(3) Private Member Dinner
By Simon Brockbank
While many sartorial club members obviously share a passion for menswear and craftsmanship, that interest often translates into a more general interest in finer things : watchmaking, food, architecture, history, art and other domains in which excellence is pursued. I found this trait is common to all members, whether they are artisans, designers, craftsmen or simply enthusiasts. This appreciation often leads to hearty discussions, more often than not about anything but menswear, the initial reason why they are members.
However, during the hectic Pitti Uomo week, having such discussions is quite the achievement, given the pace of the days and the evenings. In my opinion, sharing meals is the way to connect, to get to really know the other people that come to the fair. Whether it is for lunch, dinner or even aperitivo, meals are when and where you really make friends that you come back to see year after year.
A TSC Tradition
An important club tradition during Pitti Uomo is the private club dinner. This event is more exclusive, bringing with around 30 members together around a world class meal at an exquisite venue. This is the place and time to learn more about other members and have a lengthy discussion while breaking bread.
This is one evening where time actually slows down a bit, which is most welcomed during the busy Pitti Uomo week. The club suggests is black tie preferred dress code, which is quite fitting in my opinion. Here is why : historically, black tie dress code did not include timepieces of any kind. Looking at the time was considered rude, signifying you had somewhere else to be or some other plans later. The reason is simple : events should be enjoyed without looking or caring about the time, to make the most out of it. In our modern society, such freedom or carefreeness is rather rare. Hence, this is something I greatly value and why I abandon my watch enthusiasm for black tie events to honor that traditional rule.
While one could think that the sartorial club private dinner revolves around the venue and the food, that would be a mistake. The event focuses on the people, the opportunity to spend quality time with other members. Throughout the evening, you forget about the place, food and wine and enjoy the people, their stories, the discussions and that is what you truly remember later.
“The usual, please”
For a second time, the member dinner takes place in the Relais Santa Croce, an historic residence in the heart of Florence in the Santa Croce District. The luxurious mansion built in the mid 1700s, just steps away from the Basilica Sante Croce, features luxurious suites, a 3 starred michelin restaurant and an 18th century ballroom.
Relais Santa Croce is well known for its intimate Sala Isabella and Music Room. Sala Isabella displays a frescoed ceiling and an elegant decor, perfect for sharing a drink and relaxing after dinner. The music room holds a spectacular crystal chandelier supported by wooden trusses above the ceiling. That architectural structure was once studied by Leonardo da Vinci and several other great artists. On top of the stunning view, those design elements also create perfect acoustics for live music performances.
The evening was split into two parts : the cocktail and the dinner. The first one was a light cocktail in the music room, which featured the stunning statues, wall paintings and chandelier, but also gorgeous furniture, which was most welcomed after a day of walking to Pitti Uomo. Members arrived one by one, showing their take on evening wear, which I must say was refreshing, varied and elegant.
Afterwards, the dinner in a private room with round tables began, splitting the members into four smaller groups. As expected, the four course meal was fine dining at its finest: cabbage flan with parmesan, potato tortellini with beef cheek, stuffed cockerel and berry cheesecake. The wine served was also worth mentioning : Bianco di Custoza (venetian DOC) and Chianti Classico (From central Tuscany, only in the historic area, very typical in Florence).
Beyond the most delicious meal, one thing occurred to me during the evening : Pitti Uomo and The Sartorial Club are both responsible for something incredible : bringing together people from around the world through their appreciation of craftsmanship . Unlike conferences or typical trade shows, the members are from very different backgrounds, trades, countries and that is the beauty of it. The opportunity to learn about other cultures, other ways of seeing the world is fascinating and something I always look forward to. Knowledge about much more than menswear is shared throughout the evening, which is something I remember fondly.
The private member dinner is a wonderful event that brings together club members in a sumptuous venue to break bread and share a more relaxing evening. While everything about the event is stunning, the people are what you really remember afterwards.
This occasion is also a perfect occasion to get to know your fellow field trip friends. This edition takes us to Drapers, a master jeweler and bespoke shoemaker Vivian Saskia, which will be further discussed in the future pieces.