Can design history feel more approachable—not just something people visit in a museum or study in architecture books, but something they can actually wear? The Tie Bar thinks so. Case in point: a limited-edition collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation inspired by Chicago’s famed Midway Gardens, the now-demolished 1914 entertainment complex where architecture, ornament, landscape and performance came together in an almost otherworldly environment.
Honoring one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, the collection translates Wright’s sculptural Sprites, stained-glass patterns, prairie motifs and architectural sketches into silk ties, pocket squares, cufflinks and tie bars. For Michelle Kohanzo, president of The Tie Bar, the project became a way to make Wright’s legacy feel not only collectible but personal, a piece of Chicago design history carried into daily life.
Can you walk us through the design process of translating Midway Gardens—its Sprites, stained-glass patterns, prairie motifs and architectural sketches—into something as personal and wearable as a tie or pocket square?
One of the most fascinating aspects of designing this collection was working from a place that no longer physically exists. Because Midway Gardens was demolished more than a century ago, our team relied heavily on archival sketches, photographs, architectural renderings and surviving artifacts to piece together a visual understanding of the space. We also immersed ourselves in Frank Lloyd Wright’s broader body of work—visiting local sites, studying his writings and exploring the principles that shaped his approach to architecture and ornamentation.
Rather than simply reproducing historical imagery, we wanted to capture the spirit of Midway Gardens and reinterpret it through a contemporary lens. We were particularly drawn to the way Wright employed repetition throughout the project, from the iconic Sprites to the geometric patterns and prairie-inspired motifs woven into the architecture itself. Those recurring visual rhythms translated beautifully into accessories, allowing us to create sophisticated and wearable pieces and prints while honoring the artistry and innovation that made Midway Gardens a remarkable work of design.
Midway Gardens no longer exists, but it remains an important part of Chicago’s design history. What drew you to this particular Wright project?
From the outset, we knew we wanted this collection to celebrate a uniquely Chicago story. As we explored potential inspirations, we kept coming back to Midway Gardens because it embodied so many things that make Chicago’s design legacy extraordinary—ambition, creativity, cultural significance and a willingness to push boundaries.
We were captivated by the scale of the project, the vision behind it as a gathering place for the community and of course the unforgettable Sprites, which remain among Wright’s most distinctive artistic creations. There was also something deeply compelling about the fact that such an influential and beautiful space existed for such a brief moment in time. This collection became an opportunity not only to celebrate Wright’s creativity, but also to reintroduce Midway Gardens to a new generation and shine a light on a chapter of Chicago’s design history that deserves to be remembered.
The Tie Bar is known for accessible, everyday style. How do you think collaborations like this can make design history feel more approachable in daily life?
One of the things I love most about accessories is their ability to tell a story. A tie, pocket square or pair of socks may seem like a small detail, but those pieces often become conversation starters and expressions of personal identity. Collaborations like this allow people to carry a piece of design history with them in a way that feels natural and accessible.
My hope is that someone discovers this collection because they appreciate the design, and then becomes curious about the story behind it. If wearing a pocket square inspired by Midway Gardens encourages someone to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago’s architectural heritage or the lasting influence of great design, then we’ve created something that goes beyond fashion. At its best, design has the power to connect us to history, culture and place—and this collection offers a small but meaningful way to bring that connection into everyday life.
Greek-born Vasia Rigou is a writer, editor, and curator. Her appreciation for art began early, shaped by her family’s meticulously planned, culture-packed trips across Europe—complete with every museum stop imaginable. Much of her work, writing about visual art, design, and culture can be found at Newcity, Chicago’s leading culture publication, where she serves as editor. She also regularly contributes to Artnet News and to international magazines OnOffice and ICON. In her curatorial practice she explores themes of identity, intimacy, and belonging. You can usually find her gallery hopping around the city—occasionally with her toughest (and tiniest) critic, baby Benjamin, whose current favorite medium is finger paint. Say hi on Instagram or at rigouvasia.com.
