“Thank you for joining us to celebrate all that makes The Gentleman’s Gazette and our community so stylish and so spectacular!”
Thanks to everyone who attended, for making the inaugural edition of The Belvedere Bash the most well-dressed event of the season! To all those who joined us in Minnesota for the first-ever social event hosted by The Gentleman’s Gazette, we express our gratitude–and we can’t wait to share with you all the special moments we captured through photos and video!
Fast Facts About the Event
WHAT: An unforgettable weekend of hobnobbing, learning & socializing, all dedicated to Classic Style
WHEN: Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th, 2023
WHERE: The Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55402 – USA Google Maps
WHO: Devotees of Classic Style, plus the staff and hosts of The Gentleman’s Gazette
A special word from your host
Raphael
My most sincere thanks to our attendees for sharing an unforgettable weekend in Minneapolis with me and the other members of the Gentleman’s Gazette team.
We put so much work into making this a memorable event, and I can’t wait for you to see all of the moments we captured.
I look forward to future events!
Sven Raphael Schneider
Our Tiered Ticketing Model
To help our guests have the best possible time and to personalize The Belvedere Bash to their particular needs and wants, we offered two tiers of ticketing.
Why?
- It allowed us to curate a variety of entertaining and informative events at appropriate price points.
- It allowed our guests to select experiences that suited their interests and ability to pay.
- It allowed more Classic Style devotees to participate in The Belvedere Bash through variable pricing options.
“Help! I don’t know what tiered ticketing means!”
“Tiered ticketing” simply means that we offered tickets at two different price levels. The Standard Level provided guests with access to a plethora of fun, informative, and stylish activities that they could enjoy with all of the other attendees at The Belvedere Bash.
For those who were interested, we offered a more expensive price tier for VIPs. At this level, guests had exclusive access to a wider range of unique and personalized experiences, including mingling with their favorite hosts at The Gentleman’s Gazette.
A Recap of the Weekend’s Itinerary
| Day | Time of Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 27 | Late Afternoon | Opening Cocktail & Appetizer Reception featuring a musical performance by Preston |
| Evening | Private Dinner at the Schneider Residence for VIPs | |
| Saturday, October 28 | Noon | Buffet Lunch at The Minneapolis Club |
| Afternoon | Workshops, Panels, and Breakout Sessions on Classic Style | |
| Late Afternoon | Cocktail Hour with The Gentleman’s Gazette Hosts for VIPs | |
| Evening | Celebratory Black Tie & White Tie Gala |
What All Attendees Experienced
Whether they opted for the Standard or the VIP Ticket Tier, our guests were treated to the delightful pleasures of:
Our Fantastic Venue: The
Minneapolis Club
Housed in a gorgeous 1907 historic building, The Minneapolis Club is the premiere venue in Minneapolis and was the perfect location for an event of this caliber.
The Opening Cocktail & Appetizer Reception
When Classic Style enthusiasts come together from all across the globe, you know that you’re in for an unforgettable evening! In the decadent setting of the Minneapolis Club, our guests were greeted by the hosts of The Gentleman’s Gazette before enjoying the opportunity to chat and connect with dozens of other people who love Classic Style as much as they do.
Live Musical Performance by Our Host, Preston!
Sonorous Syncopation from our Stylishly Suave Singer!
In addition to hosting at The Gentleman’s Gazette, Preston is also an incredibly talented singer. We are proud to have featured him in a performance for all attendees during the cocktail reception on Friday, October 27th. With melodious selections from The Great American Songbook, this performance set the tone for a swinging and stylish weekend!
Hear Preston in Action!
Professional Photos to Treasure Forever
Have you ever wanted to lead your own “Outfit Rundown?” Every attendee was given that chance as part of a special photo booth we set up during the cocktail reception and the gala event. In addition to this unique experience, our guests also benefitted from roving photographers who documented all of the fun and excitement throughout the weekend.
From candid snaps to souvenir portraits, our guests had many opportunities to make special memories and have them recorded on film at The Belvedere Bash. Keep an eye on our social media feeds to see who pops up!
Delicious Lunch at The Minneapolis Club
On Saturday, October 28th, our guests gathered with their fellow menswear enthusiasts at The Minneapolis Club for an epicurean and energizing buffet-style lunch. Not only did this meal afford them another opportunity to mix and mingle, but it also ensured that they were fully refreshed for the full day of fantastic events that we had planned.
The drinks were on us!
Cheers!
At the Opening Cocktail & Appetizer Reception, the Saturday lunch, and the Black Tie & White Tie Gala, our guests didn’t need to worry about running dry: 7 drink tickets were included with each ticket purchase!
Insightful and Informative Workshops
We offered two in-depth workshops for our guests!
Shoeshining Workshop
How We Design Our Products
During the seminar and workshop portion of The Belvedere Bash on Saturday, October 28th, we were proud to feature the same degree of authority, insightful commentary–and, yes, humor–that our viewers expect from a regular Gentleman’s Gazette video, but live and in-person!
Exceptional Shopping Opportunities
Throughout the Belvedere Bash, our guests had ample oppurtunities to purchase our Fort Belvedere products on site. With a wide variety of menswear accessories including neckwear, cufflinks, scarves, boutonnieres, socks, leather goods, and everything that one needs to put the finishing touches on any Black Tie or White Tie ensemble, we were glad to show off our wares in person!
Want your own opportunity to buy our products? Visit the Fort Belvedere Shop now!
The Black Tie & White Tie Gala
Have you been pining for a Black or White Tie event? This was a prime opportunity for our guests!
In what we presented as a signature feature of The Belvedere Bash and the social highlight of the year, we revived the refined elegance of formal evening celebrations with our Black Tie & White Tie Gala! The height of sophistication returned for the evening of Saturday, October 28th, as we showcased the very best of Classic Style evening formality.
Whether our guests chose to appear in White Tie or Black Tie, each one cut a debonair and dashing figure as they joined their fellow Classic Style adherents in formal evening attire. They enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and enlivening entertainment as they whiled the evening away in unparalleled style and elegance.
Bring Out Your Finest Finery!
It wouldn’t have been a Gentleman’s Gazette party if we didn’t offer our guests the chance to wear their fanciest ensembles! From Cocktail Attire to White Tie, they had several opportunities throughout the weekend to show off their spectacular outfits from every level on the Formality Scale!
Cocktail
Black Tie
White Tie
Our Special Gift
Everyone who attended The Belvedere Bash received a special commemorative gift and a gift card to our luxurious Fort Belvedere shop, with on-site shopping opportunities.
Standard ticket holders received an item ($125 value) and a $50 gift card. VIP ticket holders received an item ($285 value) and a $250 gift card.
The VIP Experience
For those who were interested in a totally unique and carefully crafted experience, we offered our VIP Ticket Tier, consisting of exclusive, curated events in which our guests spent time with our hosts, enjoyed a decadent private meal at Raphael and Teresa’s home, and made the very most of their time at The Belvedere Bash.
Private Dinner with the Schneiders (And a Peek at Raphael’s Closet!)
After the Cocktail Reception on Friday, October 27th, our VIP guests were conveyed to the Schneider Residence for a delectable dinner prepared by a private chef. They sat around the dinner table with Raphael, Teresa, and their fellow VIPs, sharing stories, style tips, and exquisite fare in the beautifully appointed dining room of the Schneider family.
After dinner, Raphael led them into his sanctum sanctorum: his closet. The VIPs enjoyed a thorough tour of Raphael’s closet and his entire clothing collection, affording them a unique opportunity to see Raphael’s wardrobe up close and to ask whatever questions came to mind. We’re curious if any of them kept track of how many ties he owns – we haven’t been able to count them all yet!
The Schneider Residence
Occasionally glimpsed in the background of videos, the Schneider residence is a beautiful historic home located in one of Minneapolis’ loveliest neighborhoods. VIP guests enjoyed the Schneiders’ hospitality for a private dinner and marveled at their charming abode – did you know that the film studio on their top floor was originally a ballroom?
Pre-Gala Cocktail Hour with the Gentleman’s Gazette Hosts
Have you ever wondered what Raphael would think of your tie knot? Would you like to experience a “Preston Pun” firsthand? Our guests had the chance to do it all as part of the exclusive Cocktail Hour we hosted prior to the Black Tie & White Tie Gala.
Our guests socialized with their favorite Gentleman’s Gazette hosts in an exclusive, private room at The Minneapolis Club, enjoying unprecedented access to our hosts as well as the special company of the other guests at the VIP level. Then, they set out to enjoy all that the Black Tie & White Tie Gala had to offer.
Guests’ Gala Looks, Immortalized By an Artist
To beautifully memorialize our guests’ time at The Belvedere Bash, we commissioned an artist to be on-site during our gala evening to create hand-drawn illustrations of their Black Tie or White Tie ensembles. We hope that these keepsakes will become mementos they will always treasure and a poignant reminder of the friends, experiences, and gorgeous clothes that they enjoyed at The Belvedere Bash.
At a Glance: Event Benefits by Ticket Tier
| Event Benefit | Included with Standard Ticket | Included with Standard Companion Ticket | Included with VIP Ticket | Included with VIP Companion Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Cocktail & Appetizer Reception | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Preston’s Musical Performance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Professional Outfit Photography | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lunch at The Minneapolis Club on Sat., Oct. 28 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Classic Style & Accessory Workshops | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Souvenir Photos | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Black Tie & White Tie Gala & Dinner on Sat., Oct. 28 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Commemorative Fort Belvedere Product | ✅$125 Value | ❌ | ✅$285 Value | ❌ |
| Fort Belvedere Gift Card | ✅ $50 Value | ❌ | ✅$250 Value | ❌ |
| Pre-Gala Cocktail Hour with the Hosts | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Private dinner prepared by a private chef at Sven Raphael Schneider’s home (and closet tour!) on Fri., Oct. 27 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hand-Drawn Artist Illustration of Each Gala Ensemble | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Accommodations
In addition to rooms available at the Minneapolis Club itself, the city of Minneapolis is bursting with many beautiful places to stay.
Here is a list of hotels that are all within one mile of The Minneapolis Club.
| Hotel Name and Website | Stars | Distance from Minneapolis Club (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| The Minneapolis Club (Limited Availability) | (Site of Event) | |
| Hyatt Centric Downtown Minneapolis | ★★★★ | 0.1 mile |
| Best Western Plus the Normandy Inn & Suites | ★★★ | 0.3 mile |
| Hyatt Place Minneapolis / Downtown | ★★★ | 0.3 mile |
| The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown | ★★★★ | 0.3 mile |
| Mint House Minneapolis | ★★★★ | 0.4 mile |
| Loews Minneapolis Hotel | ★★★★ | 0.5 mile |
| Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis | ★★★★ | 0.5 mile |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown | ★★★ | 0.5 mile |
| Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown | ★★★ | 0.6 mile |
| Radisson RED Minneapolis Downtown | ★★★★ | 0.7 mile |
| Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District | ★★★★ | 0.8 mile |
| Hewing Hotel | ★★★★ | 0.9 mile |
FAQ
Who was this event for?
The Belvedere Bash was for classic style enthusiasts. Whether each guest was an industry professional, a clothes horse, or just someone who gets excited to wear Black Tie or White Tie, this event was a fantastic opportunity to not just dress up but to learn hands-on things about leather, cloth, fragrances, and all the things that cannot be purveyed via video. Not only did our guests make new friends and connect with people who care about classic style as they do, but they also took home memories and professional photos & artwork.
How much did tickets cost?
Prices were $950 for a Standard Ticket and $1600 for a VIP Ticket.
A Standard companion ticket cost $595 and VIP companion was $1200.
Early-Bird tickets were available through Aug, 4th , 2023 for:
$850 for a Standard Ticket and $1450 for a VIP Ticket
Why were there two tiers of tickets?
We wanted as many people as possible to be able to afford this event and join us for The Belvedere Bash. Therefore, we created one ticket tier that had fewer benefits but also cost less. The higher tier cost more, but guests could also experience more; for example, a private dinner at Raphael’s house and a closet tour. We hope that this trade-off encouraged our guests to find a ticket level that worked for them.
Could guests get a reduced-price ticket if they didn’t want to participate in particular benefits and experiences?
There were two simple ways to reduce the overall cost of each ticket.
We had early bird pricing at a discounted rate through August 4, 2023.
We also had an Ambassador Program. Once a guest bought a ticket, they could share a personalized link with their dapper friends, and if said friends bought a ticket, that guest would get a $25 refund for every Standard ticket and a $50 for every VIP ticket that was sold through their link, up to the amount they paid for their ticket. Payout date is Nov 10, 2023 directly to each guest’s credit card. So, if four people bought a standard ticket via one guest’s link, said guest will get a refund on their card of $100 on November 10, 2023.
Did guests have to pay for their own travel expenses?
Yes, they did. Because we welcomed Classic Gentlemen from all across the globe, it was not feasible to organize a travel discount with an airline provider.
Did guests have to provide their own accommodations? Was there a block of rooms reserved at any local hotels?
We understand different people like to use different options, therefore, we did not block any rooms at any hotels, and guests had to provide their own accommodations.
Fortunately, there were plenty of options within walking distance.
Our event venue, located at 729 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55402, offered 10 guest rooms
We also provided a list of many hotels, all within 1 mile of our event venue.
Airbnb and similar sites also offered rooms and accommodations throughout the city of Minneapolis.
Where could guests park?
Guests could park at the adjacent Minneapolis Club parking ramp, conveniently located near the Minneapolis Club and featuring skyway access.
Could guests bring more companions?
Companion tickets could be purchased along with each guest’s ticket. After selecting either a General Admission or a VIP Ticket, attendees were given the option to purchase a companion ticket as well. All attendees needed to have their own tickets.
Did you offer refunds for this event?
We did not offer refunds, but guests could purchase Event Purchase Protection through our ticketing client, TicketSpice, and Purchase Protection LLC.
What kinds of food were served at these events?
The menus for our lunch and the Black Tie and White Tie Gala on Saturday, October 28th featured delicious, pleasing fare with some variety to account for personal tastes and preferences, such as a Pork Chop Ragout for meat-eaters and a Mushroom Risotto for vegetarians.
What if guests had food allergies or dietary restrictions?
While purchasing a ticket, guests were invited to fill out a questionnaire to make note of any food allergies or limitations in the designated section, so we could accommodate them.
Was alcohol served at these events?
Yes, it was. We encouraged all of our attendees to drink responsibly while they took advantage of the delicious spirits that we had on offer.
Were drinks included in the ticket price?
Seven drink tickets were included with each ticket purchase.
Could guests who don’t drink get a reduced price on their tickets?
No, but we also had a vast array of delicious non-alcoholic drinks, including mock-tails, that guests could enjoy. Guests were definitely able to get their “money’s worth” even if they chose to abstain.
What if I have additional questions or concerns related to the event?
Do not hesitate to contact us at:
[email protected]
Who Else Attended?
When our guests joined us in October, they had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of countless other dapper Classic Menswear enthusiasts from across the globe, plus the cast and crew of The Gentleman’s Gazette.
From The Gentleman’s Gazette
Raphael Schneider
Our host for the weekend, Raphael is the founder, and for many he remains the face, of The Gentleman’s Gazette. What began as a humble menswear blog has blossomed in ways that Raphael could never imagine, and hosting a glittering menswear event was the culmination of another long standing desire.
Raphael was most excited to meet guests in person after speaking to his audience for years through the written word and across a screen.
Teresa Schneider
Our hostess for the weekend, Teresa has been a part of The Gentleman’s Gazette from the start, originally working behind the camera and writing many of the early scripts and articles. After spending years sharing a closet with Raphael, she shared the stage at The Belvedere Bash as the company she helped found and run entered a new era.
Teresa was most excited about all of the opportunities for conversation and exchange that took place at The Belvedere Bash.
Preston Schlueter
Along with Raphael, Preston is considered one of the primary faces of The Gentleman’s Gazette, and with his talent for singing, he can rightfully be called the voice, too! Viewers may debate which host is funniest, but there’s no question that Preston is the punniest. He also plays a critical role behind the scenes as the Content Director of The Gentleman’s Gazette.
In addition to his musical performance, Preston was most excited to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Bash!
Kyle Thibodeaux
As the Gentleman’s Gazette host with the most modern take on Classic Style, Kyle is well-known on the channel for his mastery of denim jeans, elegant knitwear, and sleek sport coats. With an extensive background in sales, Kyle brings his knowledge of both the front and the back operations of Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Indochino to The Gentleman’s Gazette.
Kyle was most excited to share his hometown of Minneapolis with visitors from all across the world.
Chris Dummer
As the lead photo and video producer at The Gentleman’s Gazette, if you’re looking at it on our channel or website, Chris probably had something to do with it! In addition to overseeing the filming and editing of Gentleman’s Gazette content, Chris occasionally steps in front of the camera, too. You might remember him from such memorable roles as “Guy Who Smells a Weird Smell” and “Person Bullying Preston.”
Chris was most excited to capture all of the most exciting moments from The Belvedere Bash on film and video.
Ivan Martinez
The newest host for the Gentleman’s Gazette, Ivan Martinez has also helmed his own menswear line for a number of years (as well as his own YouTube Channel, “I Am Mr. Martinez.” His attendance at the Belvedere Bash occurred prior to the release of his first GG video, so guests got to make his acquaintance in advance!
Ivan was most excited to make his entrance into the Gentleman’s Gazette community in a live setting.
Jack Collins
Inspired by the early days of The Gentleman’s Gazette, Jack has been applying his sartorial knowledge and passion as a writer since 2020. Over the years, he’s been able to continue building his responsibilities and now plays a critical role in many creative areas of The Gentleman’s Gazette. As the head of our social media channels, you’ve likely interacted with Jack before through his growing social media profile.
Jack was excited to be traveling from his home in England to meet other international fans of The Gentleman’s Gazette.
E.J. Daniels
A freelance author from Atlanta, Georgia, Eb is a senior writer who composes many of our scripts and articles and helps to edit the work of our junior writers. Between living in the Deep South and his regular trips to Italy, Eb has become our resident expert on wearing Classic Style in hot temperatures.
Eb was most excited to have the perfect opportunity to wear White Tie.
Thanks again to everyone who made the inaugural Belvedere Bash such a success!
