GOOD MANNERS

GOOD MANNERS AT THE TIME OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

How the etiquette changes as the bank account is drained.

Carlo Rossella e Fabiana Giacometti wrote a book “La sciarpa a pois, vivere con leggerezza e charme in tempi austeri” (which could be translated as” The polka dots scarf, living carefree and with charm in times of austerity”) in which they offer advise on “bob ton” in times of economic crisis. An ironic bible which ranges from clothing to employment travels to new technologies in order to give certitudes in a world that is more and more uncertain. The main rule: subtraction and simplicity, eliminating ostentation and live without excess?

Say no to the nouvelle cuisine and smoking, yes to downsizing the car engine, the readjusted clothes and takeaways. The Maldives like suntan is a no as are jewels in the morning get rid of the gold case watch and replace the champagne with sparking wine, also avoid changing dress too often at office.

“If even Jackie, Onassis divorcee, for the meetings at the Doubleday, the publishing company of which she was the editor, was nearly always wearing the same pin-stripe suit, anybody else can do it”.

This and others, the enjoyable, amusing and certainly useful suggestions.