14.01.24 Caught with my pants down

The article has a cryptic title; 14.01.24 - a random date, until the New Year's speech, when H.M. The Queen transformed a large part of Denmark's adult population into a stunned crowd of royalists, jumping out of their seats with their trousers around their ankles. Now 14.01.2024 has become historic.

I am a fervent royalist, and I rejoice, in a melancholic way, that the Queen has shown she is the captain of her life and has the best interests of the monarchy at heart. In my eyes, she is a true leader who sees opportunities, ensures her team is ready, and motivatedly delegates responsibility. I wish I had the same ability.

Admittedly, I would have loved to attend the coronation, the New Year's reception – to receive that gilt-edged invitation. That little pang will probably always be there when I speak of the royal family, and so it should be. Fortunately, for me, Herrernes Magasin brings us closer to the great people in our lives.

The Prince in tails and royal underwear.

Not long ago, we had Prince Christian visit Herrernes Magasin; he was relaxed and comfortable. This perhaps characterizes our future monarch, King Frederik X, and his household? They are approachable and let Denmark see that everyday life encompasses many of the same challenges, emotions, and practicalities that you and I encounter. Prince Christian needed clothes, and like many before him, he waited in the middle of the store in his underwear under the crystal chandelier, looking for a white tie for his grandmother's jubilee.

Now the formal wear is truly being gathered

We are always busy at Herrernes Magasin when the court hosts ceremonies. Read more about tailcoats and white tie – see the selection here.

Those who do not have uniforms to don are invited to wear white tie.

Attire for Gala events, the court.

White tie is the most formal form of men's clothing in the Western wardrobe, used for gala events.

 It consists of an open-fronted long tailcoat with swallowtails, a white shirt with a starched front, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie; the bow tie and waistcoat are often made of piqué-woven cotton fabric.

The collar is always a wing-collar, and it can be a detachable collar or a fixed part of the shirt, and in these cases, the shirt is also typically made of piqué fabric.

 This is worn with long black trousers with silk braid, braces, as well as black socks and patent leather shoes.

As decoration, a top hat and a white silk scarf can be worn. Possible decorations include cufflinks and a gold pocket watch. White gloves, a white silk scarf, and a tall black top hat can also be worn (the hat is removed indoors).

Gloves have traditionally been made of glacé leather, but today are often made of fabric. In English, the gala attire is called white tie due to the obligatory white bow tie. The gala suit is used, among other places, at court, weddings, and larger parties after 6 PM.

Women's gala attire consists of a full-length gala gown or ball gown, with jewellery (possibly a tiara), a small handbag, and long gloves.

Certain lodges, such as the Freemasons, use black tie with a black waistcoat instead of white.