MANILA, Philippines?Leave it to prep school bad boy Chuck Bass of ?Gossip Girl? to get all tied up with a men?s trend that dates back to the 18th century. Perhaps in between classes, Bass? stylist had gazed into the runway crystal ball and found out that bow ties would be all the rage in menswear this season.

Yet every cravat comes with a caveat. Bow ties as fashion accessory represent a style paradox. Both the debonair, martini-shaking James Bond and the cannonball-shooting Krusty the Clown wear them.

Worn the right way, the bow tie could spell worldly sophisticate or New England preppy. Worn wrong, however, it could scream carnival cotton-candy maker.

The bow tie, like many modern fashion pieces, had a practical and functional origin, all the way back to Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian Wars of the 17th century. The Croats used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. The French soon adopted the look (hence the name ?cravat,? French for ?Croat?), and bow ties flourished as a men?s fashion staple in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Lately, the bow tie has been crossing over from prom nights, James Bond flicks, and the red carpet into runway looks that are both practical and stylish.

Taking off from the American aristocrat motif is designer Tommy Hilfiger, who commented during his 2008 Fall fashion show: ?I?m always interested in nautical preppy and the international sophisticate.? Bow ties and cardigans figured prominently in his runway designs.

Bow ties also made a bow in the Moschino show, appearing in Brat Pack-meets-Las Vegas ensembles and paired with two-toned patent shoes.

Over at Lanvin, menswear featured everything from pajamas to tuxes. Silk lent a ?bed wear? effect to the tailored pieces, with little silk curved bow ties as the unifying highlight.

As an alternative to the stiff, corporate rat-like necktie, the little bow tie is a fun, elegant style statement. Men, get ready to take a bow.

E-mail the author at jfashion@inquirer.com.ph