It wasn’t the nail biting fourth quarter of the Giants/Patriots game Sunday night that caught my attention, it was the halftime show. Cliché I know. But specifically, it was the ascot ties that Tom Petty and another member of the Heartbreakers were sporting during their performance.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Superbowl. Photo: Doug Pensinger, Getty Images.

Just last week, MR’s web editor, Harry Sheff and I were discussing the relevance of ascots and if guys even wore them anymore. It seems some Americans have a certain perception of ascots. GQ’s Style Guy, Glenn O’Brien comments on men.style.com saying, “Wearing an ascot is tricky. Some men can do it effortlessly, while others will look pretentious no matter how they wear one…Once a chic accessory for informal occasions, the ascot is now a rare sight. When one is sighted, it is often considered a mark of affectation, ostentation or foppishness.” When I saw the band on TV Sunday I began to question if The Heartbreakers were onto the next trend in neckwear or a major fashion faux pas.

O’Brien explains, “It is named for Ascot Heath, in England, a famed horse-racing track where this tie was popularized at the Royal Ascot race, a showcase for fashion plates since 1711. What Americans commonly refer to as an ascot is a sort of scarf usually worn around the neck inside one’s open shirt collar to dress up a casual look.” According to dress-better.com, ascot ties where later made popular in the 1960s by guys who wore them in a less formal, mod way.

Even actor Jeremy Piven wore an ascot to the 2006 Emmy awards when he won best supporting actor for HBO’s TV series, “Entourage.”

Jeremy Piven. Photo: Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images.

Scarves are popular among young guys, so will the ascot be the next movement in neckwear furnishings? And as vintage and dress up continue to be two trends for fall ‘08, will the 60s mod look be the next inspiration to make its mark on the contemporary market? Is the young guy going to ditch the skinny tie and opt for an ascot? I’m curious to see the verdict is in this ascot debate, but in the meantime, congratulations to the Giants for bringing the Superbowl win back to New York!!

Left: Houndstooth Desert Scarf from Urban Outfitters.