Birk Billingsley grew up in rural Texas always wanting to be an astronaut. After getting a degree from Purdue University in Astronautical Engineering and flying in fighter aircraft as a flight test engineer for the U.S. Air Force, his passions evolved to include the law. Birk began working as an intellectual property attorney in San Francisco, but relocated “back home again to Indiana” so his wife could attend medical school. Lawyer by day, and aspiring neckwear designer by night, Birk thinks he has put together the “right stuff” to produce the best ties on the planet.
Wallaya Diemer was the personal seamstress of former beloved Indiana University President, Dr. Herman B. Wells. She most enjoyed the many design challenges that allowed her to express her creativity while also perfecting her sewing skills. Having traveled the world, Wallaya draws upon her passion for international fashion design and construction to create custom clothing for her clients, and to teach her students at the Theatre Dept. She has a degree in Humanities from Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, Thailand
Not surprisingly, Birk’s and Wallaya’s paths had never crossed before. Birk was inspired to create only the finest ties, and decided to make it happen. There was only one problem…Birk had little background in fabric construction or design. Unbeknownst to him, Wallaya was looking for a new challenge that would further develop her craft.
Birk contacted people all over Indiana for someone who could make his idea become a reality. One of his emails ended up in the inbox of a close friend of Wallaya, who thought she was a perfect match for Birk’s plan.
Birk and Wallaya met at Bloomington Public Library to discuss the idea of working together on the project. From the first day, they realized that they shared the same vision. In July 2009, Birk and Wallaya officially formed Billingsley Ties, LLC. World-renowned graphic designer and typographer, Jonathan Barnbrook, designed the logo for their ties.
Billingsley Ties is focused on producing only the highest quality silk ties, which are hand-sewn in the USA with uncompromising attention to detail and unique designs. The ties we make are a direct expression of the passion we have for fine clothing, whether our customer is a seasoned professional or an up-and-coming entrepreneur, trying to make his or her mark upon the world.
