For Queen and First Lady, Bush Will Try White Tie

[Samsa]

I find it hard to believe that this will be the only white-tie event of the Bush administration. An interesting article, though.

 

[Johnnysan]

I hope that his protocol officer reminds him to leave the cowboy hat at the office.

 

[carebear]

The question to ask, given the discussions on "occasions to dress", is how many "white-tie" events are usual for a Presidential administration to host.

The next question is how many are possible given protocol restrictions and budget.

I'm a bit dismayed by the "pandering to the common man" theme of legislators whining about having to dress up.

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

I think the real question is "Why do white-tie when you can barely get black-tie right?"

Look at the sleeve length, trouser break and bow tie, compared to the PoW. Also look at the lack of pocket square, as well as the use of a cummerbund (instead of a vest) even though it was winter at the time.

 

[Riposte3]

Bush may or may not know (or care) how a tux should fit, but the White House tailor should be fired for letting him go out looking like that! He's paid to know better. Especially the trouser break!

-Jake

I think the real question is "Why do white-tie when you can barely get black-tie right?"

Look at the sleeve length, trouser break and bow tie, compared to the PoW. Also look at the lack of pocket square, as well as the use of a cummerbund (instead of a vest) even though it was winter at the time.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I think he looks okay. And i'd say Chas's jacket arms were too long.

Part of Bush's public persona - the acting bit - is being an everyman. Someone the people can relate to. This helps. Every single American wedding i've seen has men decked out in truly terrible tuxedos. Why would the "folksy, down-home charm" (yeah, right!) president want to appear any different?

However, i should have thought that all official State dinners (greeting ambassadors etc) would be white tie.

bk

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

Part of Bush's public persona - the acting bit - is being an everyman.
bk

The problem is that it seems not to be an act, it is just the way he is. Of course, the fact that politicians think that their voters prefer slob "everymans" is disturbing itself. Perhaps just another symptom of "prole drift."

 

[Elaina]

Not that I like any of them, but Laura looks better then the official consort.

 

[Fletch]

Dubya dresses like the average male voter, except his clothes are custom made to look that dull and stiff.

If you see the tv doc Journeys with George, the then-Gov. Bush is telling all about his suit pants and how they're cowboy cut, with horizontal slant jeans-type pockets, big ugly belt buckle, etc. I think he shows his dressy black kickers too.

He seems to have forgone the kickers to meet with the P of W, but the boot-flare remains.

Also, it would be Political Suicide for a Prez to let it be obviously known that he can tie a bowtie. Badly OR well.

Also also, Laura's kinda yummy.

 

[PADDY]

HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Prince Charles is looking very sharp (as ever) in his DB Tux, hankie and French cuff showing. Also Her Grace The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) is looking extremely regal. Plus, I agree, that the First Lady has made a major effort and its paid off, as she looks stunning :eusa_clap

 

[Vladimir Berkov]

This is the only photo I have seen so far, and I am not impressed. I wish it showed more of a closeup, but you can see the main problem from here. The white waistcoat should never be showing below the tailcoat. Bush's waistcoat is obviously sized far too long, compare it visually to Prince Philip's waistcoat. The two men are roughly the same height, but Bush's waistcoat looks at least 3+ inches longer.

Also it looks like Bush is wearing an American flag lapel pin. I don't like them even on suits, but with a tailcoat? It seems really out of place.

 

[PADDY]

New boy at school

The BBC reporter described Mr Bush as looking like a schoolboy on his first day at school, wearing a uniform that didn't fit [huh]
The report also went onto say that he hadn't worn 'white tie' since 2003 and his body shape had possibly changed since then (though it doesn't excuse the waist coat faux pas [huh] ).

Also wearing of little badges (like the flag badge) is just out of order, (military decorations would be different, as in HRH Prince Philip, or HM) and of all the people who need to show his allegiance/country, he is the least needing to, his very position shows it clearly enough!

I don't know who from the Whitehouse advises/trains in Royal protocol, but I noticed on the news report, First Lady, Mrs Bush reaching over to Prince Philip to take his hand or sleeve, and he moved out of her reach.
She was probably doing it in a really friendly/homely fashion, but the Whitehouse advisors should have briefed them on 'touching' the Royals. It just isn't done [huh] Different rules I guess.

GOOD POINTS: First Lady looks stunning!!:eusa_clap and showed that she was really making an effort, and looked very 'at ease' with such a high profile occasion/visit.

Mr President: He actually made a BIG EFFORT to dress up and ditched the cowboy boots for the patent leather shoes :eusa_clap
Also, although he didn't look comfortable (he was out of his comfort zone), ...he had the guts to bite the bullet, tried to put on a brave face and did his bit, so well done Mr President (we all do things we don't really want to at times, some run, some don't ...you stood your ground). :eusa_clap

And the WHOLE EVENT is full of Olde World charm It's like going back to the days of Roosevelt (either of them) or Eisenhower. Let's hear it for good old fashioned events like this one!!!

But please Sir, get the 'white tie' sorted

 

[koopkooper]

I think it is wonderful that there is a white tie event, very rare these days.
Sure Bush kinda stuffed up in his appearance and lack of confidence to carry the look, but it is wonderful that an event like this is held.

Whilst I know political things aren't spoken of here, I must briefly say that it goes to show how important the monarchy is in the world when an event like this is held. It is also the same with the Pope, two wonderful old world traditions that I think must be held onto.

 

[Rooster]

Bash Bash Bash..... Thank God we have only had very few of these events. Just think of the tax dollars that's saving us.lol

 

[Fletch]

The no-weskit-past-the-tailcoat rule has gone by the boards, because tails have been downgraded from a style of dress to a uniform, and indeed, not a very relevant one.

A uniform has no style (altho it may be stylish) - only rules and traditions. Unless the rules are known and respected, putting the traditional items on in the traditional order is all one can expect.

 

[MrPumpernickel]

Last I checked...this wasn't the most proper behaviour at a meeting with the Royal Family though:

*ahem*

 

[Orgetorix]

However, i should have thought that all official State dinners (greeting ambassadors etc) would be white tie.

Unfortunately, it isn't so. There was only one white-tie State dinner in the Clinton administration, one or two during Bush 41's term, and perhaps a handful during Reagan's presidency.

There is a reception for the US diplomatic corps at the beginning of each Presidential term that was traditionally white-tie. Clinton wore white tie to both of the ones during his administration. The current President Bush, however, has downgraded that event to black-tie.

The last president to wear white tie to his inaugural ball was Reagan, and that only to his first inaugural. He wore black-tie for the second.

 

[Orgetorix]

Here's a closer shot.

Good Lord, he's wearing a turndown collar.

Can you say, "ill-at-ease?"

Here's one accessory, at least, that looks good.

Notice the contrast between the two men's tail suits: Prince Philip's jacket, waistcoat, and trousers are all much higher-cut, lending him an elegant and comfortable air. The President looks like he's wearing a diaper under his trousers because they're so low on his hips, his waistcoat is too long, and his tails are at least a couple of inches too short. He looks uncomfortable, and he probably is. Anyone would be uncomfortable if he were put in a suit as ill-fitting as that.

I'm glad, in theory, that white-tie has reappeared at the White House. But seeing how poorly it's carried off, it makes me wonder whether it really is a good thing.

 

[Rooster]

Last I checked...this wasn't the most proper behaviour at a meeting with the Royal Family though:

*ahem*

Probably the sun glinting off of the Queens diamonds that's making the Pres squint like that....

 

[Samsa]

I'm glad, in theory, that white-tie has reappeared at the White House. But seeing how poorly it's carried off, it makes me wonder whether it really is a good thing.

I agree completely.

And where O where are the top hats!