Introduce yourself.
I’m Mickael Korausch, Founder and Creative Director of la Bowtique, author of Modern Black Tie. I’m that guy you see wearing black tie at the opera at 8pm, in a cocktail bar at midnight and at McDonald’s at 3am.
When was the first time you wore black tie?
The very first time was for a work Christmas party when I was working at Hackett. I knew almost nothing about the dress code, did some research and ended up wearing a pair of Blackwatch trousers with an emerald green velvet jacket and a black silk bow tie. I remember having quite the party and the outfit was a big success!
What is your best memory wearing black tie?
Attending the Merchants Tailors ball for the first time was an incredible experience. I was seating in a historical building, having dinner with all the Savile Row tailors wearing black tie. For a 26-year-old French man who grew up in rural France, I had to pinch myself. This really was the moment when I decided to focus on making evening wear my speciality as I found it the most fascinating dress code.
Is there a particular black tie accessory you cherish
I wouldn’t say there is anything specific I cherish when it comes to accessories, I see them as a part of the attire. One thing I particularly like is finding memories/trinkets of past black tie events that I’ve kept in my chest pockets: place cards, opera tickets, receipts, photomaton photographs.. It always brings back happy memories.
What is your favourite choice of footwear?
I must admit I have a thing for opera pumps, patent or else.
I find them extremely comfortable, delicate, almost feminine, especially when paired with fine silk socks. They’re not for everyone but they’re my go-to choice.
Silk or cotton socks?
Silk socks, almost always, they really add a touch of sophistication. For slightly colder months, cashmere and silk mix are exquisite.
How did you learn to tie your bow tie?
Painfully. Back when I started wearing them, there wasn’t many tutorial videos, it was only the small cryptic drawings we all know.. I remember the frustration and the pain in my arms and fingers. I then practiced over the years and found ways to make it easier and neater. That is after tying more than 2000 of them.
What was the last occasion you wore black tie for?
The very last time I wore black tie was for Johnny Depp’s latest movie Premiere in London. I went all out with my 70s inspired purple velvet dinner suit, flared trousers and all!
Your ideal black tie night?
It really depends on my mood and company. I love a relaxing evening at the opera with my wife, followed by cocktails somewhere in town. I also love going to the Merchants Tailors ball in the winter, ending in dancing at one of the city’s most questionable bar/club and not remembering how I got home, sleeping on the sofa without a blanket.
Who do you consider a black tie icon nowadays?
That’s a tough one as a lot of celebrities are now dressed up by stylists and the outfits are not consistent. As with a lot of my inspiration, it comes from friends all over the world, doing things their own way. People like Andreas Weinas, Milad Abedi, Jamie Ferguson, Matt Hranek, Tony Sylvester, Hanson Leatherby just to name a few (the list is long!). The way they dress always reflect their personalities and this is something I admire. I wouldn’t copy the way they dress but I might pick an element for inspiration.
How do you feel when you wear black tie?
It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve worn a dinner suit, I always feel excited and confident. Excited because I know there is a party ahead and confident because there isn’t a more flattering dress code: this is the best I’ll ever look. When’s the next one?