record: “Since I started teaching in 1978.”

What he loves about them: “They do not fall into soup.”

Does he ever wear a regular tie? “I beg your pardon — bow ties are regular ties!”

In his collection: About 100. “I am hard to shop for, but everyone knows I love bow ties, so over the years I have accumulated quite a few. ... I love them all, but I am partial to red bow ties.”

Tying one on: “It’s really not so difficult.”

Charles Ries, senior director of development design and innovation in University Advancement

Bow tie track record: “I switched from what I think of as long ties to short ties about 30 years ago and never looked back!”

What he loves about them: “Hardly anyone else wears them. I figure it’s just a matter a time before it’s a fad and I am a fashionista.”

Does he ever wear a regular tie? “Yes, for a few years until I understood the error of my ways and went short.”

In his collection: About 60. And his favorite? “It’s blue and gold.”

Tying one one: “I stood in front of my bathroom mirror for about two hours with the directions taped to the mirror until I got it. It isn’t easy to figure out.”