Abbott Combes was an editor at The New York Times Magazine. Among other things, he helped create its “About Men” column. He died this past Friday. I didn’t know Mr. Combes, only his writing. I suppose you could say I knew him through is writing, but I would never be so bold. Better that I let Rob Walker to share a little bit about the man.
I leave you with some of Mr. Combes’ words from The Way We Live Now: 11-14-99: Tastes; Secrets and Ties:
I wear ties, and buy ties, because I like them, and I like them because in good weather or foul, in crisis or celebration, they bring color into my life. I wear ties because although they are the most striking emblem of male conformity, they are also the easiest means of expressing individuality. I wear ties because I don’t have to, because in an increasingly dressed-down, homogenized world, they can set you apart. I wear ties because they nurture the inner fop. Also the outer one.
