Last Night At The Opera, 2012-2013 Season

**DyerStraits** · 4th April 13, 10:13 PM

....The Lyric Opera Of Chicago, to be precise, with soprano Renee Fleming reprising her original headlining role in A Streetcar Named Desire. I am very much enjoying my new Arrochar (Crail) tweed jacket, which is also perfect for wearing to the office and of course daywear in general, with a shirt and tie, cashmere turtleneck jumper, etc. Comfortable, sturdy and versatile, as any Tweed should be. As Bill Blass once said, wool is what Man was meant to wear.

**JonathanB** · 5th April 13, 02:25 AM

Congratulations!

It is my ambition to wear a kilt to the Royal Opera Covent Garden here in London. I was there yesterday (in trousers) and noticed that about half the men are not even in ties. The only formal male attire is a business suit. A kilt would be a nice touch of the formal/informal as your relaxed (sideways) photo showed. The London season goes on to July, and we have tickets for Rossini's Scottish opera, La donna del lago later this year.

**David Thorpe** · 5th April 13, 04:05 AM

Nicely done!

**Altenberg Bagpiper** · 5th April 13, 06:31 AM

We went to see Don Giovanni a couple of weeks ago here in Nuernberg, Germany. I did see one man in a kilt which did surprise me. Jim

**Llama** · 5th April 13, 06:46 AM

That's a great look. I love the little flash of violet in that tie with the Honour Of Scotland tartan.

I work right across the river from the Civic Opera house. I'm always sad that I don't make it to a show more than once a year.

**JonathanB** · 5th April 13, 06:46 AM

A Bavarian kilt?

**Altenberg Bagpiper** · 5th April 13, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by JonathanB

A Bavarian kilt?

Well, there is a Franconian tartan. Franken is an area within Bavaria. A whiskey tasting club here called Highland Circle had the tartan made. It isn't too bad looking. You can see it on their website: http://www.highland-circle.de/

**CMcG** · 5th April 13, 09:23 AM

Looking sharp, DyerStraits!

**Nile** · 5th April 13, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by DyerStraits

....wool is what Man was meant to wear.

DyerStraits, that's a stunning jacket; I love that shade of gray. Overall, you look great and appropriately dressed for the Opera.
I agree with your last statement.
Nile

**DyerStraits** · 5th April 13, 06:33 PM

Many thanks for the compliments, all. Most flattering!

I always attend both the opera and symphony kilted, not only for the approving smiles, glances and comments from the ladies, but also because it is infinitely more comfortable than pants when one is sitting for several hours in those typically rather smallish seats with very little leg room, especially after dining. I've yet to set a precedent however--the only time I've seen other kilted gents at the Lyric Opera was for the opening night production of MacBeth a few years ago (I'm sure there were several at Lucia di Lammermoor also) and there actually were too terribly many at that.

I also find it very sad that so many operagoers these days dress so casually--even shabbily--for the event. My mantra (one of them, anyway) is You Only Live Once--Might As Well Look Good!

Happy Tartan Day To All My Kilted Brethren! Slainte!