After a successful 2023, Warren Alfie Baker, a powerful stylist, is now venturing into the world of designing vintage-inspired neckwear. His flair for creating retro red-carpet magic, as witnessed on clients Andrew Garfield, Sir Patrick Stewart, Lewis Pullman, Glen Powell, Matt Bomer, and Patrick Dempsey, is now accessible to the masses through his collaboration with The Tie Bar. The newly launched seven-piece collection, available online and at The Tie Bar’s Chicago flagship, showcases Baker’s signature Beatles-meets-Saville Row sensibility. The collection features vintage-inspired neckwear ranging from $24-28, constructed using 100 percent silk in modern or traditional widths. The designs include handpainted florals, plum and teal tonal colorways with chevron graphics, abstract wave prints, and a “very controversial” black organza scarf tie reminiscent of British Dandies and Mick Jagger’s 1960s style.
Baker has always drawn inspiration from the fashion of the 1950s and 60s, especially from iconic figures like The Beatles and Paul McCartney in Get Back. His love for vintage British menswear and his British roots are evident in the aesthetics of his collection. The vintage texture of the handpainted florals gives them a washed-out look, reminiscent of a wet painting, adding a touch of nostalgia to the pieces. In his own words, “I always am drawn to a brown-reddy; some people just don’t like brown, so I need to start a campaign for it.”
In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Baker shares insights on his creative process and personal fashion philosophies. He credits his long-standing relationship with The Tie Bar for giving him the opportunity to craft custom pieces for clients such as Zachary Levi, wherein they designed a unique tie for his Shazam press tour. He also discusses the controversial scarf tie, stating that it has both Western-y and masculine/femme vibes.
Baker further explains his design inspirations for each piece in the collection, depicting them as versatile accessories that are suitable for both formal and casual wear. He also shares his perspective on the resurgence of high-waisted pants, citing his belief in its timelessness and classic appeal. His go-to holiday gift selections include classic jewelry pieces, adding a touch of gold for a more sophisticated and sexy look for men.
Speaking of red carpet essentials, Baker emphasizes the importance of a classic mini steamer, stating that he goes through them frequently, and mutters, “My hubby tells me, ‘you didn’t leave another one, did you?'” He also suggests using double-sided tape for men’s collars of shirts to keep them clean and crisp.
When asked about his thoughts on the “Nobu Style” trend popularized by Travis Kelce, Baker acknowledges the influence of street style in Los Angeles, stating that the “Nobu style” aligns with L.A.’s streetwear culture. He prefers to stay true to his own fashion philosophy and let trends evolve on their own, focusing more on classic aesthetics.
As a renowned stylist and now a designer, Warren Alfie Baker’s foray into the world of vintage-inspired neckwear marks a milestone in his career. His signature flair for combining classic aesthetics with modern sensibilities offers a unique and sophisticated twist to everyday menswear. With its timeless designs and versatile options, the Warren Alfie Baker x Tie Bar collection is a testament to Baker’s enduring influence on the fashion world.
