I, along with every living fashion follower, have fallen head-over-heels in love with the maximalist magic that is Alessandro Michele‘s Gucci. I’ve already written about my current preoccupation with all things bug related (of which there were many in the Gucci Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 shows), including a particularly stunning jeweled ladybug tie and ant-infested suit—both of which I want on my body now. But since I’m not currently possessed of the funds required to make that dream a reality, I decided to try my hand at a more easily approximated accessory. The Gucci bow tie is no mere ribbon wrapped casually around the neck. It’s beaded and bee embroidered and styled with a flower brooch on top for good measure. It also takes only about a half an hour to replicate with pretty good success, if I do say so myself.
For this project, you’ll need the following:
• 1 1/2″ red grosgrain ribbon
• iron-on bee patches
• needle and thread
• black bugle beads
• black artificial flower
• pin back
• hot glue
1. To make the bow tie, cut a length of red ribbon long enough to tie around the collar of a shirt and hang to the bust. Add about an inch to the length to account for the seams.
2. Fold about half of an inch over on each end and press with a hot iron until you have a good crease.
3. Using a needle and thread, sew a line of bugle beads along the ends to secure the hems.
4. Place a bee patch just above the end of the ribbon, cover with a thin cloth and press down firmly for 20-30 seconds. Flip the ribbon over, cover with the cloth and repeat for 20-30 seconds. Do the same thing on the other end.
5. To make the flower brooch, first cut the wire stems off of the back of the flower.
6. Apply hot glue to the pin back and press to the back of the flower. Let cool.
