Drawing from the Uncommon: Designs by Josh Bach Limited
By Josh Hagy

Years of formal training in architecture lead most men to a lifetime designing skyscrapers, hotels and a variety of other buildings. For Josh Bach, it has led to a successful career designing neckties, pens, boxers, and other gifts for men. Granted, that’s quite a leap from one career path to another, but for Josh that leap has proved to be a move well taken. His products have been featured around the country in magazines, as well as on the necks of more than a few celebrity fans.

Ironically, even with his more than modest success in the fashion industry, most people think that Josh is just a figment of Madison Avenue’s imagination. “You can't imagine how often I encounter people who think Josh Bach is a made up name, fabricated only for the sake of brand creation,” Josh writes. “Actually it is a made up name, created by my parents, not by Madison Avenue. So, I really do exist...and really do design the products...and even pick up the phone.” Even with this touch of anonymity, Josh finds his work in the spotlight more often than not.

His ties have been featured in movies, television series and magazines, but that’s not the only recognition Josh has garnered. Celebrities, anchormen and other television personalities have been known to sport a Josh Bach original on occasion, and if that doesn’t put the Windsor knot in your tie, five of Josh’s designs have been added to the permanent collection of the Fashion Institute Museum. And his designs continue to receive rave reviews from coast to coast.

The San Andreas Fault necktie has received glowing reviews from The San Francisco Chronicle and The Los Angeles Times Magazine. The Times wrote:

In S. California, we love earthquake scare stories…but shaky nerves are no excuse to let neckwear fall between the cracks. We recommend the San Andreas Fault Tie…

Pick up any gift guide or fashion magazine and you are bound to find a Josh Bach original in its pages somewhere, a fact that thrills Josh to no end. “I’m not sure if surprised is the right word for it. It’s thrilled me knowing that others appreciate my designs,” he says. Considering the uncommon, yet colorful background of their creator, it is no wonder that the products have managed to catch the eye of the fashionable and trendy.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Josh began his journey in the working world as an art director for an advertising firm. Feeling the need to find something with more freedom of expression, Josh took a leap of faith and founded Josh Bach Limited. “I decided that I wanted to work for myself and be in charge of creative decisions, so I quit my job as an art director in advertising and jumped into something I knew nothing about. I’m not sure I know that much more now, but I think that’s a good thing,” he joked. He may joke about his knowledge of the fashion business, but his success is certainly no laughing matter.

With formal training as both an architect and an art director, Josh has a rich history to draw on for both inspiration and guidance. “I draw from my rich experiences in both disciplines to create unique, original products meant to catch the eye,” he writes. The designs vary greatly, from subway maps, nighttime constellations and even dog bones. “Whether it's bold artwork from the New York City subway map or the subtle pattern of the nighttime constellations, I strive to create clever, creative and very wearable interpretations of the everyday.” If that isn’t enough to keep him busy, his designs aren’t even limited to just ties.

Josh Bach Limited also produces boxer shorts, valet trays, a recently released, specially designed “Thinker Pen” that evokes the image of the famous statue, to catch-alls designed to hold just about anything. Josh’s designs are definitely at the height of fashion, but he cautions his customers not to buy his products for that reason alone. “Don't buy my products because of trends, buy them because they strike a connection, because they make you smile, or because they evoke fond memories. That's their true intent,” he said. Despite the fact that his designs are not intended solely to be fashionable, they are doubtless on the cutting edge of fashion and made right here in America.

The company even offers custom designed neckties or scarves—fashionable mementos for companies, schools, museums, or anyone looking to create and keep a truly unique gift. He has been commissioned to design neckwear for such prestigious events as Super Bowl XXXVIII and clients as varied as the International Spy Museum, the Metropolitan Opera Guild and the National Steinbeck Center.

Josh Bach Limited is located in New York City, at the South Street Seaport in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. “It is this truly unique combination of circumstances that makes our products uncommon by design,” writes Josh. “We know you’ll enjoy them.” We certainly do, Josh.

For more information about Josh Bach Limited, log on to the company’s Web site at www.joshbach.com, where you’ll find dozens of thoughtfully designed ties, boxers and elegant pens that will sure to be a delight. You can also order a free catalog to get a closer look at what makes Josh Bach truly “Uncommon by Design.”



All Labs is proud to offer two distinctive Josh Bach’s neckties- Paw Prints & Dog Bones along with the attractive Paw Print Boxers in our on-line store. Be sure to take a look and get your collection started today!