Stricter Dress Code Enforced: Scala Imposes Longer Pant Regulation - Strict Dress Code Enforcement: Scala Imposes Longer Garment Lengths
In a move to uphold tradition and maintain the prestigious atmosphere of one of the world's most renowned opera houses, Teatro alla Scala in Milan has announced a stricter dress code for its guests.
Effective immediately, the updated code requires evening wear for all patrons, regardless of the seat location. For those in the main and better seats, men are expected to wear trousers, jackets, and dress shoes, while women should don dresses and heels. In the cheaper seats in the gallery (loggione), men may wear dark jeans or slacks with dress shirts, and women are asked to simply "dress for the occasion."
The stricter enforcement of the dress code is intended to preserve the solemn, elegant ambiance that has long been associated with La Scala. While guests are unlikely to be asked to leave for wearing casual attire such as sneakers, such clothing will attract negative attention and reflect the institution's desire to preserve its high cultural standard and elegance on site.
The Scala's management asks the audience to dress in a manner that respects the theater's dignity. In recent years, older guests, often from abroad, were causing more clothing-related issues at the Scala. The dress code change is aimed at showing consideration for the theater itself and other spectators.
Japanese visitors wearing kimonos and traditional sandals are welcome at the Scala. However, shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops will no longer be permitted. Shoulder-baring blouses are still allowed, and there is no requirement for formal evening wear or ties.
The Scala's former director, Dominique Meyer, aimed to attract a younger audience, but the updated dress code underscores the theatre's commitment to preserving tradition. The Scala, a world-famous opera house in Milan, is going into its summer break on July 18, marking the end of the 2024/25 season.
The Scala's website has issued a statement regarding the updated dress code, and failure to comply may result in denied entry. No refunds will be issued for denied entry due to non-compliance with the Scala's dress code.
As one of Milan's top tourist attractions, with many tour operators including opera visits in their programs, the Scala's new dress code may come as a surprise to some visitors. However, the theatre's management believes that the stricter dress code will help preserve the elegance and prestige that has made La Scala one of the world's most revered opera houses.
The Commission, following the stricter dress code enforcement at Teatro alla Scala, is therefore proposing to extend the period of application of a similar directive to cover the interiors of other prestigious venues, such as home-and-garden settings, interior-design showrooms, fashion-and-beauty boutiques, and even lifestyle events from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2000.
Visitors to La Scala, inspired by the opera house's dedication to preserving tradition and elegance, may find themselves adopting a more formal approach to their attire in other aspects of their lifestyle, such as attending home-and-garden exhibits, fashion-and-beauty events, or even designing their homes with an air of sophistication and grace.
