Custom Bow Tie Designs for J. Willgoose Esq of Public Service Broadcasting

Did you know I make the Bow Ties that Public Service Broadcasting frontman J. Willgoose Esq dons for gigs, press and promo? It is a source of great pride for me and watching him play to crowds from European Tours to Glastonbury all while wearing various custom Wool & Water Bow Ties I have made especially for him has never failed to delight.

So you can imagine my excitement when he got in touch to discuss their latest album Bright Magic and the concept behind it in order to brief me on creating the latest Bow Tie designs to accompany their adventures.

The brief was simple, a bright White Bow Tie...great, easy! But I knew we could do something much more interesting...Mr Willgoose Esq kindly sent me the moodboard and concept behind the album and from that I could see the visual inspirations connected to the source material...in short, Berlin and J Willgoose's personal experience of the city.

J. Willgoose, Esq. says, “I started to get a feeling for where the title of Bright Magic wanted to take me, towards ideas of illumination and inspiration, electricity and flashes of light and colour and sound (all the tracks would eventually be colour coded). I sent it to the rest of the band, and said, I know it’s going to change, but we’ll see how the city itself colours that.” 

- Interview with Louder Sound

From there I started drafting out ideas of incorporating geometric shapes and creating a textured textile by varying the thickness and combination of white cotton threads. 

Once I added in a subtle silver metallic thread (perfect for catching stage lights and bringing that Magic element to life) and achieved the textile I envisioned I sent it over to J. Willgoose Esq for feedback. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. And so the Bow Tie making began.  

I made a plain White Bow Tie as initially requested along with the Textured Geometric design, both knit in 100% Eco Tec, a fibre that blends recycled plastic fibres and Eco Cotton. Then came a request for something very different for a finale number...for the purposes of that live show reveal I shall not share that Bow Tie design at this point but instead urge you to experience the new Public Service Broadcasting tour in person when it starts in October 2021.

To say it has been a tough 12+ months for everyone is a huge understatement. Most people have had their livelihoods directly affected *puts hand up* (not a huge demand for Lockdown Bow Ties understandably) but for those whose creative purpose relies on live events and fans feeling they can safely enjoy and experience music together it has and continues to be especially challenging. And let's not even dive into the consequences of Brexit for touring musicians and bands... so however you can show up I know all bands, including Public Service Broadcasting, will enormously appreciate it.

Now let me know what you think of the Bow Ties! Next on the agenda is discussing a PSB fan version in both Bow Tie Pin and Necklace form...

If you would like to discuss a Custom Bow Tie design with me, you can find the info here including Gift Voucher options should you want to gift someone their very own, custom designed Bow Tie.

And if you would like to hear more from J Willgoose Esq himself about his inspirations and style you can find our previous chats here and here