In Baudelaire's still influential formulation: "dandyism is the last shimmer of the heroic in times of decadence." This claim belies the specific genesis of dandyism as an export from a commercially dominant 1820's Britain into the literary culture of post Napoleonic France.
That was Beau's way of NOT backing down. He'd rather tell- off publicly, than cow- tow to even royalty. Besides, it was HE who fueled the coolness of the prince.
I think he's putting Brummell in context. He was certainly *fastidious*, but a dandy in his time wore lace, garters, bright silk, wigs, etc. Compared to them, he wasn't a dandy. In the modern sense, we most certainly would call him a dandy.
Absolutely. Brummel was a dandy...sleek and elegant (remember the key to elegance is simplicity). Whereas a fop is over-done, pointlessly dressed, and basically trying too hard, what today we would call camp.
I watched an interesting movie about Beau Brummel just the other day on BBC America starring James Purefoy. In the movie, he initiated the change in dress and grooming from the powdered, wigged look with feminine-looking shoes and accessories to a more "manly" appearance with natural hair, shirt with ascot, close-fitting pants, and cavalry boots. Of course James Purefoy (Marc Antony in the recent "Rome" miniseries on HBO) was quite fetching!
I disagree.. Beau Brummell was a Dandy.. the gentleman in the clip didnt even justify his absurd comment about Brummell not being a Dandy, so I wont justify myself either.
Thespian James Purefoy was a perfect Brummel.
mybluecat1 2 months ago 10
In Baudelaire's still influential formulation: "dandyism is the last shimmer of the heroic in times of decadence." This claim belies the specific genesis of dandyism as an export from a commercially dominant 1820's Britain into the literary culture of post Napoleonic France.
MegynKelIy 1 year ago
That was Beau's way of NOT backing down. He'd rather tell- off publicly, than cow- tow to even royalty. Besides, it was HE who fueled the coolness of the prince.
..I see no fault in this man.
lol
MarcusDarling4026 1 year ago
I LOVED this charming story of Brummell. Mr. Stuart is an excellent story teller. Thanks so much for posting the clip!
RitaSV 3 years ago 3
I think he's putting Brummell in context. He was certainly *fastidious*, but a dandy in his time wore lace, garters, bright silk, wigs, etc. Compared to them, he wasn't a dandy. In the modern sense, we most certainly would call him a dandy.
ete4 3 years ago
That´s a fop´s description, not a dandy at all. The dandy has a sober and masculine attire and the main ingredient: wit.
bassuan 3 years ago
Absolutely. Brummel was a dandy...sleek and elegant (remember the key to elegance is simplicity). Whereas a fop is over-done, pointlessly dressed, and basically trying too hard, what today we would call camp.
EvilDandy 3 years ago
I watched an interesting movie about Beau Brummel just the other day on BBC America starring James Purefoy. In the movie, he initiated the change in dress and grooming from the powdered, wigged look with feminine-looking shoes and accessories to a more "manly" appearance with natural hair, shirt with ascot, close-fitting pants, and cavalry boots. Of course James Purefoy (Marc Antony in the recent "Rome" miniseries on HBO) was quite fetching!
mharrsch 4 years ago 7
he was more of a trend setter than a dandy! he was the one that set trends dandys were more whats new in fashion.
angelm237 4 years ago 2
I said there are many types of Dandyism, maybe Mr. Stuart was talking about the postmodern mis-concept of it.
retrodarth 5 years ago
I disagree.. Beau Brummell was a Dandy.. the gentleman in the clip didnt even justify his absurd comment about Brummell not being a Dandy, so I wont justify myself either.
IzuniaGabriella 5 years ago
So inoportune witty mind but certainly charming until the end.
retrodarth 5 years ago