CINABRE IS BACK AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
04/08/2022 18:43:47
CINABRE IS BACK AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
While the next occupant of the Elysée Palace remains to be determined, Cinabre bow ties will be there for several years to come. Following a call for tenders, our White Coton Piqué Bow Ties were selected to be worn by the President’s famous Bailiffs (Huissiers du Président), otherwise known as Huissiers à Chaîne (Chain Bailiffs). I’m going to tell you a little more about this profession shrouded in mystery that is an integral part of the inner workings of the Elysée Palace.
Under the watchful eye of Presidential guard dog Nemo!
Cinabre basking in the splendor of the République...
It is a source of great pride for the entire team and our Loir et Cher atelier to once again see some of our Cinabre pieces within the confines of the Elysée Palace. Our made-in-France ties have been gracing the place for 5 years already as we are the official supplier of the French President. And now, the Bailiffs of the French Republic (Les Huissiers de la République) will also have handmade Cinabre accessories.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ÉLYSÉE
Few are privy to the paramount importance of the President's Bailiffs within the Elysée Palace. And for good reason: It is a “shadow profession”. Yet, they hear everything and see everything. With military backgrounds, the Huissiers à Chaîne (Chain Bailiffs – so called because of the chain on their uniforms) are charged with closely guarding the President of the Republic within the Elysée Palace. In fact, they accompany him everywhere in the Palace and may be called upon to listen in on confidential discussions or carry envelopes with top secret contents.
During ceremonies, the Huissiers announce the arrival of visiting dignitaries and state representatives, inviting those in attendance and the audience to stand up and respect the silence. In the 1990s, certain Bailiffs were even poached by fancy hotels to call out announcements in reception in order to give a sense of decorum and order. Even today, the Bailiffs are nicknamed the “Gueulards” within the Elysée, roughly translated as “loudmouths”.
Black morning coat, waistcoat, wing collar shirt and the essential White Coton Piqué Bow Tie: The uniform of the Huissiers à Chaîne has hardly changed since the Ancien Régime. The ever-present chain they wear across their shoulders and chest is still engraved with the symbol of the monarchy, with the effigy of the king (la République is not without irony). The keys to the Palace rooms were hung there.
Les Huissiers à Chaîne from 1947 to 2021.
IF BEING A BAILIFF ISN’T YOUR THING
If you’ve given up on the idea of becoming a Huissier de la République at the Elysée, there is still another opportunity where you can wear a white coton piqué bow tie:
Nobel Prize Banquet in Stockholm:
I couldn’t finish this article without telling you about this renowned event in Sweden. Following the wishes of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish himself, the Nobel Prizes have been awarded during a ceremony at the City Hall in Stockholm since 1901. A sumptuous banquet follows, where no less than 1,250 guests are seated around long and elegant tables: “white tie” and appropriate formal attire are de rigueur.
If you’ve not received an invitation to the Nobel ceremony, despite your massive intelligence, perhaps you can still reserve one of the 40 spots available at the Bistro Nobel where you can sample former Nobel Banquet menus.
Our workshop is regularly called upon by companies, palaces or ministries to provide uniforms or business gifts. If you have any requests yourself, do not hesitate to contact Léonore : leonore@cinabre-paris.com..
