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Once upon a time, casinos were institutions that could only be attended by the very highest of social circles. Indeed, the first casino ever, the Casino de Venezia, was a hot spot for aristocrats from all over Europe back when it was built in the 1600s. One of the ways that people express their social status is through fashion, so it isn’t shocking to learn that casinos and fashion are linked in some ways.
Whether it be the strict dress codes that certain casinos still impose on their customers, or outfits inspired by casino culture, the fashion of casinos is a fascinating topic to explore, especially in the era of online gambling. Some may think that the existence of live gambling makes casino culture less interesting. But, the truth is, it only enhances what once was a niche sub-culture.
Dress Codes at Casinos
The origins of casino fashion can be traced back to the original casinos that spawned in the 17th century. As we said before, these establishments were geared towards high-end guests, often turning away the lower classes. A pretty strict casino dress code is how they managed to accomplish this. So, let us take a look at how one would have to dress in order to enter the casino.
Gentlemen would have to wear tuxedos, with some sort of elevated neckwear. Ornamentation and accessories were welcome, of course, as was a hat. Ladies would need to be in an evening gown to match their husbands. Of course, they’d have to pair their outfits with the finest footwear as well. This tradition of fancy dress remains a rule in certain casinos to this day, such as the Monte Carlo Casino.
Of course, most modern casinos have loosened up on what exactly a fancy outfit entails. Most men today would be fine wearing a suit and tie, and women would need a fancier dress. Of course, many casinos have eschewed the idea of a high-end dress code entirely, and accept visitors dressed in casual wear without any issues.
Casinos and Fashion Brands
In an attempt to keep the association with high-end luxury and class alive, certain casinos have delved into the fashion world for themselves. Casinos have worked with top-tier fashion brands to create clothing lines that are specifically meant to invoke gambling and classic casino games, like roulette, slots, and blackjack.
Of course, casinos are now more popular than ever, which means that these establishments have to appeal to a broader audience than simply the “high-class.” So, it isn’t surprising to learn that they are collaborating on casual wear, as well as on some luxury items. These collaborations have proven quite effective in furthering the connection between casinos and luxury.
Celebrity Gambling
Plenty of celebrities have been quite outspoken about their passion for poker, blackjack, or other forms of gambling. For example, the Spider-Man star, Tobey Maguire has been spotted numerous times in casinos all over the world, playing high-stakes poker. He has even competed against some of the best-known players in the world.
But, what does all of this have to do with fashion? Well, casinos in Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, and Atlantic City have been known to host “celebrity nights.” These events are meant to attract some of the biggest celebrities in the world, and of course, fashion plays a big role. People tune in from all over to see the brands and items that the different celebrities will be wearing to the casino.
Not only does this serve to attract more customers to the gambling establishment, but it also plays a huge role in maintaining the idea that casinos are the epicenter of fashion in pop culture today. After all, who could be more stylish than top-tier celebrities like Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Sharon Stone, Pamela Anderson, and many more.
Final Thoughts
The correlation between casinos and fashion exists for a reason. It has developed naturally over the centuries, but it is also true that modern casinos put a lot of effort into maintaining the idea. Of course, most casual casino visitors do get dressed up when going to their favorite gambling establishment. After all, fashion is just a person’s desire to express themselves, distinguish themselves, and look good when in public.
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