Summer is gone and for the well-dressed man, t-shirts, shorts and sandals are banished to the back of the wardrobe. Kyiv's cultural and social life begins to revive as the vacation season ends. Those going to a classy event have to look the part, which means following the black-tie dress code.
Buying a tuxedo in Kyiv is not cheap (prices start at Hr 10,000), but for those expat men who may have inadvertently left their favorite tux at home, there is always the option of renting.
There are several salons where formal evening wear can be hired, but be prepared for some pretty steep deposits, fines for delayed returns and surcharges for any damage or stains to the rented outfit. You’ll also have to be able to show some form of ID, or you’ll be shown the door.
For the man who’s up to speed with the latest fashions, you can find the best of the season’s new offerings from Valentino, Hugo Boss, Ungaro, Corneliani, CaravellI, Fiorelli, Renoir and others famous brands in the Schastia (Happiness) salon at 32B Pushkinska Street. Renting an outfit here for two or three days costs from Hr 1,500 to Hr 5,500. The price includes a standard lapelled jacket, trousers, shirt, cummerbund, bow tie and pair of shoes. Schastia’s consultants will help every client to pick out matching accessories. Visits are by appointment only. Call 235-4161.
For fans of U.S. brands, Cardi tuxedos can be found for rent for Hr 3,500-4,500 at Kyiv’s Interstyle salon of wedding and evening gowns at 75, Melnykova Street. Outfits are rented for two nights only. The price includes a lapelled jacket, trousers, cummerbund, bow tie, shirt with French cuffs, but no shoes. Clients must arrange an appointment for fitting by phone: 483-0627.
The Men’s Style Academy atelier at 19а Pravda Avenue employs tailors to make domestically produced tuxedos for those who prefer their clothes to be made in Ukraine. The prices here are extremely reasonable – clients can rent a tuxedo without shoes for Hr 750 per day. However, you will be asked to leave a deposit of Hr 5,000. The atelier can be reached by phone: 228-3536.
For those interested in the latest line of Italian tuxedos, these can be found for rent in the DressForDay salon at 6 Simon Petlura St. On providing a Hr 5,000 deposit, you can rent a lapelled jacket, trousers, vest, cummerbund and a bow tie for Hr 750. Shirts are rented for a separate fee. Fitting is by appointment – call 093-600-0711.
Sylist Lesya Patoka said black tie rules remain very strict: the jacket and pants must be made of the same cloth, and lapels must be made of silk and be of the same color. “Sometimes it is better to mix a black jacket with dark blue pants. But never use a standard belt with a tuxedo – that is bad taste.
Use a cummerbund or braces. However, I wouldn’t recommend braces, as you can only wear them with a waistcoat, and waistcoats are out of fashion.”
Kyiv Post writer Veronika Melkozerova can be reached at [email protected]
