A few years ago, the sartorial scene started a quiet revolution in the realm of mens accessories. Gone were the days of striped silk ties in primary colors. Or, good gracious style spirits forbid, critter ties and theme-printed ties. Designers started wondering what else they can make ties with, and interestingly, ties in new silhouettes, more contemporary, skinner cuts began to emerge. And later, selvedge denim, leather and knits become new materials to be embraced even in certain formal situations. Then, as the world became more open-minded about pushing the creative boundaries of men’s accessories, bow ties made a comeback from the forgotten old-world of dandyism. If there is someone who truly brought the spotlight back on bow ties (not to dismiss the rally of individual efforts of men everywhere who started donning the gentlemanly ribbon shapes once again), it was French designer Alexis Mabille. Known for his imaginative couture bow ties, it seems like there is no better person to create a bow tie inspired by DC Comic’s ultimate villain, the Joker, to celebrate DC Comics’ 75th Anniversary.

Actually, the collective effort of pairing renowned and talent French designers with DC Comic characters is a joint effort between colette and Warner Bros. Consumer Products. This collaboration of rather epic proportions calls on designers and labels such as Lanvin, Balmain, Pierre Hardy and of course, Alexis Mabille, to create items such as t-shirts and accessories inspired by popular DC Comic superheroes and villains.

Mabille’s Joker Bow Tie is crafted after the unbalanced serial killer villain from Batman, the Joker, who had also once been uncannily reinterpreted by the late Heath Ledger. Like the villain, the bow tie is slightly lop-sided and unbalanced. It is a mix of green and black satin (the Joker’s signature colors) and features a pair of rather inquisitive slanted, embroidered eyes on the front bows.

Quirky and definitely a bow tie that demands more attention than the rest, it will be an interesting item to don with a sleek button down and a suit. Perhaps just not to that black-tie networking function with fellow bankers and partners.