Synopses & Reviews
Artist/Rebel/Dandy celebrates the pleasures of the sharp-dressed man, from the discreet sophistication of the consummately elegant George Bryan andldquo;Beauandrdquo; Brummell in the early 19th century to the diverse, highly personal flair of the tastemakers who color the landscape of menswear today. Since the word andldquo;dandyandrdquo; came into vogue in London in 1813, it has at times been used to describe someone superficial, flamboyant, and self-indulgent. Instead, the dandy is here shown to employ profound thought and imagination in his self-presentation, fashioning an image that often challenges the status quo and transcends the ordinary.
A series of fascinating essays traces the often contradictory definitions and images of the dandy, the history of young men and their clothes in the long 19th century, the exquisite fabrics and tailoring that play an important role in dandy style, and the relationship of black dandyism and hip-hop. In addition, this book features fifteen musings on notable dandies written by individuals who share a kinship with their subject, including Patti Smith considering Charles Baudelaire; a reflection on Oscar Wilde by his grandson, Merlin Holland; Daniela Morera, formerly part of Andy Warholandrsquo;s Factory crowd, reminiscing about the artistandrsquo;s image; and writer Philip Hoare describing the andldquo;thrift-shop dandyismandrdquo; of director John Waters.
Review
and#8220;A visual and cultural history that deftly juxtaposes beautifully reproduced illustrations and photographs of individuals, clothing, and textiles with engaging text, the book will appeal to fashion historians and aspiring dandies.and#8221;and#8212;Publishers Weekly
Review
"Anyone curious about men's fashion and its history should read this book, which offers one of the most thorough and whimsical accounts of the evolution of male style."and#8212;Ann Binlot, The Manual
Review
and#8220;This exquisite catalogue. . . painstakingly and evocatively explores the ambitions, inventions, and fine details of fabric, texture, and cut of elegant linen shirts, broadcloth and naval jackets, university wardrobes, cotton twill weaves, vintage cycling and Harris tweeds, and morning suits. It works on multiple levels to inspire dandies and dandy admirers alike."and#8212;
ChoiceReview
“A must-have for fashionable gentlemen.”—Flavorwire Choice
Review
and#8220;A must-have for fashionable gentlemen.and#8221;and#8212;Flavorwire
Synopsis
A wide-ranging exploration of the dandy and menandrsquo;s fashion over the past two centuries, from Beau Brummell to hip-hop
Synopsis
A wide-ranging exploration of the dandy and men's fashion over the past two centuries, from Beau Brummell to hip-hop
Artist/Rebel/Dandy celebrates the pleasures of the sharp-dressed man, from the discreet sophistication of the consummately elegant George Bryan "Beau" Brummell in the early 19th century to the diverse, highly personal flair of the tastemakers who color the landscape of menswear today. Since the word "dandy" came into vogue in London in 1813, it has at times been used to describe someone superficial, flamboyant, and self-indulgent. Instead, the dandy is here shown to employ profound thought and imagination in his self-presentation, fashioning an image that often challenges the status quo and transcends the ordinary.
A series of fascinating essays traces the often contradictory definitions and images of the dandy, the history of young men and their clothes in the long 19th century, the exquisite fabrics and tailoring that play an important role in dandy style, and the relationship of black dandyism and hip-hop. In addition, this book features fifteen musings on notable dandies written by individuals who share a kinship with their subject, including Patti Smith considering Charles Baudelaire; a reflection on Oscar Wilde by his grandson, Merlin Holland; Daniela Morera, formerly part of Andy Warhol's Factory crowd, reminiscing about the artist's image; and writer Philip Hoare describing the "thrift-shop dandyism" of director John Waters.
Synopsis
Artist/Rebel/Dandy celebrates the well-dressed man, tracing the dandyand#8217;s many manifestations over the past two centuries and showing that he employs profound thought and imagination in his self-presentation.
About the Author
Kate Irvin is curator and head of the Department of Costume and Textiles, and Laurie Anne Brewer is assistant curator in the Department of Costume and Textiles, both at the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design.