Neckties (cravats) burst onto the scene a few hundred years ago, with the flamboyant Louis XIV as their champion. During his reign, Croatian soldiers fought alongside the French in the war against the Ottomans. In 1660, a Croatian regiment was presented as heroes to Louis XIV. The fashion-savvy king was tickled by the silk neck cloths that these officers wore around their necks. He adopted the style and even created an elite French regiment called the Cravate Royale. (Many think the word “cravat” is derived from “Croat,” but it may also be a corruption of rabat, which is French for a hanging collar.)

Much like with fashion today, this new style spread from Paris and became the rage in England. By the late 17th century, fashionistas had come up with a hundred knots and variations on the cravat. Tasseled strings, tufts and bows of ribbon, lace, beads, embroidered linen – you name it. (Photo: top right; bottom center and right)

In the 18th century, the jabot took center stage. These cravats feature billowing layers of lace, and they button up at the back of the neck. (Photo: top center and left)