The Ritz in Paris is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publishing of The Great Gatsby. They will be hosting four dinner shows this year in the Marie-Louise Salon and we will happen to be in Paris on the night of the October show.
The Ritz is not my league, but I’ve been obsessed with the Great Gatsby and Jazz era since I was a kid. My question is; what do you believe they mean by “elegant attire is compulsory”? Tux, suit, dress in costume, or would a sport coat and tie cut it?
Elegant is an interesting term. It sounds like they are definitely going for more than a sports coat and tie. Suit or tux would be my guess. You could probably rent formal wear for the evening.
https://www.ritzparis.com/hotel/paris/reception-rooms/salon-marie-louise
Ask them.
Looking at pix of the venue, I doubt a sport coat will meet the 'elegant' requirement
A tux would certainly do it. Otherwise I would suggest a dark three piece suit.
Think James Bond scoping out some fancy place where his target routinely hangs out.
Moneypenny might be able to help you with the details.
joe32F,
Thank you........I did ask and they did not respond. This probably falls into the category of "if you have to ask".............
See what the Ritz has to offer, which it defines as "Parisian Elegance."
https://www.ritzparis.com/fr/e-boutique/paris/ritz-paris-x-frame
(I don't recommend the €445 swimsuit for an evening out)
Somehow the idea of dressing in period formalwear as you can imagine Nick, Tom, Daisy and the gang did. comes up as a logical option.
OK, the Ritz finally replied to my question, but I think they misunderstood (maybe)? I asked if a sport coat, and tie would be acceptable and I believe they think I'm asking something like a Nike/Addidas track outfit based on their reply. Maybe "sport coat" is a term lost in translation.
"Following to your request, we would like to inform you that sportwear outfit are not allowed.
We asked for an elegant outfit, like tie with an elegant jacket and elegant pants."
Oh well, c’est la vie
Hahaha totally lost in translation. They think you want to wear a track suit !!
Perhaps send them this --
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/michael-kors-mens-classic-fit-twill-blazer?ID=18890379&swatchColor=Navy#PRICE_DISCOUNT_RANGE,SPECIAL_OFFERS/30_PERCENT_%20off%20%26%20more,Offer%20code%20FRIEND
and ask if that is acceptable attire.
The picture worth a 1000 words....
Go as Ali G.
I am done. the end
A "sports coat" would indeed be totally misunderstood by 99% of French people. I had to look it up myself. Blazer is the usual term for those here.
You could write back and send them this link with the nice little video that conveniently mentions "sport coat" while discussing how to dress it up or down and ask if that jacket would be acceptable.
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/peter-millar-flynn-classic-fit-wool-blazer/4626607
Having had a meal at the Ritz, I don't think Sports coat and tie (with what? Khakis, jeans?) will work. IMHO you are going to want a dark suit at a minimum. Even at lunch the men there were in business suits not business casual (and this was just a few years ago) I was in black pants with a black sweater and was underdressed :)
Posted by Paul
Somehow the idea of
dressing in period formalwear as you can imagine Nick, Tom, Daisy and
the gang did. comes up as a logical option.
Since they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publishing of The Great Gatsby, dressing up in period costumes sounds like the most fun. Flapper dresses and tuxes. Can you find a costume rental in Paris?
Hey Joe32F,
I sent the Ritz a picture from the Macy's link of what a "sport coat" is and it WORKED! Their reply below:
"Yes, it is acceptable. This suit is perfect for the Gatsby dinner.
We are looking forward to welcoming you, and we remain at your disposal."
Thank you! I'll be the bees knees.
That's great! Have a marvelous time...it sounds like loads of fun!
Hooray
Good to know a picture didn't get 'lost in translation'.
My husband and I once stayed at the Ritz in Paris --- for about 20 seconds---until they threw us out!
Excellent ! So glad you got an answer and know what you need to enjoy the Gatsby dinner show !! Have fun !
I went to the annual opera gala in Budapest not too many years ago. Actually traveled across the atlantic with a tux. It can be done if its worth it to you.
A dark suit is always appropriate, if you take off the tie it can even dress down
To be honest I think you would have no problem wearing a sport coat to this dinner, granted that the pants are stylish as well.
In any case I don't glean, given their response, that you are in any way expected to wear a tux.
Best of luck.
I’m excited you’re attending this! Please share a trip report with us after this event.
I grew up in the general neighborhood of the army camp where F Scott Fitzgerald and the fictional Jay Gatsby where stationed. I have to admit I’ve always had a soft spot for the novel due in part to that bit of history.
