XO Style Introduces the Aluminum Bow Tie: A Sleek New Option in the Growing Bow Tie Trend

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"We believe these bow ties have a broad appeal in the wedding and hospitality industries, also attracting professionals, teens and anyone with a playful sense of style. There are so many possibilities and finish options, the sky really is the limit.”

Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 13, 2013

XO Style is the collaboration of Oregon toolmakers Dustin Hobbs & Ken Bybee. The young company will produce innovative lifestyle accessories; recreating classic designs by using metals to replace traditional materials, like fabric. Their first product is a playful twist on the conventional bow tie: a dual purpose, aluminum bow tie and hair bow with a variety of uses. The prototypes are handmade, but to meet anticipated demand XO Style needs to invest in tooling to increase production capacity. They’ve launched a crowd funding campaign through Kickstarter to raise the $30,000 in start up costs needed to begin production. The campaign runs from September 12 – October 17, and if successful, will bring two styles of bow ties to market just in time for the holiday season.

“When you work with die making and metal stamping long enough, you begin to think everything could be more interesting using a stamped aluminum design. Because of the tactile quality of fabric bow ties, we thought it would be fun and unexpected to make aluminum bows,” says co-creator, Dustin Hobbs of the project.

Bow ties are experiencing a renaissance, especially amongst millennial men, and with bow ties projected to own a 7% share of the $850 million U.S. neckwear market this year , the timing is perfect for a new type of bow tie. Both the Slim and Butterfly bows are bound to turn heads as a true unisex accessory, whether they’re worn with a formal tux, a pair of jeans and button down shirt, or as a headband or hair-tie.

Using aluminum plays up the popularity of techy gadgets: smart phones, tablets and other mobile technology, offering a fashionable accent to correspond with the trend. XO Style’s bow ties bring tech and fashion together, simultaneously helping make the bow tie a more accessible and approachable everyday accessory.

Co-creator, Ken Bybee discusses the varied uses; “We believe they’ll have a broad appeal in the wedding, hospitality and restaurant industries, but will also attract professionals, teens and anyone with a playful sense of style. There are so many possibilities and finish options, the sky really is the limit.”

Both styles of bow have a removable centerpiece, with 18 finishes to choose from for maximum versatility. Powerful neodymium magnets firmly hold the aluminum bow to a clasp on the fabric neck strap, making them easy to wear and removing the obstacle of knowing how to properly tie a tie. Each kit includes a Slim or Butterfly bow, clasp and hairclip, carrying case, and interchangeable centerpiece.

XO Style Bow Tie Details & Pricing

• Made in Portland, Oregon from lightweight aluminum, they weigh just 1.4 ounces.
• Finish Options
• 14 Standard Colors are available in glossy or matte anodized colors: blue, black, white, green, red, orange, yellow, pink, brown, purple, turquoise, antique brass, gray, and silver.
• 3 Premium Finishes include: copper, chrome and gold. These finishes are polished to a beautiful sheen.
• The metal centers are made from steel and painted with the same high gloss paint used on cars. 18 colors to choose from.
• Several package and pricing options are available through the Kickstarter campaign starting with early bird pricing for a pledge of $50 to the first 50 pledges. There are four pledge packages to choose from for all levels of supporters. Details can be found on the Kickstarter page.

About XO Style
XO Style was born from parent company Die Masters Inc., a small manufacturing, stamping, and machine shop, located just outside of Portland, OR. While Die Masters manufactures tools, dies and metal stamped products for other companies XO Style is dedicated to producing and designing their own brand of fashion and lifestyle accessories. All stamping, forming, machining, and assembly of their products will be completed at the Die Masters Inc. facility. The company works with local vendors on finishing, painting, plating, and sewing to ensure all of their products are U.S. made. After the success of the Kickstarter, products will be available for purchase directly through the company’s website and at select retailers. Stay up to date on XO Style's Facebook page.

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