Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Necktie / Kravata / La Cravate / Tie --- country of origin: Croatia

Croatians inventions
Croatians are a very inventive nation. Here are some of the most knows invention coming from croatia: dactyloscopy (fingerprint identification), parachute, double-entry accounting system, torpedo, first health insurance, ball point pen, fountain pen and necktie among many others. In this post I talk a little bit more about the origin of a tie.


Croats start the tie fashion-craze in Europe
When Croatian soldiers came to Paris sometime in 17th century to visit King Louis XIV's court, king was impressed by soldier's small, knotted neckerchiefs around their necks. Because of the difference in pronunciation of word Croat in Croatian - Hrvati, and in French - Croates, the garment gained the name "Cravat". Neckties, or how Parisians called them la Cravate became an instant fashion hit that spread from Paris to the rest of the Europe. 


Looking for a souvenir when visiting Croatia?
So, when you are visiting Croatia and shopping for a perfect souvenire, look no further - tie is the perfect choice. In many tourist resorts along the Adriatic coast you can find specialized stores that sell only neckties, neck scarfs or shawls. One of the most pooular stores is called "Croata"and they even offer limited series of hand-made neckties combining high end materials and  intricate design/patterns. "Croata" brand ties are also available in numerous retail stores, although "Croata" flagship stores offer more than just garments - interior design and ambiance resemble history of a tie. 


Cravate installation around arena in Pula, Croatia
Largest cravate (tie) in the world
A special installation was assembled in city of Pula, Croatia in 2003. It happen to be the largest necktie in the world and it was tied around ancient arena monument. 
Tie facts
• Weight: 450 kg / 992 Lb
• Long: 808 m / 2650 Ft
• Maximal width: 25 m / 82 Ft
• Knot was tied at the height of 21 meters (69 feet) , and was 15 meters wide (50 feet) !


Stay tuned for new posts!


(photos and text: Wikipedia, Croatia.org)

1 comment:

  1. FYI -- we had a celebration of the tie in Madrid - with a huge tie hanging from the balcony of the Croatian embassy in the middle of Madrid - take a look at the picture and think to yourself - "Take that, Tiffany's!" :)

    http://academia-cravatica.hr/vijesti/dan_kravate_slavio_se_paralelno_na_vie_kontinenata/

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