An Edinburgh-based lawyer has invented the world’s first zip-up tie, which could revolutionise the way men dress and end the early morning hassle of preparing a new knot everyday. Priced at 25 pounds, Chris Gibson’s ‘SuperTie’ has a small zipper mechanism on the back, which means that the knot is always tied. It is currently available online, while an upmarket version, known as the Chris Gibson tie priced at 50 pounds, is currently selling in an upmarket store called Selfridges in London. “When I worked as a lawyer I noticed that in most offices these days you have an open shirt policy while working at your desk, but generally when a client comes in or you leave the office you’ve got to have a tie on because it’s expected,” said the lawyer. “More often than not, when a client comes in the last thing on your mind is getting your tie sorted because you’ve got so many other things to do. The idea is that it’s something useful but it’s also a very good-looking tie that’s quick and easy to put on,” he added.29 years old, Gibson, spent more than two years working on a design for the tie, which is now available in various designs. The SuperTie has even garnered a celebrity following with the backing of Clarke Peters, who played Lester Freamon in the hit US TV series ‘The Wire’. “I have a hell of a collection of ties. I had no idea there were 87 ways to tie a necktie. Now there are 88. My son, who is forever fighting with ties, would find this very useful. For a quick change this is ideal,” he said.
Although Mary McGowne, founder of the Scottish Style Awards thought the tie would prove popular, she said it wouldn’t win any style points with serious dressers.“No discerning style maven would take a product like this seriously. For many gentlemen, the daily ritual of tying their own knot allows them to display a sense of individuality,” she added.