Tie one on with DAVID HART

Above: Mr. David Hart (above) resides in Brooklyn with his wife, and their cat, Momo.

David Hart is a dapper peacock with an affinity for elegant men’s neckties. In 2007, he launched his own necktie company, David Hart & Co.; carried exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. Mr. Hart utilizes his talent, along with his fascination for fashion and science, to design his unique tie collections. He cleverly embroiders unexpected objects (robots, shaving cream cans and bullet bras—yes, bullet bras), to create his quirky tie patterns that are perfect for any modern gentleman. Each tie is hand cut on the bias, and traditionally crafted by union craftsmen in New York City.

Above: Bullet Bra Floral and Striptease Pin-Ups are a couple examples of David's quirky patterned ties.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style?
David Hart: Anachronistic time traveler.

MP: Who is your ultimate style icon?
DH: Rod Serling (see photo below) from “The Twilight Zone.” I use to watch those on loop as a kid. Actually I still do. He has that smart dapper look but it’s also edgy and mysterious. I would love to visit the 5th dimension.

Above: Rod Serling would like David Hart's Noir Silk tie.

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock?
DH: My mother has a video of me, around six years old, at my father’s birthday party. The table is set beautifully, you know, with the roast on a serving platter and a million forks no one knows how to use. My father starts opening presents and the first gift is this ugly shirt. The camera cuts to me as I blurt out “Dad that is a TACKY shirt” with absolutely no remorse. I then proceeded to mug at the camera for a few minutes showing off the bow tie and suit I wore to the party. The video is now a Hart family classic—we watch it around the holidays.

MP: Where did you grow up?
DH: I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland—right outside of DC. Picturesque with lots of sailboats and classic buildings; a really beautiful place if you like that whole peace of mind thing. My entire family is from New York City and in my teenage years I moved back.

MP: Did you always want to design neckties or did it happen through serendipity?
DH: I’d love to have an exciting story that I was a secret agent or hot air balloon pilot or some crazy thing and fell into fashion, but truth be told this is what I’ve always wanted to do. I love designing clothing and have a passion in particular for ties. They are the ultimate symbol of style and masculinity. A tie is shaped like an arrow—just look at where the arrow points!

Above: Mr. Peacock is swooning over David's colorful Tartan ties.

MP: What's your professional background?
DH: I’ve worked alongside designers Anna Sui and Tommy Hilfiger, both amazing to learn the creative and technical process from. In high school I worked at Jo-Ann Fabrics helping ladies wearing crazy cat sweaters learn Butterick patterns. From that I learned a very good lesson—never piss off a lady in a cat sweater, they have mouths like sailors.

MP: What's your process designing a tie? Do you start with an idea or a fabric?
DH: It always starts with an idea. I’ve got a great post all about it on my blog, click here.

MP: Who or what has influenced your style?
DH: Anything innovative and/or that challenges me. That’s why I have such an interest in science, I mean one second the world is flat and the next thing you know it’s round. For all we know it’s really oblong.

MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
DH: I can’t tell you as it’s top secret, but it’s my own and you’ll see it next season!

Above: Mr. Thom Browne, photographed by Joseph Maida.

MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
DH: Thom Browne (above photo) and Paul Smith. I also have lots of vintage Hart Schaffner & Marx suits from the 1950’s and early 1960’s.

MP: Do you have a "work uniform" or dress to your fancy each day?
DH: I’m very selfish in the sense that I dress only for myself. I won’t be a slave to anyone, not even fashion.

Above: Vintage ads from Hart Schaffner & Marx, to see more, click here.

MP: Tote bag, satchel or messenger bag?
DH: Briefcase. I monogrammed it myself and my cat Momo loves to sleep in it when I’m not looking!

MP: Do you wear a tie everyday?
DH: Of course—even on weekends!

Above: David's dream purchase—a classic British roadster. You can purchase this gorgeous 1969, AC Aceca Bristol, click here.

MP: What would be your dream purchase right now?
DH: Time Machine. If I can’t have that then I want a classic British roadster and I also want my wife not to complain about the roadster. Sadly I think all of these are impossibilities.

Above: David Hart has something for everyone's taste including—Smiling Frogs and a Glenn Plaid Floral.

MP: What city has the best-dressed men?
DH: New York City, however I am going back to Paris and Amsterdam in a few weeks, so I will let you know if I change my mind.

MP: Any necktie advice for the modern peacock?
DH: Wear what makes you feel good and don’t play it safe. Remember gentlemen never leave the home without a perfect knot; otherwise you look like last night’s lewd romantic encounter. Lastly, never wear a clip on.


Above: "How to Tie a Bow Tie"—you may have already seen this wonderful little film, by David Hart & C0., and Jeremy Nelson Studio.

A David Hart tie would add a bit of elegance and subtle wit to any modern peacock's wardrobe. Mr. Peacock is partial to David Hart’s gorgeous tartan ties made with Scottish wool, but all of Mr. Hart's ties are hand tailored using luxury silk, wool, linen, and cotton. Keep in mind, a hand tailored tie, similar to a handcrafted hat, is an investment piece for your wardrobe; if properly cared for, it will last a lifetime. If you’re in New York City, be sure and stop by Bergdorf's and take a look at David’s ties in person. In addition to designing exquisite ties, David Hart also has a very interesting and wonderful blog called—The Invisible Agent. Thanks David!