Ruche ties were supplied as part of the wedding hire for my son's wedding, in the 2000's but they were not something I has seen before.

I was sent to work in an office - back in the 1970s and found that it had not yet joined the post Victorian era.

At the induction meeting I was handed the official secrets act to sign and the office dress code - suit and tie. I wasn't sure if they were serious about it or just seeing what I'd do. I had come across ex marines and learned of their strange sense of humour in my teens. It was only for 4 days in the Dockyard - they could have said wear what you usually go to work in, but they didn't. Right then - they had their chance.

I had a dark blue trouser suit, with waistcoat and midi length jacket - due to the length of the trousers I needed the patent leather platform boots, and I borrowed a shirt and tie from one of the boys in the band - purple satin shirt and psychedelic patterned cravat.
I'm sure that there must have been snails looking less astonished on that Tuesday morning.

Anne the Pleater