After nine years working in banking in the United States, Rishi Chullani was tired of dealing with men who didn't know how to properly wear a tie. All too often their ties clashed with their suits, would get scruffily thrown over their shoulders, or simply hang at odd angles. Chullani wanted to start a tie company that would not only provide stylish ties for professionals, but also make sure they wore them right.

first and foremost we adore the patterns, bright colours and playful printed choices, such as the dodo birds. All of the ties are 100 per cent silk (both woven and printed) with a wool-cotton interlining that provides enough substance for a chunky knot and straight drape. Each tie comes with a card telling you which colours to wear it with, and a small transparent plastic fixture that

anchors the tie to a shirt button. How has no one thought of this before?

although normally suckers for more graphic ties, in this case we'd go for the Woodbridge Regimental Stripes tie in purple and lilac (above right; US$45): a light, raffish tie that would go nicely with a summer ensemble or add a splash of colour to a navy business suit. The Ashby Rings tie in blue and royal blue (above left; US$45) is a fun choice for more conservative dressers.