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The Cocktail dress code

Summer is on it’s way. Parties and celebrations will take place in plural and sooner or later we all will end up having a big party with the dress code: Cocktail attire.

We all know approximately what is looks like, but not really! Is it a suit or a pair of jeans with a shirt? What exactly are the do’s and don’t within this dress code. We will tell you all about it in this article, so your summer can start without any worries!

The misconceptions.

Let’s start with the misconceptions within this dress code. The mistake that is often made when thinking of cocktail attire that it is thought to be fully dressed up for the occasion. People go for the full black tie look or a ‘preppy’ option with a colored suit and crazy tie.

But believe it or not, the official rules are amazingly simple and somewhat reserved.

How it should be?

Starting with the basic, cocktail attire is a dress code which is based on a semi-formal outfit in a darker color, think of dark gray or navy, with neat shoes and a tie.

Compared to other dress codes, cocktail attire always has some room for adjustments in your own style and taste. Feel free to experiment with different fabrics and materials. Cotton works well in summer and flannel for the cold days.

You can also chose for a deeper cobalt kind of color rather than the common navy. Burgundy also works well. In addition, a subtle pattern is always welcome. Think of a navy marine diamond or a dark gray thin pinstripe. As long as you careful with playing with dark shades, you can’t go wrong.

One tip, try to avoid black. You will merge into the crowd and before you know it you will be seen as a waiter and walking around serving drinks. This is obviously not the intention:)

The white shirt.

White shirt are actually almost always and easy and good option for cocktail attire, but it is not very challenging. Yet cocktail attire has some room for creativity. It is definitely challenging, but a shirt with a pattern is totally excepted. Within the black tie dress code or the conservative business attire it is obviously unaccepted.

Accessories

There is some more freedom for your accessories. And again the patterns work very well. Think about pocket squared with patterns, floral ties, brooches etc. These accessories will stand out, but within this dre

can wear a different pair of shoes too. Think about changing your oxfords for a beautiful pair of loafers or a monk strap.

Feel good!

All with all it is important to create a look that suits you. By experimenting with different (darker) colors and patterns, there is a look for everyone! But never forget that it is not a casual event. Provide a respectable but interesting look without deviating from the tips above. Subtle changes are always welcome, as long as they do not deviate too far from the semi-formal dress code rules.

If you like to know more about the Butler profession, sign up for one of our Butler training programs.

Succes!

Mr. Cornelis Greveling
CEO|Founder|Board Member

Tuxedo

The smoking, dinner jacket or tuxedo is a classic evening suit created for the real gentlemen of the world. It’s usually worn when attending gala’s, luxury dinners or other occasions that take part during the evening and late night.

The tuxedo is regularly used anywhere in the world and is the more trendy version of the tailcoat. A full smoking consists of a jacket, usually black or dark-blue with a silk peaked lapel or silk shawl collar. The trouser has a silk line from the hip down to the ankle. The tux made its first appearance in 1887 in England and little later, in 1889, it appeared in the United States. Its name ‘Tuxedo’ was also introduced in the States: In Tuxedo, a wealthy suburb north of New York City, the smoking rapidly became a common piece in men’s wardrobe. Also, the smoking is often called a penguin-suit, due to its resemblance with the beautiful bird that only lives in the southern hemisphere. A couple garments are essential to accompany your tux. First off, you need a well-ironed shirt with visible or hidden buttons. The collar can be a normal one but the wingtip collar is a perfect example as well. Usually, the suit is finished by a beautiful handmade silk bowtie. Make sure you tie your bowtie yourself, this gives flair to your suit and makes your outfit a little less formal. Add a nice pair of socks and patent leather shoes and you are good to go!

If you like to know more about the Butler profession, sign up for one of our Butler training programs.

Succes!

Mr. Cornelis Greveling
CEO|Founder|Board Member

Shoe care

Quality shoe care starts with Saphir: one of the oldest, most traditional and best shoe care producers in the world. The French brand has evolved over the nearly hundred years it exists, but has never lost its glory.

The way you treat your shoes, is the way you treat yourself. Saphir, the French brand, originally established in 1920, won the Medaille d’Or (gold medal) at the Paris fair. Since then it is called Saphir Medaille d’Or. And although nearly hundred years have passed, it is still a leading brand when it comes to shoe care. Many years later a lot has changed, but the product is still the same.

‘We have a different formula than any other cream. It is solvent based, instead of water-based. Solvent cleans and cares at the same time,’ explains Birot. The shoe creams are made out of beeswax, a natural ingredient that feeds, protects and helps waterproof the leather. It’s important to always use a shoe cream that contains beeswax. The creams are completed with seven other nourishing and natural ingredients – such as carnauba wax, which enhances the shine of beeswax. If you’ve invested in quality shoes, invest in a quality, natural shoe cream.

Anyone who is serious about looking groomed should be serious about polished shoes. 'For me, the look is the most important reason to polish my shoes'. But it also makes the life of shoes a lot longer. By caring for your shoes you avoid leather chaps and burned stitches.’

It might seem like an old, almost forgotten tradition, – polishing shoes – but there seems to be a rising popularity for shoe care products. More and more people seem to want to go back to the basics, to more authentic ways.

Since winning the price for their shoe cream, Saphir has expanded the range of products. Although the traditional cream in a jar, Pommadier, is still the most popular, there are many other great products. To name a few: Saphir Pate de Luxe – a rich, high gloss wax, Saphir Renovateur – to restore your leather, Saphir Lotion – for the cleaning of your leather, Saphir Omni’Nettoyant – for the cleaning of soft leathers such as suede, and so on. There are also special products for different types of leather, such as nappa and reptile, and brushes for suede, shine brushes and cloths. Shoe lovers can indulge in some serious shoe care with the wide range of Saphir. Especially for them there is the Distinctivo Saphir shoe care valet; a high end valet that was designed to combine functionality with beauty, equipped with all the luxurious necessities of Saphir.

Shoe care

How to clean your smooth leather shoes!

We offer you a more in-depth, step-by-step guide on how to clean your smooth leather shoes. It’s important to remember that there are multiple ways to polish your shoes. Different people prefer different methods and approaches and also have different philosophies when it comes to shoe care. In this guide we will show you some basic steps that will help you achieve one important thing; prosperous and good looking shoes.

Step 1 – Wash

When you need to wash your shoes depends on several factors. You can easily tell: if your shoes look dirty or dull (because of the many layers of shoe polish) it is time to wash them. There is no standard period of time after which you need to wash them. However, it’s recommended to do it at least every 6 months. See it as putting new layers of makeup on your skin, and never removing the old one. Every once and a while you need to remove old layers of polish and give your shoes some new energy.

The first step is to wash your shoes with a good cleaning product. Two great cleansers are

Saphir Renomat and
 Saphir Saddle Soap

You can choose the one you prefer: Renomat is easier to use but is not as gentle to the leather as Saddle Soap. Both products will leave your shoes in a perfect, clean condition.

Renomat can be applied with a cloth and needs to dry for only five minutes. Simply douse the cloth in a little bit of Renomat (you do not need a lot) and rub it on your shoes. You will quickly notice how much polish the Renomat actually removes. Don’t overdo it with the Renomat because it will keep removing polish and eventually color. Most of the time a simple wipe will suffice
With Saddle Soap you really have to scrub and wash your shoes with water and let them dry over the night. Simply moisten a sponge or cloth with water and apply a little Saddle Soap to it. Keep washing until the entire shoe is covered in soap. Afterwards, wash the soap off your shoes with water and let dry overnight, preferably with newspaper or shoe trees inside and tilted on the side to dry faster.

Step 2 – Nourish

To keep leather looking healthy and shiny, it needs to be nourished. The best way to do this is by using Saphir Renovateur, a colorless renovating cream that will restore the leather. It also cleans the leather mildly – making it the perfect product for the weekly polish.

Saphir Renovateur is best applied using a cloth. Apply a small amount of cream with small rotational motions, massaging the cream into the leather. Use an applicator brush (or old toothbrush) to apply Renovateur in the space where the sole meets the upper part of the shoe. To give your shoes the chance to revive fully, let the Renovateur soak for about fifteen to thirty minutes. Then remove the excess cream by brushing them quickly with a shine brush. The Renovateur will leave your shoes nourished, but not finished: it still needs a top coat for shine and protection.

Step 3 – Cream Polish

The actual polishing starts with a good shoe cream, such as Saphir Pommadier cream. A cream is essential for polishing shoes. It colors the leather better than any wax and also covers scuffs and marks that may arise from daily use.

Apply a small amount cream using a cloth or applicator brush with circular movements. Let the leather soak for ten to fifteen minutes. Don’t forget the space between the sole and upper. Use a horsehair brush to make the shoes shine and remove the excess cream.

Step 4 – Wax Polish

If you wish to finish off with a high gloss and even more protection, you can use Saphir Pate de Luxe wax after the cream. The cream is the base for the wax, enabling the wax to attach perfectly to the leather. You apply the wax in the same way as the cream: use a cloth and circular movements to apply the wax. Let it dry for a few minutes, enabling the moist to evaporate and by doing so, your shoes will have an extra gloss. Always finish the polishing with a horsehair brush to make your shoes shine perfectly.

If you want the best shine possible: apply extra (three to five) layers of shoe wax. In between the layers you let them dry for a few minutes, brush them and rub gently with a cotton cloth with some drops of water. A great and luxury must-have for the perfect shine and to step up your game is the Saphir Polishing Glove. Or simply borrow your lady’s torn nylon pantyhose; also works perfectly fine!

Tip from Mr. Greveling: Are the edges of your soles damaged or dull? Use some dark wax on them

If you like to know more about the Butler profession, sign up for one of our Butler training programs.

Succes!

Mr. Cornelis Greveling
CEO|Founder|Board Member