Simon Foxton is one of Britain's leading stylists. He has dressed the pages of The Face, Arena Homme Plus, V Magazine and SHOWstudio with long-time collaborators Nick Knight, Alsasdair McLellan and Jason Evans, as well as working as a brand consultant. A veteran of the 80s club-kid generation, his styling often reappropriates club-wear and street-style, while adding a rugged elegance to men's tailoring. However, when he's not pioneering fashion, he is collecting Rooster Ties: skinny, elaborately patterned square-end ties by American company Rooster. Predominantly associated with the 60s and 70s, the ties come in wild, quirky and often garish prints, and have since become collectors' items with a growing cult following. Here, we speak to Foxton about his extensive collection.
What is a Rooster Tie?
Rooster is an American label that specialised in idiosyncratic, screen-printed designs on square-ended cotton ties. Their hey-day was the mid-60s to mid-70s. I have no interest in other types of tie.
What inspired you to start collecting Rooster Ties?
Their amazing diversity of designs and their wit. Also they're a fantastic snapshot of the aspirations of corporate America during that era.
When did you start?
I started collecting them after I found a couple on a stall at Portobello Market. They just felt a bit different. I liked their quirkiness and there are so many different designs. Collecting them seemed the natural thing to do.
Do you wear them as well as collect them?
I hardly ever wear ties to be honest. I do occasionally wear some of the plainer ones.
"I like their quirkiness and there are so many different designs" — Simon Foxton
How many ties do you own approximately?
I own about 200.
Where do you find them?
Flea markets and vintage stores when I visit America, but mostly eBay these days.
Where do you keep them in your house?
My favourite ties hang on a rail inside my bedroom closet. The rest I store in my loft.
Do you have a favourite?
Not exactly. There is a great Jackson Pollock print that I love and also a great one that has a repeat print of 'Do it! If it Feels Good'. They are all pretty nifty.
