About this project
NICE TO MEET YOU.
My name is Nicholas Tee Ruiz and I make some rather interesting bow ties. I also work for The Museum Modern Art (MoMA) in the Special Programming & Events department. I'm 24 and I have a dream - create awesome bow ties that aren't outsourced and make you feel great. You can find me exploring Forest Hills, Queens, NYC - where I live, bake, and create.
photo credit: Forest Hills, Queens, NYC. ForestHillsClub.org
ONCE UPON A TIME...
What started off as a sustainable way to look dapper for events at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - has blossomed into a forward thinking initiative to re-purpose everyday materials into works of wearable art. In January 2011, I challenged myself to construct 11 unique bow ties designed around the major exhibition openings and benefit events orchestrated by the Special Programming & Events department at MoMA that year. These became: The Bow Tie Collection. The bow ties derived from exhibitions were inspired by talks with curatorial colleagues, artist research, gut feelings, and my technical studies. Benefit events allowed more freedom as I was not constrained but challenged to interpret the events in a creative way.
Bow Tie #1. Assembled February 2011 for Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914. Guitar picks, wooden hanger, super glue. Forest Hills, Queens, New York
photo credit: Picasso Guitars: 1912-1914. The Museum of Modern Art
WHY BOW TIES?
Because who doesn’t love a bow tie! You can’t help but give a little grin when you see one, and putting one on, well that’s just an even more stupendous feeling. Every single penny of your donation will go directly towards helping me start my bow tie start-up. It aint easy being a one man shop - and that’s where you, and you, and YOU come in.
Bow Tie #10. Assembled November 2011 for Contemporary Galleries 1980-Now. Acetaminophen pills, multiple adhesives, plastic knife. Forest Hills, Queens, New York
photo credit: Contemporary Galleries: 1980-Now. Keith Haring. Untitled. 1982. The Museum of Modern Art
I <3 YOUR HELP!
I need your help to launch my bow tie brand, Nicholas Tee, in Fall 2012. The future home of purchasable bow ties, collections and more!
Your $ will go towards: materials and fabrics, production tools, super cool snap clasps, sustainable packaging, licensing, marketing materials, website design, a gallery show and launch events, and all of my Kickstarter backers’ rewards.
Each and every one of you that donates $1 or more will immediately
become part of my team, because frankly, I could not do this without
you. In return, I will reward your support with fun one-of-kind gifts,
including a limited edition suede bow tie, handmade by me for a $150
donation. And everyone that donates at least $10 will be invited to my
gallery launch party this summer. Fun times!
Check back here as I update you on the adventure. I’m excited to share my designs and creations with all of you.
Bow Tie #9. Assembled October/November 2011 for MoMA Film Benefit 2011. Film negatives, MTA MetroCard, super glue. Forest Hills, Queens, New York
photo credit: Film Benefit 2011 honoring Pedro Almodóvar. The Museum of Modern Art
SPREAD THE BOW TIE LOVE.
• like my project Made in Forest Hills on Facebook here.
• share this Kickstarter project with your friends.
• blog about my bow ties.
• tweet nice things to @BowTieBoy
• celebrate #BowTieFriday and wear one!
Bow Tie #6. Assembled July 2011 for Talk to Me: Design and Communication between People and Objects. Computer parts (wiring, cords, and circuit boards), metal wiring, super glue, cork, and paper card stock. Forest Hills, Queens, New York
photo credit: Talk to Me: Design and the Communication between People and Objects. The Museum of Modern Art
WHAT OTHERS HAVE BEEN SAYING.
Bow Tie #2. Assembled March 2011 for the Armory Show 2011 After-Party. LEGOS®, super glue. Forest Hills, Queens, New York
photo credit: Armory Show 2011 After-Party performance by Kate Nash. The Museum of Modern Art
LET'S STAY IN TOUCH.
Follow me on Twitter @BowTieBoy
or email me: info@madeinforesthills.com
Much success, no stress, and lots of happiness!
#bowtielove,
Nicholas Tee Ruiz
A NOTE TO MY BOW TIE BACKERS: Please allow time at the end of the campaign for me to make your rewards and have them delivered safely to your doorstep. There will be two bow tie events, (NYC & CT) and invitations will be emailed. Tee-shirts are currently available in adult sizes S/M/L/XL. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out - Thank you! #bowtielove
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
27
Backers
$10,468
pledged of $15,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on April 20.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
My undying gratitude and a big virtual hug!
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
An invitation to the bow tie launch events (CT gallery opening & NYC party), including beer, wine, cheese and sweets - plus invites to select future events. Your name will also be featured on the "Thank You" page of NicholasTee.com, the future home of purchasable bow ties, Collections, and more - the reason this Kickstarter was created.
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
A Nicholas Tee tote made in the USA from 100% recycled soda, water, and food containers - to reduce your dependence on plastic bags and increase your independent fashion style. All previously listed rewards included. [International shipping please add $10]
Pledge $40 or more Pledge $40 or more
You will receive my very first Nicholas Tee tie-able bow tie designed and handmade by me. This bow tie is sewn from American-made, sustainably-produced, undyed organic fabric -- plus you will receive an invitation to the bow tie launch events (CT gallery opening and NYC party) and your name will be featured on the "Thank You" page on NicholasTee.com. **This level reward is only available for $40 backers and no other rewards listed above or below will include this bow tie.** You can add this $40 reward to any reward listed. Actual retail value is $80. [International shipping please add $15]
Pledge $60 or more Pledge $60 or more
A Nicholas Tee-shirt (get it?) designed on an American Apparel® sustainable ringspun organic cotton t-shirt. All previously listed rewards included. [International shipping please add $15]
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
Bake in style with a Nicholas Tee sustainable cotton apron. All previously listed rewards included. [International shipping please add $20]
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
A limited edition bow tie print (numbered and signed by me), an invitation to my first gallery launch event, and a highlighted feature on the NicholasTee.com “Thank You” page. [International shipping please add $20]
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
A 'Kickstarter" suede-inspired bow tie (only available through this offer), plus the Nicholas Tee tote, an invitation to my first gallery launch event, and a highlighted feature on the NicholasTee.com “Thank You” page. [International shipping please add $15]
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
The 'Kickstarter" suede bow tie, plus the apron, Tee-shirt, tote, invitation, and a highlighted feature on the NicholasTee.com “Thank You” page. [International shipping please add $20]
Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more
@BowTieBoy will DJ one of your private events in New York City. Contact me for more info. Listen here: http://bit.ly/yDho2M
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
I will design and build an exclusive bow tie named and inspired after YOU! This bow tie will be featured and sold on the homepage of NicholasTee.com and the first one will be yours. You will also receive the 'Kickstarter" suede bow tie, the limited edition bow tie print, the specially designed & organic Nicholas Tee-shirt, the tote bag, an invitation to my gallery launch event, and a super special thank you on NicholasTee.com. [International shipping please add $15]
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
A design consultation with me to brainstorm, design, and build your very own bow tie. Bring your own materials or I will happily provide them. You will also receive the 'Kickstarter" suede bow tie, the limited edition bow tie print, the specially designed & organic Nicholas Tee-shirt, the tote bag, an invitation to my gallery launch event, and a super-duper special thank you on NicholasTee.com. [International shipping please add $20]
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
You will receive the complete Bow Tie Collection inspired by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) shadowbox framed, numbered, and personally signed by me. They will be hand delivered (within the tri-state area) or come visit me in Forest Hills, Queens, NYC and I will give you a personal tour of #FoHi. Plus a basket of homemade sugar bow tie cookies with Irish whiskey frosting! [International and domestic shipping rates please contact me]
Project By
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Artist: Nicholas Tee Ruiz
Born: Brandon, Florida
Education: Drexel University
Lives: Forest Hills, Queens, NYC
Works: The Museum of Modern Art
The late French artist Louise Bourgeois is quoted saying, "Once I was beset by anxiety but I pushed the fear away by studying the sky, determining when the moon would come out and where the sun would appear in the morning." Like Bourgeois, I am enamored by the beauty around me and deeply fascinated by our finite existences on this planet. I interpret my anxieties and victories into each and every bow tie I create.
#bowtielove,
Nicholas Tee Ruiz
MadeInForestHills.com
@BowTieBoy
