This is one Id really like Paul to write about.
Do you mean pinning the collar?
I have pinned the collar with a large gold safety pin, however, I've never actually pinned a necktie. On a slight tangent, I find tie-pins tacky.
Both Fred Astaire and Tony Biddle used pins to secure their neckties.Astaire also would close the collar of his shirt above the top button with a pin if he wasn't wearing a tie.
Back in (when?) the 80's? 70's? Probably mid to late 70's The Duke of Edinburgh wore a sterling Silver safety pin through his tie in the manner FNB mentions & got himself in the papers. It came from Jermyn Street I think, & cost a couple of hundred. Hawes & Curtis sounds wrong, but he wore a lot of H&C at the time. Then again maybe it was Asprey... Not that Asprey were ever on Jermyn Street...
Anyway, everybody hooted at it thinking the Duke was on his uppers 'till the truth came out & then all the so-called-experts on style went a bit quiet. I remember that the Daily Mail looked especially foolish over this one.
A nice stylish look to catch all those who think they are in the know out.
Thinking about it the pin was spotted at some function (Polo? Something horsey anyway) post mainstream Punk (June '76) and that was why it got the attention. Maybe it was '77.
Here to help -
Miles.
I just happened across an image of this the other day. Seen here:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4686/1648/1600/AFBeppedetail.jpg
Why the hell would I want to:
1. Ruin a perfectly good tie by piercing a hole in it.
2. Wear anything that remotely resembles a safety pin on any article of clothing, unless I was a hobo.
What's next, bobby pins on our french shirt cuffs?
I've seen ties pinned like that in England but don't think I've noticed one in the States.
Sticking pins in ties rarely leaves a pemanent hole. If you dont believe me, experiment with one youve ruined.