Charming Facts About Beau Brummell, The Original Dandy
He had the looks, the clothes, the wit, the charm—-he had everything. Beau Brummell was a fashion god in Victorian London, showing the way for a sleeker, classier male ideal. Every man wanted to be him, and every woman wanted to be with him.
But quickly—far too quickly—it all went away. Here’s the inside scoop about Beau Brummell, London’s greatest fashion icon.
1. His Family Struggled
George Bryan Brummell was born in London on June 7, 1778, the youngest son of Jane and William Brummell. With no connections to nobility, the Brummell family worked their way up from nothing on the back of their grandfather’s efforts.
The older William Brummell, working as a valet, managed to secure a clerical position for his son at Her Majesty’s Treasury. George’s father took it from there.
2. They Had Great Expectations
William provided Jane and his sons a comfortable middle-class life as the Private Secretary of the Prime Minister—but he wanted more for his son. He wanted Brummell to become a gentleman, one of the highest in the land. And the way he attempted to achieve this plan was utterly scandalous. William spread a rumor that George—his own son—was the illegitimate son of Prince Frederick.
Brummell grew up with the weight of those expectations on his shoulders…but he was ready to take the world on.
3. He Was The Most Popular Boy At School
High school can be tough for any kid, but Brummell didn’t let that stop him. Despite his middle-class status, the other aristocratic students knew “Buck” Brummell for his cutting wit and easy charm—and soon he became the star of the show.
Everyone knew and loved Brummell, even the teachers. He left Eton for Oxford, already a leader in his own right.
4. He Changed The Fashions For Men
Even as a young man, Brummell demonstrated a real eye for style and fashion that others couldn’t help but notice and fear.
As an Etonian, he forever changed the classic uniform by bringing a modern twist to the classic schoolboy cravat—as well as a gold buckle.
He took his fashion endeavors further at Oxford by turning away from white stockings and old-fashioned cravats—leading everyone to follow his example.
