Summer is about to make her grand entrance, and you know what that means. All White Parties, galore! These elegant events take place at nightclubs, on rooftops, on boats, and more. They are advertised all over—from Los Angeles to New York—as well as around the world.
Once upon a time, you had to be “in the know” to gain access to these events. Now, with the advent of social media, you can get in on the fun without even being present.
As we raise a toast to summer’s arrival, here’s a brief history of the All White Party, and how it gained a following in the Black community.
An All White Dress Code Makes Everyone Equal
When you go to most formal events, you’ll see a variety of different colors and looks. There’s ample room for individuality and personal expression.
Wearing only white may seem limiting, but it isn’t if you’re creative. Some guests show up in dresses and skirts, while others opt for smart-looking suits.
Unlike red and purple, white is perhaps the ultimate summer color. And for Black people, it contrasts nicely with our skin.
The History of the All White Party
When people think of White parties, it brings summertime in The Hamptons to mind. But people have been wearing all white attire across many cultures and eras for quite some time.
Jezebel reports, “White clothing, because of the maintenance it requires and the high likelihood that it will become ruined, has often been associated with status throughout Western history.”
In Paris, François Pasquier helped push All White parties into the modern era. He hosted Dîner en Blanc in 1988 and requested that all attendees wear white. The concept took flight, not only in Paris but in many other cities.
Who Popularized This Kind of Event in the Black Community?
The person who popularized the All White party in the Black community was likely Sean “Diddy” Combs.
From the late 90s into the 2000s, his All White soirées were the talk of the town. They were held in exclusive locations, the liquor flowed without cease, and there were more stars than in the sky.
“Diddy popularized them in the 2000s with his parties in the Hamptons,” said Sadé Council, a marketing strategist. “So, it gave wearing all white a certain cachet, and made it feel like you were doing something elevated, cool, and bougie.”
Do you plan to attend any All White parties this summer?
