Over the last decade, fashion seemed to be on permanent vacation and in its place came casual apparel—especially amongst men.  How casual can it get?  Considering that nightclub dress in Los Angeles has become a means to feature denim and trainers, the dress code at Dodgers Stadium Club no longer includes blazers or a ban on tennis shoes, nor it is unusual to see a polo-and-jeans clad man stepping out of a limousine, it seemed there was no hope for the revival of a ubiquitous fashion-forward male.  Nevertheless, with the turn of this new decade, men’s fashion is on the upswing.  Haircuts are returning to the classic high and tight, men’s fashion magazines consistently feature editorials with cuff links, and tailored suits are making a comeback outside of the office.

While the first decade of this century revisited nearly every retro look from the 1930s on, this recent return to classic is not without updates.  Designers are turning to classics for inspiration, but perfecting cuts, redesigning familiar patterns, and focusing on the textiles used to create these distinctive designs.  With an updated classic look, the elegant styles from which these new designs draw upon are no longer exclusively for the high-browed, for bold patterns and colors translate well to the modern, individualistic, everyday man. Brooklyn-based couturiers, Ryan Sovereign and Will Beck anticipated this resurgence of elegance, and well ahead of the curve.  Since 2005, Sovereign Beck has produced a variety of hand-sewn men’s accessories ranging from neckties, bow ties and pocket squares in 100% silk, wool and cotton.

Upon their meeting at the Rhode Island School of Design, where Sovereign studied industrial design and Beck studied sculpture, the two collaborated quite naturally in music.  The complimentary makeup of the their creativity, combined with their mutual interest in pattern design and collecting vintage ties eventually gave birth to a neckwear line appropriately known as Sovereign Beck.  In aim of making contemporary what was once mundane; Sovereign Beck began their line with subtle alterations to otherwise seemingly familiar prints on a timelessly cut necktie—not too skinny, not too thick.

In Sovereign Beck’s first collection, the typical striped or plaid tie was given an updated color palate, some adorned with flying birds or a slight splatter of a complimentary color; while others have been printed with natural inspired, fizz-like and reptilian-esque patterns.  Continuing on with three more seasons of 100% silk ties, Sovereign Beck’s modern take on a familiar classic has increasingly grown in sophistication.  Exhibiting what is now signature Sovereign and Beck design, their four collections of silk ties offer hints of bricolage, as bits and pieces of common patterns show themselves in a new light, creating truly unique prints that depart from the ordinary, while still maintaining a sense of timelessness.

A few years after the launch of Sovereign Beck, the two realized another simple accessory: the pocket square, which is now available as a companion to nine ties within the silk collections.  Coinciding with these nine pocket squares, a well-cut bowtie was added to the line (with a little help from hopeful clients), completing the three simple offerings from the Sovereign Beck collection.  In addition to exploring various suit-related accessories, Sovereign Beck also began investigating the use of other materials and techniques in their work.  Suited for the colder seasons, the 2009 F/W line yielded 100% wool ties in muted colors printed in hounds tooth, stripes and speckles; providing the modern gentleman with more seasonal variety.

Proceeding with their inquiry into the various types of materials, Sovereign Beck has more recently ventured to use men’s shirting cotton for a lighter, more casual spring and summer tie.  Collaborating with New York based Polluted Eyeball, Sovereign Beck’s first cotton line featured hand screen-printed patterns, and has since progressed to include plaid and stripe printed cotton ties.  The two designers are currently working on a new fall collection which will expand both the cotton and wool collections, including new color palates and fabrics.

All Sovereign Beck ties are printed in limited quantities, bias cut and hand sewn in New York City.   Whether actualized in silk, wool or cotton, Sovereign Beck provides enduring designs that are bold, yet understated; modern, yet timeless.

Sovereign Beck can be found in Los Angeles at the Standard Hotel in Downtown or online at www.sovereignbeck.com