History Of Annabel
Annabel is undoubtedly the most elegant and prestigious private club in Mayfair, London situated at 46 Berkley Square. Founded by entrepreneur Mark Birley in the year 1963 and named after his wife Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart, it has earned a global reputation as the most elite and refined private club. The club was first of its kind with its policy of private members and the only nightclub. Here, let’s know about Annabel’s Dress Code.
Over the years Annabel has built up a reputation of elitism and exclusivity in respect to their only members’ policy and also in the acceptance of the membership of the club. It is said that there is a long list of applications waiting for admission in the membership of the club. As per reports, the membership application is required to be accompanied by a letter from a current member of the club.
When Mark Birley sold Annabel to Richard Caring many of the existing members canceled their membership with the fear that Richard would change the authentic English ambiance of the club to a much flashy one and won’t be able to stay true to the roots of Annabel. As expected, the club’s ambiance did change to a much flashy one but as Vogue mentioned in one of its articles, it came out as a reinvention of Annabel. The club has been able to uphold its original idea of a place where parties and reunions are held but it somehow feels like to be in the drawing-room of an elite English home. After taking over Annabel, Richard Caring transformed it into all night and all-day club from a late-night one.
Annabel’s Do’s & Don’ts
As mentioned on its official website Annabel has a specified set of rules and regulations for its members to be observed when in the club.
- When in the club, the members are expected to respect the club as if it is their own home.
- The mobile phones must be kept on silent. Using mobile phones and laptops is only permitted in The Mexican, The Elephant Bar, and The Garden Bar. They can also use their phones in the staircases and the reception.
- Members are expected to be responsible for the guests that accompany them and shouldn’t leave their guests unattended. Members are allowed to bring three guests to the club without a reservation.
- Dogs are allowed on the ground floor every day until 6 p.m but they are not allowed on the furniture.
- Children under the age of 18 are allowed only on weekends that too until 6 p.m.
Annabel’s Famous Dress Code
There is a whole set of different rules and regulations as for the dress code of the club. They are as follows:
- Members are expected to follow the rule of dressing up for the occasion and be professional and respectful in their choice of attire.
- Revealing outfits such as shorts, gym wears, crop tops, hoodies, beachwear, visible underwear are not allowed.
- Sneakers are permitted according to the new set of rules but flip-flops aren’t.
- Jeans are allowed only when it is not poorly fitted and doesn’t look as if in a distressful manner.
- After 6 p.m the Gentlemen are to wear jackets however according to the new relaxation, jackets can be taken off on the dance floor.
Annabel on its official website mentions that the dresses encouraged to wear are casually elegant. Annabel holds the reputation of being the only nightclub hosting Queen Elizabeth in the year 2003 who then ordered a Gin Martini without Lemons. This news made the headlines boosting the already sky-high reputation of the club. Given the Queen’s visit, the members of the club undeniably are expected to dress up living up to the glory of it. While talking about its dress codes, many critics, as well as social platforms, have questioned its relevance to the modern world. They hold up the idea that when established Annabel did justify the strict code for dressing up as it was relevant to the elite class back then in comparison to now. The modern world’s fashion sense right now has become more about comfort than presentation.
In a dissent to that many also confer that in the modern world where getting dressed up for occasions has now only been limited to weddings and professionalism in fashion has gone extinct the club’s dress code does justify its need and relevance.
Annabel’s Recent Addition to the Dress Codes
Derek Blasberg, the author, journalist, and famous personality of the fashion industry has now been appointed with the task of reinventing and modernizing the strict dress code of Annabel for its grand re-opening. In his introduction to the new set of rules, Derek says that “Annabel’s is a historic establishment in a modern world and we hope that our patrons dress accordingly.” In this new extended dress code jeans and trainers are now acceptable inside given the condition that the trainers don’t look like they have been used for training and the pieces of denim don’t look damaged, sneakers are allowed inside given the condition that they don’t look like they have been used to play any sort of sports.
More relaxations are also included in the extended set of rules now which says that the Gentlemen are no longer required to wear ties or bow-ties whereas shirts and jackets are still compulsory to maintain the decency and refinement of the club. Derek exclusively mentions that couples whose dresses match each other are prohibited entry to the club and apart from the dress code the basic hygiene and decorum should also be maintained in respect to fingernails, hairstyles, and decorative tiaras worn by women who aren’t part of the royalty or aren’t dressed up for weddings are also considered as indecent social appearance It has been read that George Harrison of The Beatles was once refused entry to Annabel as he wasn’t appropriately dressed for the night and as he also refused to wear a tie.
Over the last 50 years, Annabel has stood tall with its decorum, posh London culture, and being the flag-bearer of the especial elite English society. Despite criticisms, the club has held onto its authentic idea of a place to party and relax in a homely environment. It has upheld its strict rules and regulations even in the modern era where mobile phones have taken over the social interactions of people. Annabel defines sophistication, culture, grandeur, and poise. The recent reinvention of Annabel has been successful in making its members feel like they are entering a new realm of fashion, style, and elegance the moment they enter the club. The dress code of
Annabel is more than just clothing and wardrobes. The dress code in Annabel is placed to make its members feel professional and part of an extravagant lifestyle. Annabel helps its members revive grace and personality through a dress code. The way a person dress has always been the first impression of his/her personality. The way you dress is the way you want people to make of your identity. Fashion is a much broader subject than mere items of clothing and accessories, it is what we are and it is what we are in our inner self. Annabel proves it with its strict rules and helps people realize it in this modernized era. Fashion in the modern age as stated by Derek has undoubtedly expanded but hasn’t become antique.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I wear jeans to Annabel?
Ans-: Yes, you can wear jeans to the Annabel but only those pairs which are solid in color and looks straight from your closet. Ripped jeans or jeans which look distressed in any way are not allowed. Shorts of either linen or denim is not allowed.
- Is tie compulsory for men to enter Annabel?
Ans-: No, in the recent relaxation of the dress codes for Annabel, it is clearly mentioned that ties aren’t compulsory for men to wear to gain passes to Annabel.
- What is the annual fee for membership in Annabel?
Ans-: The annual membership for Annabel starts from £3250 with an additional fee of £ 1250 as a joining fee.
- Is Annabel open now?
Ans-: Yes Annabel is open now by following all the COVID 19 protocols of safety.
- Can you get a free pass to Annabel without being a member?
Ans: – Although Annabel is exclusively an only members club, it still allows members to bring guests without reservations. One member is allowed to only bring three guests to the club
