The London Lounge

This Saturday I am attending a large party that has a 20s/"Prohibition" theme.
I was planning to wear my black tux trousers, a white notched-lapel single-breasted jacket, wing-collar formal shirt, off-white (cream?) double-breasted waistcoat and black bow tie.
I fully realise thsi is not period-authentic but it should look, at least, semi-plausible.
Any clever suggestions?

BTW: my wife will be showing off her gams in a very, very fetchinh repro of a sequined "flapper" dress, with long gloves, long pearl string, etc..

Sounds great! Have fun! Is it this one? I planned to attend more than once but I am always overwhelmed by the number of people taking part (I'm not a big party guy). I have an original 1920's dinner suit (three piece, black) - nothing fancy, yet great. The difference is all in the details. I guess I would go for something similar. I also have two original white waistcoats (one single-breasted, one double-breasted with removable buttons) -- they are never off-white and always terribly starched, so that would be the alternative if you don't like the black waistcoat. I'm never sure about the effect of off-white and white garments combined together -- I always avoid it, but it might still be 'historically accurate'. Shoes? Hat?

Carnation?

Yes, it is the Prohibition Party. Been meaning to go for a year and finally the dates worked.
Thre's another going on regularly that looks perhaps more intimate that I'd like to try next.

Re. the garments: I've tried the off-white/white on and, to my eyes, it looks nice, indeed perhaps more "interesting" than white-on-white.
Not sure about authenticity but I suppose it's all relative.
I might post pictures if any emerge...

Gido wrote:Carnation?

Bingo! I say, cracking idea!
I mean: "swell, just swell, old sport!"




I wonder if I can get one of those little boutonniere vial thingies at short notice...
hmm...

I thought I'd post our ensemble before we headed out to the party.
As you can see, I didn't get around to procuring a carnation (busy, busy Saturday) but I think it worked well, overall.



By the way, if Leighton is reading this, based on what you wrote about crowds you might have found the event a bit overwhelming; it certainly was well-attended. Myself, I found it wonderful, truly. Other than the usual black-tie-only events, it was the first time I've ever been around that size crowd with virtually everyone really, really making an effort to look interesting and grand. The girls were amazing and the chaps looked good too. Swell.

Luca, You look resplendent but alas, you are eclipsed.

Luca wrote:By the way, if Leighton is reading this, based on what you wrote about crowds you might have found the event a bit overwhelming; it certainly was well-attended.

Congratulations for the successful outfits, Luca! Glad you enjoyed the event. I remember seeing great photos from past editions and regretting that similar evenings, but on a smaller scale, are hard to find.

[quote="Frederic LeightonCongratulations for the successful outfits, Luca! Glad you enjoyed the event. I remember seeing great photos from past editions and regretting that similar evenings, but on a smaller scale, are hard to find.[/quote]

Thank you very much.

As to smaller occasions, perhaps you should organise one! It could even work well in association with some of the more retro-themed night spots...

These, by the way, do look smaller.
http://www.thecandlelightclub.com/

Luca wrote: I was planning to wear my black tux trousers, a white notched-lapel single-breasted jacket,

Luca: It looks like a peaked lapel to me.

hectorm wrote:Luca: It looks like a peaked lapel to me.

You are, of course, absolutely right. A slip of the keyboard on my part.

The jacket is not really 'correct' for black tie, being plain white linen but it was picked on temperature considerations. It's an old RTW Polo jacket that I recently had taken in somewhat. I used to buy jackets ridiculously large for me but, among many other things, this forum has helped me redefine that approach.