While the usual cast of great lines covered by Selectism are showing at Pitti Uomo this week, we’re going to mix it up a bit by profiling a range of fashion brands that may or may not have been profiled. Many of them will be names familiar to our Italian readers, as well as fresh faces from our Europe.

We start it off with an Italian firm Altea, who back in 1892 started their company by producing neckties for the local market. with the necktie form pretty much solidified in premium silks, Altea put their focus on color first. Today, the same holds true in their full collection that begins with color palettes which garments are then designed around. The Altea offering is a large one with men’s garments ranging from their necktie roots to knits and beyond.

View a wide selection of looks from Altea’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection in our gallery.

Photography: Luca Merli/Selectism.com

Alexander Olch and TheCorner.com produced this new video short on how to tie Olch’s favorite necktie knot, the four-in-hand. Model Aurelie Claudel is clearly more beautiful than Olch, but we still hear him narrating this one. That’s ok.
Directed by Matt Lenski.

There’s a shedload of ties out there but a lot of the new ties available are, shall we say, a little unsuitable for the sort of places where you’ll wear a tie. You find us the office where floral ties are encouraged and we’ll find you, ermmm, something that also doesn’t exist. A plain navy knitted tie will however will always be in style. Sorry about that last sentence, we were starting to sound like one of those classic menswear sites. Made in the U.K. from 100% silk. Garbstore has them.

Blackbird’s in-house line brings a wide range of men’s neckties for the holidays. With ten colorways to choose from, one of these will land perfectly on your father, brother or loved one. They are all made in the U.S.A. and come in small batch runs dependent on the textiles found for productions. $78 per tie. Find them online at Blackbird.

More looks after the click.

Japan’s Bedwin & The Heartbreakers goes for the neck with their latest collection of “Dennis” neckties. Available in a cornucopia of colorways including black, purple, red and navy, the “Dennis” necktie comes in either knit wool or silk. Skinny ties for those who need to keep it thin. Mod friendly. Up There has them.

More looks after the click.

New York’s C.Chauchat delivered this collection of neckwear for the Robert Geller A/W 2011 collection. Inspired by the  ”dusky mauves and greys of Visconti’s epic ‘The Leopard,’” the collection mixes Swiss cottons and overlays of silk with solid color chiffon and polka dots. Friendly enough to spruce up your holiday attire.

Working for a second time together, Baron Wells and the ACE Hotels come together for an limited edition necktie made fom silk woven exclusively for ACE by Vanners of England which features a thin white pinstripe on black. The come packaged and sold in a Baron Wells stamped kraft capsule. Available now in the ACE online shop for $110.

More look after the click.

Norway’s Berg & Berg shop showcases their collection of knit ties for Autumn Winter 2011. The collection of handmade ties come in all forms: silk, wool, cashmere and shetland wool.” A great assortment of looks that compliment every man. A very wide assortment of choices from Berg & Berg.

More look after the click.

Thanks to Mister Mort for pointing us towards this new addition to J.A Christensen’s line. A small scale enterprise, Jim produces each tie himself on a single needle sewing machine using design and methods based on those of 1930’s American tailor H.A. Otter. His vintage fabrics are generally picked up on his travels and date from the 30’s or 40’s. This particular model (above) is a collaboration with the folks at The Curatory, the North Carolina store run by the guys behind Raleigh Denim. A very short run of ten, you’ll have to be quick to get your hands on and neck under this. If you miss out a range of smart denims and chambrays are also available from his website. -ld

More looks after the click.

Get some cherry blossom necktie action from The Hill-side. They’re made from 14.5oz cotton print textured dobby cloth. The look is relaxed. While not as soft as silk, the cotton works of course. People love cotton right now. You know… the new trend. Hickorees has them.

More looks after the click.