The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[brax]

I appreciate it man. It’s a 50R, not sure if it’s your size or reasonably close. But my wife had the same idea, asked if I wanted to do a midnight tux with shawl or something different. I think black Barathea with peak is my place in the world so I don’t see a lot of overlap between the two

When I got married @Despos made me a tuxedo for the reception. I was going to sell my old tuxedo but then @Newcomer suggested that I probably would attend some black tie events that I could fairly predict would get out of hand. He recommended that I hold on to my old tuxedo for those occasions. Wise advice and I’m glad that I took it.

 

[Concordia]

Dispensing with sf black tie orthodoxies for a while, if I were to bespeak a shoe which could be included in my black tie rotation in a black crocodile leather what would be the best design? I am tossing between a whole cut bootie, b and l sagan styled loafers, venetian slippers with a chisel toe or a sleek chelsea

If you can afford to do it properly, don't screw around. Plain-toed oxford.

 

[Concordia]

When I got married @Despos made me a tuxedo for the reception. I was going to sell my old tuxedo but then @Newcomer suggested that I probably would attend some black tie events that I could fairly predict would get out of hand. He recommended that I hold on to my old tuxedo for those occasions. Wise advice and I’m glad that I took it.

There's a funny story in Gary Graffman's memoirs. When he was about to do his first tour of Australia back in the 50s, William Kapell came over to his place to give some advice. Graffman proudly showed him his new tails, made by Nathan Milstein's tailor (and probably Prince Philip's, too). At that point, he jumped up and wrestled the hanger from Graffman, so he could put the rig back in the closet.

He explained that travel conditions down under were so taxing at that time, and there were so few places that could be trusted with cleaning and pressing of any sort, that the only concert wear worth risking was the old suit. Which Graffman did, with later gratitude.

 

[Krish the Fish]

Speaking of, is there any way to find which cleaners in town are gentle enough for my bespoke suits? I would hate to have to send everything to Rave Fabricare a few times a year, but if I can’t trust anyone in town I guess that’s the best option

 

[The Chai]

Speaking of, is there any way to find which cleaners in town are gentle enough for my bespoke suits? I would hate to have to send everything to Rave Fabricare a few times a year, but if I can’t trust anyone in town I guess that’s the best option

The advice I got was to ask them if they have a steam dummy. If they have one...it means they know their stuff

 

[The Chai]

If you can afford to do it properly, don't screw around. Plain-toed oxford.

I'm currently leaning towards a jodphur rn...not a fan of lace ups these days due to laziness. Heck my wholecuts only come out like twice a year and my other oxfords and lace ups are collecting dust!

Or alternatively venetian slippers...

 

[classicalthunde]

Speaking of, is there any way to find which cleaners in town are gentle enough for my bespoke suits? I would hate to have to send everything to Rave Fabricare a few times a year, but if I can’t trust anyone in town I guess that’s the best option

If you have a high end menswear store in your area, go in and ask them who they recommend. Found a place in Philly this way that will proper dry clean and hand press suits, but its a little hole in the wall in an upscale neighborhood that you wouldn't necessarily look at and think its a high end dry cleaners

 

[Concordia]

I'm currently leaning towards a jodphur rn...not a fan of lace ups these days due to laziness. Heck my wholecuts only come out like twice a year and my other oxfords and lace ups are collecting dust!
View attachment 1724450

Or alternatively venetian slippers... View attachment 1724451

Slippers, or some variant of that might work. Pump relatives. Unless your status depends on being able to ride a horse to and from the ball, I don't quite see the point of boots with formal wear.

 

[Andy57]

Slippers, or some variant of that might work. Pump relatives. Unless your status depends on being able to ride a horse to and from the ball, I don't quite see the point of boots with formal wear.

@The Chai I have to agree with this. At best, some sort of slipper might work. But boots?

 

[The Chai]

I mean there is precedence for it!

 

[quigleysr]

If you have a high end menswear store in your area, go in and ask them who they recommend. Found a place in Philly this way that will proper dry clean and hand press suits, but its a little hole in the wall in an upscale neighborhood that you wouldn't necessarily look at and think its a high end dry cleaners

Care to disclose said Philly dry cleaner? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ld111134]

I mean there is precedence for it! View attachment 1724815

Some of these look like Manolos

 

[classicalthunde]

Care to disclose said Philly dry cleaner? It would be greatly appreciated.

The guys at Boyd’s recommended Warwick cleaners on 21st in Rittenhouse. I’ve used them a couple of times for my nicer pieces and have been impressed compared to a run of the mill place.

I’ve also heard good things about British Imperial as well.

 

[ld111134]

Please indulge me: Photos of our wedding on December 4th.

 

[Andy57]

Please indulge me: Photos of our wedding on December 4th.

Once again: congratulations!