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You may have heard whisperings about a Croatian connection to fashion item that is the tie. It’s just one of the many fascinating items to emerge from this small country. But how exactly did Croats come to invent the tie? Read on below to find out more – and to learn more about the famous Croatian tie brand Croata.

The (Croatian) origin of the tie – the cravat

As with all good stories, this revolves around love.

From way back when to the present day, Croatian ladies have traditionally tried a scarf around their fiancés’ necks as a sign of mutual love and fidelity. Not only would this be a sign of commitment to each other, it was also a way of making their love known to others. This simple act was even more important during times of war, signifying that the ladies were willing to wait for their beloveds, sometimes for many, many years. The tied scarves would also provide comfort and encouragement to the men when they were on the battlefields.

The French Connection

Croatian light cavalry soldiers – known for their exceptional military skills and courage – went to serve the French king during the Thirty Years’ Way in the 17th century. One detail of their uniform was immediately noticed by the fashion-conscious French people – the red neckerchiefs tied around the necks of the Croatian soldiers. These Croatian neckerchiefs were simple, colourful, flowing and tied in a distinctive knot – all elements different from the high, stiff collars worn by French men at the time.

The court of Louis XIV enthusiastically accepted this bold clothing item, deeming it to be a sign of dignity and civility, distinction and formality. It came to dominate the urban fashion of the time.

A name emerges – the Cravat

You’ve surely heard of the word cravat and not particularly thought it to be connected to ‘Croat’…despite being very similar. In fact, it absolutely is connected!

The new fashion trend of a knotted scarf that was said to be tied “à la manière Croate” (“in the Croatian way”) in the French language.

In other languages, the cravat is known as krawatte (German), corbata (Spanish) and cravatta (Italian).

And cravat is of course still used in English, but for a special type of tie. The expression “to tie a cravat” has also produced the words “tie” and “necktie“.

The necktie is the only clothing product that does not have a protective function for the wearer. It nevertheless has a strong symbolism, of dignity and freedom but also responsibility and formality. Wearers tie their important moments with the knot of a tie, conveying a message about their feelings.

About Croata

Croata is an independent, family-owned Croatian luxury brand that was founded in 1990 and which today employs over 100 people. Known for its heritage, craftsmanship and exclusivity, the artisanal fashion house creates beautiful and unique items. Each item produced by Croata combines excellent quality raw materials with top attention to detail, handmade in Croatia by highly skilled artisans that are experts in working with different materials and in an assortment of tailoring techniques.

Croata is committed to using a responsible and sustainable approach in its gorgeous products.

About Croata’s production process

Croata’s beautiful items evolve during a two-stage production process to produce a beautiful finished product.

Firstly, the cravat or tie is born on paper at the Croata design studio…or perhaps even earlier, in the minds of a Croata designer!

Many of Croata’s products contain celebrated motifs from Croatian and world cultural and natural heritage. Some of the most popular Croatian motifs that are used include pleter braiding, Glagolithic script or folk embroidery. Braiding is a common decoration on old Croatian stone monuments, first seen in the early Middle Ages. Glagolitic script – which you may have also seen on Croatia Euro cent coins – is an old Croatian alphabet that was in use from the 11th century. Folk embroidery, meanwhile, is referred to as a “letter of the heart” that is created by Croatian women and girls from all over the country.

It takes a special kind of art to transfer these motifs – once seen on stone – into the gentle silk weave of a cravat, requiring exception knowledge of the techniques of weaving and sewing neckties.

After designs have been created on paper, they are transferred onto silk samples to discern the fullness and richness of each design – a very important stage in the development.

The second part of the process involves the cutting. Cravats are cut in three parts, at a 45-degree angle, with particular attention paid to the tip which must be tailored precisely and sewn meticulously. The design of the cravat must fit the point perfectly, just as the designers envisioned it. This is one indicator of a very high-quality necktie.

Each cravat has a cotton insert to give it a specific volume and which also affects the size of the knot. All three parts of the cravat, including the inner and outer layers, are precisely stitched by hand. At the end, the brand label and the passantino – the tab into which the narrower part of the cravat is inserted – are attached.

Croata’s very fine cravat is now ready for the customer!

Croata’s tips for checking the quality of the tie

A perfectly cut and sewn tie – when stretched out – will be perfectly straight along its whole length with no twists.

The thread loop at the narrower part of the tie provides it with elasticity and longevity as well as indicating that the tie is handmade. For these reasons, you should never cut off this thread!

More about Croata

Do take a look at Croata’s stunning creations in the images of this post.

You can also learn more about the company and its very fine products on www.croata.com, where you can also buy Croata’s neckties, shawls, scarves, shirts and more with items for both men and women. They offer worldwide delivery!

When in Croatia, be sure to seek out a Croata shop. They have four shops in Zagreb, as well as shops in prime locations in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Varazdin and Osijek.

All images are credited to Croata.