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Photographer Makes Stunning Fashion Statements With Metal, Paper And Snakeskin Bow Ties

By Rachel Cromidas in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 8, 2015 3:45PM

Justin Barbin is a bow tie fashion alchemist—turning materials like brass and feathers into fashion-forward suit-and-bow tie combinations.

When Barbin isn't photographing people and events for local news outlets, the 26-year-old from Edgewater is scouring crafts fairs and online speciality shops for unique fashion accessories.

Chief among them are his growing collection of bow ties—made from materials as strange and diverse as metal, origami paper, pheasant feathers, zebra wood and snakeskin—which he meticulously curates into formalwear ensembles and chronicles in his Instagram, @justinbarbin, Facebook and blog.

"I've always been interested in the effect of what dressing well does for me," Barbin told Chicagoist. "It boosts my confidence and the way I view myself. I've always played around with what makes me feel better about myself and i guess it's evolved into my career, which involves a lot of attending galas, openings, parties and other events."

Barbin also said his fashion inclinations step from wanting to disrupt the cultural expectation that women put more effort into—and get scrutinized more for—their fashion choices than men.

"I have three little sisters, whom I'm very protective of, and lead by example to show them that dressing up doesn't have to be anxiety-inducing," he said. "It should be a fun, creative process that aids in finding what makes you feel the most confident."

As big fans of the bow tie and its ability to dress up or dress down a outfit for almost any occasion, we certainly had fun clicking through Barbin's looks.

[H/T Buzzfeed]