The International School of Etiquette (ISE), with the support of Maison Dellos and the exclusive English club Quintessentially, organized a crash course in social etiquette for Russian girls. Together with Countess Marie de Tilly—a member of an ancient noble family, a recognized expert in social etiquette and protocol, and the founder of the French Touch Etiquette Atelier—ISE invited the girls to immerse themselves in the world of refined manners through a basic course in French etiquette.
The first day of the seminar took place in the elegant atmosphere of the Turandot restaurant’s formal hall and focused on social etiquette. Countess de Tilly explained the introduction procedure to the audience. The girls easily memorized the basic rule of introduction: “a woman is not offered ,” meaning that only a man may introduce himself first. If this does not happen, according to French etiquette, the woman will have to refuse to engage with the gentleman. Of particular interest to the audience was the information that a man may not kiss the hand of an unmarried woman, nor may he kiss the hand of a woman in any public place or on the street. The only exceptions to this rule are hunting and weddings—when leaving church, a kiss is mandatory for both the ex-fiancée and the new wife. However, when asked what to do if a man, while trying to be gallant, still tries to kiss your hand, Countess de Tilly advised girls to follow the golden rule of etiquette: “Behave in such a way as not to offend the other person” – because this is how a lady will show herself to be truly elegant and refined.
The discussion of dress code was not without its surprises. The girls were surprised to learn that the concept of “white tie” doesn’t exist in French etiquette, while a “black-tie” dress code on an invitation means the lady must choose a full-length dress, and the gentleman must wear a tailcoat. But not all etiquette norms remain so rigid—many are subject to change in response to modern trends. One example of this, recounted by the Countess, was a real treat for all fashion-conscious girls: unlike English etiquette, French etiquette doesn’t prohibit wearing heavy jewelry during the day. The Countess de Tilly gave the green light to the now-popular long earrings. As a reminder, according to English etiquette, a lady shouldn’t wear such jewelry before 5:00 PM.
On the second day of the seminar, guests moved to the Casta Diva restaurant, where they immersed themselves in the rules of table setting and seating arrangements at receptions, as well as dining etiquette. The girls were able to consolidate their newfound knowledge that same day at a dinner based on the menu of the Élysée Palace and served in the Gobelins room of the Turandot restaurant.