The London Lounge

Dear all,

I was reading Etutee's useful 'Tails' post, and spotted an enigmatic reference:

Etutee wrote:This is a horsey event if you can tell from the picture, Madison Square Garden to be precise and the occasion is the opening of the horse show in the 2nd week of November. This event used to be known as the opening of the season for tails and toppers.

Now, I realise that weights and some shades are seasonal in lounge suits, but I have always thought that formalwear (day and night) was perrenial, and indeed, the season for June white tie balls is rappidly approaching. If white tie (and maybe other things, like morning dress) are restricted to certain seasons, what is one meant to wear at other times?

Thanks,

NCW

The London Summer Season used to stretch from Queen Charlotte's Birthday Ball in May to Goodwood races in August - when there would be many balls and the Debs sought out eligible husbands. Vestiges remain, such as Wimbledon, Lord's, Chelsea Flower Show, Cowes Week etc. But there are no official balls although there are still some arranged for charitable fund-raising. The Season went into decline not long after the 2nd World War. During this summer season white tie and tails were worn in the evening and a white evening waistcoat. The winter version (and some alternative Court Dress versions) permitted a dark waistcoat instead of white. In the USA it sounds as though the season was a Winter Season instead.
NJS

storeynicholas wrote:. . . . In the USA it sounds as though the season was a Winter Season instead. . . .

It largely was, in part because (especially before the First World War) those who could afford to retreat from the great eastern cities for the summer -- hotter and more humid in the States than in England -- would gather in smaller communities along the shore or in the mountains, particularly in New England and New York state. Such summertime parties as were held in, say, Newport or the Catskills usually were informal.

Very interesting RWS.
NJS