Bulgarian and Croatian artists have matched imagination and skills to unveil the "Challenge as a Necktie" - the motto of an exhibition opening September 11.

The unconventional pieces of art are heralded with the installation of a special plastic, also named "Necktie", at the National Gallery for Foreign Art.

Made of silk and Capron rope, the artistic installation spans with dimensions of 15 x 3 x 1.5 meters.

The initiative hosted by Bulgaria recognises the Croatian origins of this popular accessory, which is also respected as a symbol of national traditions and identity in Croatia.

Many believe the word "cravat" (meaning a soft necktie) comes from the French interpretation of "Croate," short for "Croatian."

Croatia is believed to have given birth to the necktie. Sometime during the 1630s or 1640s, Croatian mercenaries involved in the Thirty Years' War visited King Louis XIV of France. The king was very impressed by the soldiers' traditional uniforms, which featured soft scarves tied around their necks.

By 1650, Louis and his court were wearing Croatian neck scarves instead of the full lace ruffs that had previously been fashionable.

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