Why do we need elegance in chaotic Moscow? To blend in gracefully? To elegantly spend half a day stuck in traffic? To resemble “elegant” Atlanteans and Caryatids? To elegantly protect men from stress and elegantly develop big-city neurosis?
Perhaps elegance will help you meet your job responsibilities or even impress a traffic cop? I don’t believe it. Elegance fades in the hustle and bustle. Perhaps elegance is just another fashion fad. It’s not the glossy world, but real life, that forces us to speed up and often push elegance in the opposite direction. That’s how it seems to us, busy modern women who have forgotten our natural elegance.
Why does the Classic Costume Workshop on Bolshoi Kharitonyevsky Lane in Moscow insist that even in inelegant times, elegance must be preserved? It must be preserved and cultivated as a valuable culture. For 15 years, the workshop has been creating impeccable men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, using the “made to measure” method. Now, the workshop has taken on another global mission: popularizing elegance. Elegance as a way of life.
Firstly, all the Workshop staff, led by owner Alena Velichkina, are naturally elegant. Secondly, the Workshop’s guest was the International School of Etiquette (ISE).
On a cold Moscow evening in March, the Workshop was visited by Countess Marie de Tilly, a hereditary aristocrat and representative of French diplomacy.
On March 12, the “Always Be on Top” evening took place, dedicated to the secrets of dress code and French etiquette—as a particular example of our elegance. Our elegance, not forgotten, our elegance hidden behind the bustle.
Countess Marie de Tilly has been teaching the fine art of Art de Vivre for over ten years, creating the Atelier of Etiquette and Refined Manners, French Touch, whose clients include brands such as Chanel, Sotheby’s, and Lancôme. Marie is currently responsible for receiving the wives of foreign diplomats at the Élysée Palace. Marie’s family history dates back to the reign of Louis IX. An ancestor of Marie’s defended the monarch with his body and blood, for which he was awarded the title of count and the family symbol—a scarlet lily—which is proudly passed down from generation to generation, along with the secrets of diplomatic science.
Naturally elegant, Marie taught guests how to conduct themselves during conversation, dress appropriately, treat VIPs, and discuss the culture of drinking alcohol. This culture exists and enhances any dinner party or home celebration. Elegance helps make any event enjoyable for both guests and hosts.
The world of etiquette is welcoming and willing to share its subtleties with anyone interested. Marie noted that color is currently in fashion. Being elegant at a cocktail party isn’t limited to black. A handbag should complement your outfit. Events after 7 p.m. require jewelry. Shoes should be elegant—a sign of respect not only for the event, but also for yourself.
Elegance is, first of all, self-respect.
A tie is a must for a cocktail party (and it should be darker than the shirt). A handkerchief in the outside pocket of the jacket adds a touch of formality. A watch is a very important detail of men’s style.
The main danger to male elegance is the length of the sock. Bare leg should not be visible, even when a man is sitting. Socks and shoes at an evening event should be dark.
Elements of etiquette, derived from elegant medieval times, dictate that a man enters a room first to “determine the safety of the place.” He pulls out a chair for a woman. A woman should occupy the most comfortable and honorable seat, and her dignity and importance should always be emphasized.
She has the right to put her elbows on the table to show off her jewelry.
When shaking hands, a man takes off his gloves because in the 17th century, men rode horses and their gloves were covered in dust.
A refreshing non-alcoholic drink at the end of the evening means that the hosts are tired and it’s time to go home.
Marie shared many elegant details of behavior, emphasizing that there’s no need to copy anyone. “From the rules of etiquette, you need to take what doesn’t conflict with your nature.”
Elegance is not excess, it is self-respect and a dignified attitude towards others.
The workshop’s owner, Alena, emphasized that a gentleman may not have an impeccable appearance due to circumstances. But he is obliged to have proper manners.
What should those who haven’t attended an international etiquette school do? Who blend in with the crowd every day and fall under its “inelegant” spell? Why does the Classic Costume Workshop insist on the motto “Be elegant every day”?
By finding our own style and adhering to everyday etiquette, we can maintain our individuality. After all, the crowd is us—hurried, tired, natural, and very different.
And if we’re reminded that etiquette is necessary for self-identification, we’ll believe it, because no one wants to be lost in a crowd. Etiquette isn’t just about rules of conduct at formal events. There’s etiquette for behavior at work, at leisure, on public transportation, anywhere.
Elegance is a way of life, a demonstration of respect for others. Respect is sure to be reciprocated. And who has ever refused mutual respect? No one, ever. Let’s be elegant with each other and remember the rules of etiquette for everyday life. Let’s transform a crowd into a gathering of elegant people!
Elegance will save beauty, and beauty, in turn… You know.