Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Exec banned from Soho House – for wearing a suit

Lewis Smith
Wednesday 27 July 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A senior executive at Bell Pottinger, adviser and image-maker to the rich and influential, has been banned from his club for being too well dressed.

Whereas most clubs might be expected to baulk at jeans or the lack of a tie, Peter Bingle was banned from Soho House for six months for coming dressed in a suit.

He was told he had breached the casual dress code, in place because it is a club for the creative industries.

Mr Bingle, the chairman of Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, said he was saddened by the "bizarre" ruling against being properly dressed. He wrote in a blog: "Is it really the case that the wearing of a suit makes me uncreative and unrelaxed? There is no greater supporter of the creative industries than me but does everybody in it all have to look the same? Have I got it wrong or has the world gone crazy?"

A spokeswoman for Soho House said: "Its important to us that we create a relaxed, casual and overall, a friendly environment for our members. While this may be frustrating for some, we are within our rights to make decisions based on that ethos. Sadly not everyone will like it."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in