Christopher Nolan is known for simple, classic suits. But at the New York premiere of his new film The Odyssey on July 14, one small detail stole the spotlight: his tie.
The acclaimed director wore a custom silk tie printed with ajrak, a centuries-old block-printing craft linked to Sindh. The custom tie was made by New York-based Indian menswear designer Aahan Tandon, who also shared the news on his Instagram page. The design featured the classic geometric shapes of ajrak in red and light blue.
Nolan paired the tie with a charcoal suit and white shirt, letting the handcrafted accessory stand out. Fashion fans and South Asian users online quickly noticed the tie and praised the choice.
Ajrak is a hand block-printing tradition using natural dyes, made through many stages of printing, dyeing, and washing. It is known for its rich indigo, madder red, black, and white colours, along with symmetrical geometric and floral motifs, and every piece is handcrafted, making it unique. While closely tied to Sindh, similar block-printing is also practised across the border among the Khatri community in Gujarat’s Kutch region.
The moment came right after Nolan’s India trip for the film’s promotions, alongside stars Matt Damon and Tom Holland. The Odyssey, Nolan’s IMAX adaptation of Homer’s epic, also stars Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, releasing worldwide on July 17, 2026.
For many in South Asia, seeing a Hollywood icon celebrate this craft felt like a proud, personal moment.
