a fashion message in orpen's treaty of versailles

William Orpen's painting The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28 June 1919 struck me the other day with something I'd never put together.

Look at the incredible variety of neckwear, especially against the ages of the men wearing it.   1919 was one of those weird times in fashion when things were a bit up in the air.

Lots and lots of high, starched Eton collars, practically up to the chin, with the tie tied at the bottom of the collar rather than at the button as we now do it.   Several wing collars.   A few bows done in the style of the late 19th century.   A few modern bows.   The occasional 'modern' cravat.   A sprinkling of perennial military styles, never really in or out of fashion.

At least one cross tie:

And what do you call this?  It's something Nat Cole or Dion would have worn on a TV special in 1961.

Then there's this straight, colored tie, one of the two in the painting, but tied and worn in the old style:

But there's one —– count 'em, one —– modern, patterned straight tie, worn with a straight collar.

Woodrow Wilson, ladies and gentlemen.