James Andrew at the Met
When Scott McBee and I returned from Portugal the New York Season was already in full swing, so we wasted no time securing our tickets to Puccini’s Chinoiserie confection, Turandot. It’s one of the remaining productions designed by Franco Zeffirelli, and as expected it was an absolute dream!
Going to the opera is a special thing; musicians, and all the staff at the MET are dressed in formal attire. Which begs the question: why should’t all the patrons and attendees be dressed in anything less? Mcbee and I dressed in black tie of course, but we were appalled to see that less than 10% of the men atteneding wore black tie (women on the whole, were dressed quite nicely – thank you ladies). We’ve ranted about this in the past (see: Dress Code Please) It was all jeans, shorts etc., that time — as if folks were going to the local cineplex. We just can’t say it enough — this is simply unacceptable — the Met should have higher standards, and this should apply to all of the performing arts venues, as well as fine restaurants!
(detail) James Andrew at the Met
I’ve been accused of being an elitist, but we’re not talking about some sort of slavish adherence to traditions of the past. Our point is more about dressing appropriately to celebrate an elevated event, and having enough respect for ourselves and others to make some modicum of effort! Furthermore. as you know, we here at WIJW are even open to interesting variations on the theme. At the opening gala for example, we were rather taken by Miguel Angel Guzman and his ravishing ensemble: an elegant interpretation of the Kimono – it was perfectly appropriate AND alternative. Bravo!
Miguel Angel Guzman – Photo by Rose Callahan for lastnightatthemet.com
There was a lovely young lady dressed in a vintage 1950’s ensemble — also quite stunning. It doesn’t have to be Tom Ford to be fabulous. In any case, I really do wish the Met would get on board with this, and start to require guests to dress appropriately.
To celebrate this amazing evening, (top) I’m sporting a Tom Ford chartreuse silk velvet dinner jacket, tuxedo pants, black silk faille bow tie, black and ivory silk pocket square and Tom Ford era Gucci white cotton voile ruffle and lace trimmed tuxedo shirt, a diamond evening set by M. de Phocas, Paul Stuart black silk evening hose, Creed Imperial Millesime fragrance, and a bit of Tom Ford Bronzing Gel to add a sun-kissed glow.