Style Notes

Premiere Prep

Opera premieres are known for being overly glamorous happenings and one of the most famous exemplars is the annual “Prima della Scala” at the iconic opera house in Milan, Italy.

Every year, an opera is chosen to kick off the season and this December 7th (the premiere always occurs on this date as it is the feast of Milan’s patron Saint Ambrose), Andrea Chénier returns to the Scala, where it made its worldwide debut in 1896. It was last performed at the Scala 32 years ago under the direction of Riccardo Chailly, who will reprise his role, but this time as musical director of the Scala. Andrea Chénier was written by Italian composer Umberto Giordano and tells the story of a poet named Chenier who fell victim to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Chénier will be played by tenor Yusif Eyvazov while his wife of two years, soprano Anna Netrebko, will play Maddalena di Coigny. One of the opera’s arias, “La mamma morta”, was immortalized in pop culture after it was featured in a pivotal scene of the 1993 film, Philadelphia.
Even if you are not in Milan for this momentous occasion, a tuxedos is always in order – especially this time of year. This season, try a style that stands out from the rest – this gray Prince of Wales wool tux combines elegance and modernity and looks sharp over a crisp white shirt and matching tie . Finish off the look with a soft velvet evening loafer.