Beau Brummell
English the arbiter of men's fashion and a friend of the Prince Regent
Years: 1778 - 1840
George Bryan Brummell, commonly known as "Beau" Brummell, (7 June 1778 – 30 March 1840 (aged 61)), is an iconic figure in Regency England, the arbiter of men's fashion and a friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV.
He establishes the mode of dress for men that rejects overly ornate fashions for one of understated, but perfectly fitted and tailored clothing.
This look is based on dark suit jackets, full-length trousers rather than knee breeches and stockings, and above all, immaculate shirt linen and an elaborately knotted cravat.
Beau Brummell is credited with introducing, and establishing as fashion, the modern men's suit, worn with a tie.
He claims he takes five hours to dress, and recommends that boots be polished with champagne.
His style of dress is often referred to as dandyism.
