Opera mismatch

So, despite (temporarily) living in the fashion wasteland that is Orlando, Fl for the past year, I have managed to scrounge a few culture high-points. FYI – The Museum of Art is not one of them…unless you enjoy a brisk 15 minute walk with not much to look at. However, I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending Orlando Opera Co.‘s performance of Don Giovanni by Mozart. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as far as fashion is concerned as Orlando is more know for it’s booty shorts and bra tops. And to be honest, I myself wasn’t quite sure what to wear. Some opera houses are know for their glamorous patrons, but I thought this certainly wouldn’t be one of them. I opted for gray, flat-front trousers and a flared navy trench. Bland and boring, but safe. When we arrived, I realized I could have worn anything in my closet; it was the widest variety of styles I have ever seen under one roof. At the top were women wearing Chanel with mink stoles; diamonds dripping and perfectly coiffed. Anna Wintour would have approved. At the very bottom, which unfortunately comprised roughly seventy-five percent of the patrons, were twenty and thirty somethings in bad recycled prom dresses. I mean bad. Like the ones from Deb we wore in the early 90s. I guess they are the grown up version of short shorts and bra tops usually seen downtown, but I was still aghast at the sheer number of them. The men were more routine. Some donned full tuxedos (oh yes, there was a white one) and many just wore run-of-the-mill suits. The ones that caught my eye, however, were outfitted in what looked like a Ralph Lauren ad campaign. In the midst of a sea of brown and navy monochrome suits, they actually stood out as tasteful and elegant. Above all, I thought, were the very few young men wearing slim trousers, cashmere sweaters, and ties. Very British, very polished. Overall, I think Don Giovanni was a learning experience for everyone. For Strauss, I’m going 20s…similar to this Rodarte or Christopher Josse. Naturally, I’ll add an antique hat and maybe some wrist length gloves. It’s chic vintage with a touch of flash, and most importantly, it’s cocktail without the waitress.

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