I Am Dandy?

[dieworkwear]



Many, including myself, have mourned the modern, and supposedly bastardized, definition of the word "dandy." But there has never really been a precise or universal definition of the word, except that Brummell definitely was one, and the good kind.

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

 

[unbelragazzo]

The fact that 200 years later people are still buying Brummell's claim that he wasn't vain is kind of amazing. John Bull most definitely turned his head whenever Brummell walked by, either to ogle or to respond to an insult.

 

[jrd617]

Have at it

 

[jrd617]

 

[jrd617]

 

[jrd617]



Apparently there is another book signing this weekend.

http://dandyportraits.blogspot.com/2013/10/i-am-dandy-book-signing-at-against.html

Those interested can get their dandy on!

One for the Creepy Sartorial Images file

 

[Caustic Man]

Subscribed just for the photoshop. Also reminded me to re-order a copy of Manton's book, since the copy my mom got me at age 18 is has long since disappeared.

 

[jrd617]



Subscribed just for the photoshop.

Use the blank of Will

 

[jrd617]

I've wanted to rip the tags of my Barba Dandylife shirts, but haven't done it. Stupid name

 

[CrimsonSox]

A dandy is not only someone who is well dressed, and cares about his wardrobe. He is a romantic about clothes, in the sense that Lytton Strachey describes:

"The object of all art is to make suggestions. The romantic artist attains that end by using a multitude of different stimuli, by calling up image after image, recollection after recollection, until the reader's mind is filled and held by a vivid and palpable evocation; the classic works by the contrary method of a fine economy, and, ignoring everything but what is essential, trusts, by means of the exact propriety of his presentation, to produce the required effect."

The dandy is a romantic in having a profuse, lavish style of sumptuous color and exuberant detail. It is the counterpart in clothing of the richly described and overflowing sentences of the romantic movement in literature. That is why someone who wears a double-breasted vest, a bright and colorful plaid, or a boutonniere (perhaps all at the same time) is apt to be called a dandy. He prefers a multitude of impressions over a fine economy.

It is possible to be well dressed without being a dandy. Such a man would take after the classical movement, relying on simplicity, precision, and balance for elegance. It's the beauty of a well-cut, plain navy suit with a white shirt and subtle tie.

I think of Cary Grant, later in life, as leaning towards classical dress, and Oscar Wilde, with the orchid in his lapel, preferring the romantic style of the dandy. Men can wear both styles, but I'm referring to tendencies in their dress -- one relying on a luxuriant abundance, the other on a purity of color and cleanness of line. So whether Manton is a dandy depends on if his style reminds you more of Wilde, Benjamin Disraeli, and the Duke of Windsor, or someone like Cary Grant and Elliot Richardson.

 

[jrd617]



Subscribed just for the photoshop. Also reminded me to re-order a copy of Manton's book, since the copy my mom got me at age 18 is has long since disappeared.

Your mom bought you a copy of Manton's book?

 

[Caustic Man]

Your mom bought you a copy of Manton's book?

A-yup. Apparently in an attempt that I might should look decent once I entered the world.

 

[jrd617]



A-yup. Apparently in an attempt that I might should look decent once I entered the world.

does she lurk on Styfo?

 

[Caustic Man]

does she lurk on Styfo?

I sure as hell hope not! I mean heck, sure as heck. Sorry mom.

 

[jrd617]



I sure as hell hope not! I mean heck, sure as heck. Sorry mom.