Le Noeud Papillon Life & Style

This week I was invited to tea with the Principal of Cranbrook School, Dr Anne Johnstone—and wow, what a radiant smile she has.

As I settled into the corner of her sofa and we talked about a variety of things, I found myself feeling a little like an imposter as she spoke about her career so far. There wasn’t a hint of ego; just a woman entirely in her own power, doing what she does.

It isn't something we do regularly, it's more of a passion project, something Andrea and I began early last year. Now it's one of those products I do in my spare time, something that I find a little like cooking. And I love it when the discerning few come to us for a custom made set, it really puts a smile on my dial. 

Core Message: I want to share my Creed Aventus Absolu Flacon With My Best Customers

I say that’s life. That’s life! That’s what all the people say. You’re riding high in April, shot down in May. But, I know I’m gonna change that tune, when I’m back on top, back on top in June.

This initial foray into the world of bow ties 18 years ago has led me to meet some fascinating people from all over the globe who stay in contact with...

The Design A Bow Tie Silk Competition Starts Now - Entries Close NYE 2026.

In 1999 the New Years Eve Sydney Harbour Bridge display was lit up with one word. Eternity. Words, so powerful, can resonate with people as strongly, in my opinion, as an image, sometimes stronger. There are passages of text which can still make me weep for just how beautifully they were written, Il Gattopardo springs to mind.

It is easy for anyone to claim anything these days, and it is easy enough to artificially generate whatever content you may be after, what a world we are living...

As luck should happen as I ironed and pressed the first scarf I texted Annie Pope to let her know her winning scarf could be collected and she just happened to be on her morning walk in Vaucluse and popped in 5 minutes later to collect it. 

This was a difficult decision to make because there were SO many wonderful submissions on this round of the competition but Annie’s really resonated with me, and perhaps there was some bias on my behalf given we do pursue so many Australiana themed designs. Nevertheless, it came down to a decision based on what might be the most wearable art and the best use of colours and Annie’s really was exceptional. 

I am pleased to inform you that Annie is now in possession of hers, one has come home with me, one is now in the window and a couple more remain. 

Do you like it as much as I do? I would love to know your thoughts.

What is a bow tie? In its most basic form, as it once was, it was two long pieces of silk sewn together, inverted, closed off, then tied around the neck and formed into a bow. That’s it. It’s not that complicated. But then it evolved. What was once a white ribbon developed over time into various weights, grains and patterns in silk, then into a multitude of shapes. And then of course you need to add all the other aspects of menswear that would bring it all together. Your jacket, your shirt, your pocket square, your waistcoat, your trousers, your socks, your shoes, your suspenders. And then of course it’s not just that either, its bring it together, which goes with which, do you contrast or do you run with one colour, what about clashing patterns? And so, when we see our customers wear our products, like Robert below at the Cartier exhibition in Melbourne, it is a pleasure as much for us as it is for our customers, and, I might add, all those menswear enthusiasts who follow our Instagram to see exactly that, because dressing well is an art form. It takes time, it takes patience in the collection of all these things that come together in a sort of sartorial symphony. 

Thank you Robert. Such a pleasure to see you wearing our products. This is a heavy weight emerald ottoman silk weave. 

 

I often tell our patrons to shop around before you come to see us. There are many companies that offer the same products we sell you, it’s just that we like to think of ourselves as doing it uniquely, with a more considered gesture towards quality from an artisanal perspective. We have collected 18 years worth of woven jacquard silks so we hold a veritable library for the enthusiasts, we have more patterns on hand than any other atelier in the world that I know of, and we pride ourselves on making silk designs, for both our bow ties, neck ties and accessories, and over the past 6 years, our foray into scarf designs, skewed towards Australiana, that, with hope, will set you apart when you bring our products to life. And we do that, hopefully, with better service than you can find anywhere else, because our hands are across every aspect of our products, from one off bow ties to the unique designs we pursue in printed silk. 

When you are ready, and only when you have done your own research, consider reaching out on +61413140994 . My name is Nicholas, I am likely to be the one that responds. 

 

Shall I repeat myself? I am so happy when you send in your photos, it makes my job so much more pleasurable. Leave a Google Review at the same time?...