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Growing up, I would watch my dad put on a tie every morning before heading to work—something he still does to this day. Checkered, striped, or solid, to me, those ties signified a certain sense of professionalism—something you wore to look smart and ready for business.
Slick? Yes. Fun or raucuous? Hardly. For that reason, throughout my teens and much of my 20s, I avoided the classic necktie like the plague. Look like a corporate drone? Not me.
But there is a new approach to the look that I can get on board with: the leather tie.
We have Bottega Veneta to thank for this new style directive. On its spring 2025 runway, the house put forward a variety of leather ties, done up in glossy hues like red and gray, and styled with your traditional button-up shirts or suits. Given the house is known for its masterful leather work—remember when it even made a pair of jeans and flannel shirts out of leather?—it was really only a matter of time before they made ties in that material, too. The end result is a true statement accessory.
When A$AP Rocky (a well-noted Bottega boy) hit the British Fashion Awards last year, his shiny red leather tie completely elevated his navy trousers and pull-over jacket. The look gave executive realness—but in a cooler, less-stuffy way. Indeed, his look mimicked the styling seen in Bottega’s show, where the outfits were deliberately pared-back—khaki trousers, luxe zip-up coats—allowing the ties to be the true focal point.
When you think about it, a leather tie really is a smart wardrobe investment. There is a quiet sophistication to the piece, while also adding a bit of sauciness to your 9-to-5 uniform. Sure, the Bottega ones may come in at a whopping $1,000—but you can find more affordable alternatives on the market too, like the $100-ish versions from Nudie Jeans or Agnès B. Buy one now, and thank us later: It’s a spring trend that feels bound to take off, especially now that stars like Rocky are bringing it to the red carpet. I, for one, am here for it; now I can finally match with my dad.
