Designer spotlight: Men's accessories

These self-taught, local talents will keep you looking dapper in their eye-catching neckwear.

By Celia Shatzman Fri Mar 9 2012

Spring fashion 2012

  • Duo-tone cotton bow tie in red check plaid, $128 (normally $150), at titleofwork.com

  • Duo-tone wool tie with onyx bead, $276 (normally $325), at titleofwork.com

  • Sterling-silver double-guns cufflinks, $476 (normally $560), at titleofwork.com

  • Duo-tone cotton tie in yellow circles, $160 (normally $188), at titleofwork.com

  • Nipple-ring bow tie with grommet, $183 (normally $215), at titleofwork.com

  • Gray wool tie with sterling chain and grommet, $234 (normally $275), at titleofwork.com

  • Duo-tone cotton tie in red check plaid, $160 (normally $188), at titleofwork.com

  • Ventilator tie, $202 (normally $238), at titleofwork.com

  • Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

    Designer Jonathan Meizler

Duo-tone cotton bow tie in red check plaid, $128 (normally $150), at titleofwork.com

Jonathan Meizler of Title of Work (titleofwork.com)


Who he is: After studying film and advertising design at Syracuse University, Meizler traveled through Europe, where he apprenticed at the studio of architect Alexander Christoforetti, who specialized in the restoration of homes, furniture and objects from the Weiner Werksttte, a community of artists in Vienna. "Seeing designers and architects really developed my keen linear aesthetic," notes Meizler, who is deeply influenced by art. With no formal training, Meizler cofounded his first line, the now-defunct Jon Valdi, 18 years ago as a men's collection in Los Angeles, which expanded into womenswear and then relocated to New York in 2002. Once Meizler parted ways with his business partner in 2010, he sought a new focus. "I wanted to do something that would transcend typical fashion trends into the art and architectural worlds," explains Meizler.


About the line: "Men are more traditional by nature, and I believe the tie is the one accessory that they can still push the envelope with," says Meizler, explaining why Title of Work consists primarily of neckties ($180–$1,000) and bow ties ($120–$250), with a few reversible sterling-silver cufflinks ($400–$1,100) sprinkled in. The neckwear—made from luxe fabrics such as Italian cashmere, silk mesh, English wool crepe and Italian wool twill—is handmade and embellished with precious stones, sterling silver accents and Swarovski crystals in his Flatiron District studio. The tongue-in-cheek Fetish collection features nipple rings piercing conservative plaid neckties and sterling-silver barbells puncturing basic silk bow ties. "They're naughty, which is really fun," says Meizler. But Title of Work isn't completely subversive: Ties in cheerful plaids, polka-dots and houndstooth are suitable for a spring picnic. "They're tweaked Americana," explains Meizler.


Where to buy: Barneys New York (660 Madison Ave at 61st St; 212-826-8900, barneys.com). Or use code "TO2012" at titleofwork.com for 15 percent off all purchases through March 21.


  1. Paul Hanan and Dave Roma of Graham Withers
  2. Jonathan Meizler of Title of Work
  3. Joshua Katcher of Brave GentleMan
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