After decades of accessorizing the pocket-protector crowd, the bow tie is following clear glasses, suspenders and cardigans in becoming the latest nerd-turned-hipster style trend.

Geek chic gained coastal momentum three years ago from runways and diverse trendsetting gentlemen such as Andre 3000 and David Beckham, but bow tie history dates back to 17th century Croatia, starting as a functional solution to hold shirts together. During the subsequent two centuries, the French aristocracy adopted and evolved the look into the charming fashion statement that we recognize today. While French-American relations have been testy in recent years, The Weekly is reporting from the high road to say merci for this sophisticated style.

via Sam Glaser of Las Vegas Weekly