Historically, a Flâneur’s walk refers to a leisurely stroll through a city, typically without a set destination or purpose, focused on soaking in the atmosphere and watching life unfold. The concept comes from the French term “flâneur”, which means “stroller” or “idler,” and was popularized in 19th-century Paris, especially in the writings of French poet and writer Charles Baudelaire. He described the flâneur as a kind of gentleman explorer of the streets or an urban observer — someone who wanders the city to experience it, to watch the world around them with detached curiosity and reflect on modern life — architecture, people, everyday scenes and social dynamics.
London’s Grand Flâneur Walk, organised by Gustav Temple of Chap magazine, is known for its emphasis on stylish attire and sees dozens of well-dressed dandies come together to saunter ‘sans purpose’ – without purpose: there is no timetable or destination.
“To saunter sans purpose is truly an art”
The Chap
Malta’s new Flâneur’s walk was inspired by this London event, explains Francesco Giordanella, co-organiser of Valletta’s Dandy for a Day.
“Each year a group of well-dressed individuals, both male and female, meets in Piccadilly London,” he continues. “We then have a photo shoot, and soon after we perambulate around London showing off our best apparel. The essence of the event is to showcase dressing well in an era where most people adorn themselves with nothing other than T shirts, trainers and jeans etc, yet this doesn’t have to be the case. We seem to have lost the sense of pride in our appearance and so we are showing that there are alternatives to one’s everyday attire.”
“Along the way we stop off at many of the fabulous pubs to be found in London and engage with the locals, tourists and imbibe and chat about why we are dressed so well and of course encourage young aspiring individuals to do the same. In my experience, I have come across both men and women who wish to dress well but don’t have the confidence or know how putting the ensemble together.”
“When I was growing up, I used to watch my grandfather my father my uncle getting dressed each morning. I was therefore learning the skills needed, in how one should present oneself to the world every day.”
“I had only been on the Flâneur’s walks in London as, until now the Flâneurs walk wasn’t really heard of anywhere else. Then this year l wasn’t going to be able to attend [the London event] as I was going to be in Gozo, so I thought why not bring it here? I then spoke to Gustav and he also thought why not! Good idea! And we chose Valletta for its history and beauty.”
“Anybody can participate but there is a strict dress code! Gentleman should be wearing some sort of neck attire and be suitably well turned out. Trainers, jeans T-shirts, shell suits, tracksuits, flip-flops, beachwear, shorts etc are not permitted!”
“I myself will be wearing most likely something that reflects the bygone era of the 1930s or 1940s.”
“On the day I look forward to seeing everyone who has taken the time to participate having a jolly good day with plenty of fun.”
“I hope all the participants will feel as I do when Flaneuring,: that is, with a sense of pride in how they look and above all, and that they will enjoy making people smile.”
Dandy for a Day is a leisurely “Passeggiata” en masse, a social event at which to meet and make like-minded friends. Tradtionally, however, a flâneur tends to walk alone, or feel a sense of detachment in the crowd because solo walks heighten your senses and makes it easier to slip into the role of observer.
Participants should meet at the entrance Of The Phoenicia Hotel, Valletta at 10am on May 10.
Here’s how to make the most of Dress like a Dandy
Choose your outfit carefully:
Sartorial splendour and self-expression are in: be dapper, go vintage or opt for flamboyance.
Leave the map behind
There’s no planned route. Let your curiosity guide you.
Engage in the moment
Put your phone away (or use it only for photos).
Notice the details
Be curious and keep a keen eye out for architectural styles, colours, shop signage, the sounds of the city and how people are dressed. Notice the contrasts—the old buildings versus the new; the scrubbed up and the weather-worn; the empty streets versus the crowded.
Enjoy the unexpected: a flâneur delights in surprises!
Participants should meet at the entrance Of The Phoenicia Hotel, Valletta at 10am on May 10.
