Not a Harness: The *Alternative* BDSM-Inspired Accessory That Jacob Elordi Is Transforming into a Trend

      Reflect back to early 2019. It's January, and Timothée Chalamet has just stepped onto the red carpet at the Golden Globes, sporting a couture harness designed by the late Louis Vuitton menswear creator and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh. (Later, the actor from Marty Supreme mentioned to Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that he was informed it was actually a bib, not a harness, a clarification confirmed by the brand.) He received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Beautiful Boy, but it was his sequined, BDSM-inspired accessory that captured everyone's attention that evening and in the following weeks. Suddenly, harnesses were trending, with Michael B. Jordan also wearing one at the SAG Awards shortly after (his was also designed by Abloh). While harnesses—err, bibs—didn't last long on the men's red carpet, the micro-trend made a significant impact on men's fashion. Traditional, simple tuxedos were replaced; during the award season, menswear needed an element of surprise and uniqueness to attract admiration, whether it was a brooch or an extremely unbuttoned shirt, both of which have gained popularity in recent years. As we begin a new year, another BDSM-inspired accessory is emerging.

      In just the first few days of 2026, Jacob Elordi has introduced not one but two leather ties, both crafted by the actor's close friends at Bottega Veneta. They exude subtlety, allure, and luxury in an unexpectedly refined manner. An accessory that could easily appear, well, cheap looks anything but when styled effectively. It certainly helps that Elordi is the one wearing it, and he paired the leather tie with two custom-tailored suits from the new creative director of the Italian brand, Louise Trotter.

      Elordi’s leather ties have become his signature on the red carpet since the start of 2026, but he was already incorporating them into his wardrobe before the new year. Back in October, he wore one to a special screening of his new film, Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, in New York City. It was black with a subtle sheen, matched with a navy-blue double-breasted suit, a gray shirt, and black Intrecciato shoes, all from Bottega Veneta. He completed the look with red-tinted sunglasses—the same pair he wore at the Critics Choice Awards the previous night.

      On January 3, Elordi began award season in Palm Springs at the 37th Palm Springs International Film Awards, where he again chose Bottega Veneta. This time, he wore a custom single-breasted suit in a soft oat color, perfect for the event's locale. Less predictable for Palm Springs was his Fondant leather tie, which only added to the accessory's allure.

      Lastly, at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles, Elordi arrived dressed in all black (except for his signature red eyewear), pairing his black leather tie with another custom suit—a double-breasted design featuring hidden buttons—worn with a black shirt, Intrecciato shoes, and small gold hoop earrings. Everything was impeccably tailored, and his leather tie added just the right touch of texture and depth to the otherwise minimalistic outfit.

      With award season just starting, I anticipate this won't be the last time we see Elordi in a leather tie, especially considering the buzz surrounding Frankenstein and his portrayal of the lead character. If this accessory's influence is as strong as Chalamet's iconic bib, we’ll likely witness it on others as the award shows continue, culminating in the Oscars in March.

      Discover and shop this trend taking over men's fashion on the red carpet, all thanks to Elordi and his newfound affinity for leather ties.

      Shop Bottega Veneta Leather Ties:

      Bottega Veneta

      Intrecciato Leather Tie in Fondant

      Bottega Veneta

      Leather Tie in Dark Green

      Bottega Veneta

      Shiny Leather Tie in Olive

      Bottega Veneta

      Smooth Leather Tie in Shadow

      Bottega Veneta

      Shiny Leather Tie in Kale