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"Tie Wearer of the Year 2011" to receive stainless steel tie made of material from ThyssenKrupp Nirosta

The German Fashion Institute will tomorrow name the winner of the 35th "Tie Wearer of the Year" award. This year's winner will be announced on December 20. In recent years, this title has been bestowed in cooperation with the city of Krefeld. The winner, whose identity is still a well-kept secret, will receive a stylized tie made of stainless steel from ThyssenKrupp Nirosta created by Björn Kaufner. "Out of respect for the winner-to-be," the award will be presented in Berlin for the first time.

The sculpture comprises a tie made of cold-rolled stainless steel mounted on a stepped glass base. The metal artist Kaufner fashioned the approx. 32 centimeter long tie by hand from a tube. The knot was also cut from a stainless steel tube and welded to the main section. "I have had the honor of creating this miniature artwork for the winner for six years now. The high-quality material symbolizes the elegance and style of the Tie Wearer of the Year", says Kaufner about his work.

The German Fashion Institute has named a "Tie Wearer of the Year" every year since 1965. "Each year we honor a public figure who wears a tie with style," explains Gerd Müller-Thomkins, head of the Institute. The first winner was actor and presenter Hans-Joachim Kulenkampff. Well-known personalities from the worlds of politics, TV and sport have succeeded him. Last year, ZDF anchorman Claus Kleber won the award. Who will it be this year? We will find out tomorrow.