The Proper Press

Virginia Living: Southern Gents Inspire Fashion

From the December 06' issue of Virginia Living:

OK, so they aren’t made in Virginia, but there’s a connection. Emilie Claire Howard and Reagan Elizabeth Hardy, belles from the Tennessee Delta and Carolina coast, have rolled out a new male fashion line, Southern Proper. Their “Beaus and Gents” collection of clothing, ties and accessories is a smooth mixture of Southern heritage and distinctive style for the “southern men they adore.” Of particular Virginia interest? Our state flower, the dogwood, featured against backgrounds of various colors.

Southern Proper Spotting in New York Daily News

Southern Gentleman, Gavin Montgomery Maxwell of Manhattan, charms First Niece, Ashley Bush, in a Southern Proper cotton boll Beau.

Southern Proper in the AJC: Ties ho-hum? Knot!

Ties ho-hum? Knot!

By NEDRA RHONE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/15/06

There isn't much variation in men's clothing. But ties are one way that even the most conservative guy can engage in a little self-expression.

"We want guys to pick ties they can relate to and connect with," said Emmie Howard, who launched Southern Proper with friend Reagan Hardy in March. Black Labradors, cotton blossoms, pink pigs and gray catfish are just a few of the traditional Southern icons adorning the line of ties that they call "conversation starters."

This fall, more men are experimenting with vibrant colors and bold prints, said Howard and Hardy, who noted that orange, purple and pink are some of their most popular colors. Many men also are returning to a more retro look with ties in paisley, polka dot or swirl-pattern prints.

Once again, the fashion pendulum has swung.

"In the last two years, there was a big swing... (read more)

Skirt Magazine - Sept. 2006

From the September issue of Skirt Magazine:

"Reagan Hardy and Emmie Henderson Howard - are fit to be tied.

Two things these business partners and former sorority sisters love more than anything—southern men and fashion.“In that order!” says Emmie. So it was a no-brainer when the entrepreneurial duo came up with the plan for Southern Proper, a haberdashery for gentlemen.The fledgling company specializes in neck and bow ties with southern themes, and they are flying off the shelves at H. Stocktons around Atlanta.The friends met seven years ago at Brenau Women’s College in Gainesville. Early on, they both agreed,“There’s nothing better than a man in a seersucker suit and a bowtie.” Designing their line with that picture in mind, they’ve tapped into a market of men who appreciate preppiness in all its glory."

Southern Proper - "Find of the Month" - in the Atlanta Magazine!

Southern Proper on the AJC.com: Friendship ties lead to a proper business

By CAROLINE WILBERT
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/24/06

Over cheeseburgers and tater tots at the Vortex in Midtown, Emmie Henderson suggested to her friend Reagan Hardy that they start a men's clothing business.
Hardy, the daughter of two entrepreneurs, immediately liked the idea.

"We are both passionate about two things," Hardy explained recently in her eastern North Carolina drawl. "Southern men and fashion."

A year and a half after that conversation, the women are running a growing business called Southern Proper that sells neckties with Southern themes — cotton, catfish, peanuts, etc. Their ties are sold by 53 retailers in 11 states.

Find the rest of the article here:

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/atlanta/stories/bctxties0824a.html

Southern Proper in Y'all Magazine: July / August 2006

Southern Proper has an article in the July/August issue of >Y'all Magzine - "The Magazine of Southern People" - please click below to view the article as a PDF.

Y'all Magazine PDF