The London Lounge

I have been pondering for quite a while this concept of ‘3 levels of elegance’ (explained below) and I am very interested in the opinion of fellow LLounge posters, given your interests and discerning tastes.

I know that many fascinating posts have debated the definition and ontology of elegance / style / etc. Permit me, here, to simplistically use the term in its basic meaning of a cultivated appearance, ideally accompanied by polite demeanour.

By ‘three levels’ I mean
1) oneself (or one’s immediate group);
2) the physical environment;
3) the other attendees.

Based on past conversations and direct experience, I think it’s fair to say that for many (most?) people with an interest in elegant living, there is a good deal of pleasure to be derived from situations in which those three levels are in harmony, that is, all exhibit a sense of style and elegance.

The quandary, then is that the elegant person (and spouse / partner / friends) can reliably opt for elegance in their dress / behaviour. Furthermore, they can select, when in the mood, one of the very many catering and entertainment venues that, in terms of service, architecture, interiors and product, match that desire for elegance. What cannot be controlled, however, it the third level.

I am referring to scenarios that have been well rehearsed in these pages: the couple wearing black tie / evening dress, in a gorgeous Michelin-starred room, surrounded by fellow diners attired in the usual sub-casual dreck.

I realise that opinions on the relevance of this third levels varies tremendously, here. I know that some LLoungers could not could care less and others have said it really spoils the effect for them. I would suspect, however, that, ceteris paribus, most Loungers would prefer if their sense of style was not entirely at odds, on such ‘special’ occasions, with that of their fellow attendees.

So, after that terribly long introduction, my question is the following: How much interest do you personally think there would be, among folks that value elegance, for someone to organise specific evenings, in appropriate locations, specifically dedicated to elegant dress (not necessarily always ‘evening’ dress)?

There are a few venues or club nights that, on occasion, go down that road but my impression, judging by comments here and elsewhere is that many there is unmet demand.

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Dear Luca,

I see your point. I love being in Italy, Vienna or in the Westend where people are better dressed than elsewhere. But working in a mostly academic environment where nobody gives any consideration to dress or style, I have chosen to listen to people and to rely on different parameters
And what is real fun after an evening at the Zurich opera is to grab a fried sausage at a street bar close by. The sausage is the best in town, and nobody cares about my black tie

Cheers, David

It is rather interesting, in today's world, you often hear people say 'why are you so dressed up?'.
The polite person, of course, do not reply what's really on their mind, which is 'why are you dressed like shit?', so they just smile it off.

I think some restaurants in Europe are still special enough where everyone makes an effort, and that one poor soul who don't (usually a man) will be made to feel terribly under dressed. Most places these days, even relatively high priced restaurants, do feel very common once the diners come in.

So, to answer your question, I think there is demand in cities like London/Paris for a restaurant/bar/club to enforce a VERY strict dress code, and if the person come dressed in some gaudy attire (even though it's technically within dress code), then he will never be allowed back.

Ah, an old thread!
I am heartened to read some fellow posters believe there is a demand. I would go as far as to say that some fellows who claim indifference perhaps would still enjoy such a place/event?

My thinking is that it would probably be difficult in our age to run an establishment entirely on sartorially exclusive lines but it might be possible to organised special evenings / events that have a sartorial flair element to them. Think, in London terms, of places like the Wolsely. What a background for a roomful of elegant suits or even DJ and, even better, equivalently attired ladies!

The poor old Criterion, which is architecturally splendid has been badly, badly mismanaged and is awash with really unattractively decked punters. I'd love to have a white tie evening in a place like that. I know a splendid chap who is an event organiser of one of the better themed club nights here. I've been considering, as a lark, trying to run up something along those lines, every few weeks.

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Interesting point you've made. I suppose mine was just an example. I'll be looking more actively into this in the new year and for launch events I had thought something that stands out like black or white tie might make sense. Perhaps that's aiming too high, when a good suit and tie are already something of a rarity. I do think there is some untapped synergy in the combination of sartorial, prandial, bibular, artistic and architectural excellence available in London (and elsewhere).

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Hi,
A black tie evening sounds great to me. I would be interested.

Regards,
Snapper

Will keep you gents updated.