This is Lionel.
He loves bowties.
For years, Lionel has worn a bowtie every single day.
Bowties aren’t just a fashion statement for Lionel. To him they symbolize individuality and effort, helping Lionel challenge norms, spark discussions about identity, and bridge divides in a playful, approachable way.
The best part? He makes them all from upcycled fabric. Inspired by his mom’s creativity, Lionel turns discarded or sentimental fabrics into artful, wearable pieces, championing resourcefulness and sustainability.
His work embodies beauty, circularity, style, and empathy all at once!
Lionel Loveless is the Founder of Officially Knotted Bowties, where he creates beautiful custom bowties from vintage used fabrics.
Links & Notes:
This episode was recorded in Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, NH
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
Episode Summary
How did you start creating bow ties out of vintage fabrics?
It began with a friend’s wedding. He wanted to honor his grandfather by wearing his suit, but the size difference was enormous—my friend is 6'4", and his grandfather was 5'8". So, I took the suit’s pants and turned them into bow ties, which allowed his grandfather to be part of the ceremony. That sparked the idea of memory gifts, and I realized I could create something healing for others—and for myself—by turning loved ones’ clothing into wearable pieces of art.
Why are bow ties so special to you?
Bow ties represent effort and individuality. When someone wears one, it shows they’ve put thought into their appearance, which creates opportunities for connection. It’s a conversation starter that helps break barriers and bring people together. Plus, tying a bow tie is an art in itself—a beautiful, imperfect expression of personality.
How do you use your work to connect with others?
Every bow tie I create carries love and positive energy, especially when made from a piece of clothing with sentimental value. Customers tell me how these ties help them feel grounded, whether it’s bringing a sense of calm in a stressful boardroom or keeping a loved one’s memory close. When I sew, I feel like I’m channeling that love and putting it back into the fabric.
What’s your philosophy on creativity and healing?
Creating is deeply healing for me, and I try to extend that healing to others. Whether it’s a memory tie for a grieving family or a bold statement piece for someone’s special day, my work aims to bring joy and comfort. Accepting healing moments—both in my art and in life—has been a big lesson for me.
How do you use fashion to challenge norms?
Fashion is my way of addressing stereotypes and ignorance. For instance, I once wore heels to prove to an older customer that breaking her anti-jeans ideology could be liberating. Fashion allows me to spark conversations about identity and acceptance in a non-confrontational, approachable way.
What role does community play in your life and work?
Community is everything to me. My husband and I own two antique shops in New Hampshire, and they’re not just businesses—they’re spaces for connection. I also wear bow ties featuring images of my close friends and community members, drawing strength from them and honoring their importance in my life.
How has public speaking shaped your journey?
Public speaking was once a big fear of mine, but embracing it has been transformative. I’ve hosted award shows, given talks about masculinity, race, and identity, and learned to be vulnerable in front of an audience. These experiences have helped me grow stronger and connect with people on a deeper level.
What’s your take on social media as a small business owner?
Social media is a double-edged sword. It’s crucial for visibility, but constantly posting can drain creativity and authenticity. I’ve stepped back to focus on intentional, meaningful engagement rather than feeling pressured to post daily. This has allowed me to reignite my passion for creating.
What’s the wildest bow tie you’ve made?
I’ve made bow ties out of feathers, latex, and even clay, but one of the funniest was for a doctor who loved quirky designs. I found a bizarre fabric featuring a dog defecating and turned it into a bow tie. It was a hit and brought so much joy to the doctor and his colleagues.
What drives your passion for upcycling?
Upcycling is in my DNA, thanks to my mom. She once made me a Ghostbusters costume from household items, and it taught me the value of creativity and resourcefulness. Through upcycling, I honor that lesson by turning discarded or sentimental fabrics into something beautiful and meaningful.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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