The lavalieres - The signature of Inoui Editions
Lavallière - chic & delicate | Inoui Editions
The Lavallière: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Originating in the 17th century, the lavallière takes its name from the ribbons worn by the Duchess of La Vallière at the court of Louis XIV. Worn by 19th-century dandies and embraced by artists, intellectuals, and fashion icons, it has spanned the ages without ever becoming stale.
Halfway between a scarf, a bow, and a tie, the lavallière is a hybrid accessory—free-spirited and bold. At Inoui Editions, it becomes a canvas for expression in its own right: graphic, elegant, and freely styled. Reimagined in luxurious fabrics and adorned with exclusive designs, it is worn as a statement piece—a textile accent capable of transforming an entire look.
Lavallière, tie, ascot, bow tie: what are the differences?
These four accessories share a common space—the collar and neckline—but each has its own distinct character.
The tie is long, structured, and associated with formality. The bow tie plays on symmetrical elegance and unapologetic whimsy. The ascot is worn tucked into the neckline of a white shirt or an open collar, creating a more enveloping effect.
The lavallière stands out for its suppleness and freedom of wear. Narrower and longer than an ascot, it ties fluidly, without stiffness. It is the accessory of the spontaneous gesture, the detail that says something without trying to overdo it.
How to wear a lavallière?
Thanks to its flexibility and elongated shape, the lavallière can be worn in a multitude of ways, depending on your style and preference:
Tied around the neck, in a classic knot or as a romantic bow, over a white shirt or a bare neck. Draped loosely over a shirt collar, as a contrast over a sweater, or under a jacket. Tied in the hair like a soft headband or around a bun. Worn as a belt at the waist to accentuate a silhouette or give a dress a fresh look. Attached to a bag’s handle with a pin or a discreet knot, like a signature textile detail.
Unisex and versatile, it adapts to every style: formal, casual, androgynous, or poetic.
A Noble Fabric: Silk
Our cravats are crafted from 100% silk, woven in India using time-honored textile techniques. Fluid and luminous, the silk brings out every nuance of the design and moves naturally with the body. Its lightness and luster make it the perfect accessory, whether for everyday wear or a special occasion.
Exclusive illustrations created in our French studio
Each cravat begins as a story—drawn, imagined, and composed by hand by our in-house artists. Our designs come to life in our French design studio, with the same meticulous attention to detail as a work of art on canvas. Color, line, and scale are carefully considered to express themselves through the fabric’s movement.
Our lavallière ties are not mere fashion accessories: they are narrative pieces that offer a perspective on the world—free, sensitive, sometimes dreamlike, always unique.
Manufacturing: expertise rooted in India
Inoui Editions entrusts the production of its pieces to a long-standing partner based in India, where traditional textile craftsmanship is kept alive. Weaving, printing, finishing: each lavallière is the result of meticulous handwork, carried out with respect for the craft and the material. A long and precious tradition that we are committed to honoring through our collections.
Everything you need to know about our bow ties
A Lavaliere is a long, narrow scarf designed to be tied effortlessly around the neck, in the hair or at the waist. First seen in the 17th century and popularised by stylish women in the 19th, it embodies a sense of free, refined and androgynous style. By turns romantic, intellectual or bold, it moves through the decades without ever losing its allure.
Silk is the material of choice for a Lavaliere. Fluid and luminous, it reveals every nuance of the design. Some collections also offer Lavalieres in cotton or lightweight wool for cooler seasons.
Absolutely. The bow tie works just as well for women as it does for men. With its bold, expressive design, it transcends gender boundaries with elegance and complements every style, from the most formal to the most casual.
Our cravats come in a variety of sizes depending on the collection. The width ranges from 5 to 10 cm, and the length from 67 to 120 cm. These dimensions allow for a wide range of tying styles, from the classic knot to a looser, more graphic look.
We recommend dry cleaning first and foremost. If you prefer to hand wash, use cold water and mild soap, and avoid rubbing or wringing. Avoid machine drying and direct sunlight to preserve the brightness and vibrancy of the colors.