Since it's so much harder to find fashion plates for early 19th century men’s clothing than for women’s, we tend to rely more upon painted portraits.
But these have limitations, some artists being less interested in fashion detail than in, oh, art.
But the best way, I believe, to understand the sexy elegance of the era is to see real clothes on real men.
Of course, we all know that Brummell was the leader, rather than a follower. Still, the Kinks' song works. The clips are from the movie Beau Brummell: This Charming Man, very loosely based on Ian Kelly’s wonderful biography, Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Man of Style.
Readers who receive our blog via email might see only a black rectangle or empty square where the video ought to be. To watch the video, please click on this link to the Two Nerdy History Girls blog.
One of us -- 
10 comments:
That song fits! Love it. Love historical romance...
Thanks for this little vid!
Marcie
I don't remember and can't play the video on work computer, but what sort of shirt dies he put on? Isn't there a scene where he swirls his shirt around him-- a shirt that is open down the front?
I love it!
Who are these men dressing up for? Women? or other men? I have always thought that Beau Brummel was a man's man.
He insulted the Prince of Wales (over the way he dressed) and eventually gambled all his money away and had to run off to the Continent.
Him and American Gigolo reminded men they could be Men and still enjoy dressing themselves well.
Guys who enjoying dressing are also very fun to un-dress!
Anonymous, I did think that scene was weird. The book very carefully researches the clothing--but then, the movie plays fast & loose with history (like Brummell & the Regent calling each other "George"), and that bit with the open shirt might have been the director's idea. Very strange, when they otherwise took such pains with the clothing. Kitchen Witch, I agree. Coral, they dressed for both. They viewed the sexes, and friendships, and sexual relationships differently than we do--another thing Kelly spends some time on in the book. Grandma, glad you enjoyed it. Certainly there's plenty of eye candy!
Nice post. Are those fellows outside the window Brummel's creditors, I wonder?
Angelyn, it's been a while since I watched the movie, but I think you're right. And to all, re the movie: someone on Twitter characterized it as "dodgy" in parts, and I think that's a good way to put it. But it does provide many, many opportunities to see James Purefoy in Regency dress & undress, and the lighting and decor does have an authentic feel.
I have to say that there was not enough attention to accuracy in clothing - I refer in particular to the first scene. The wedding suit which Prinny was trying on is nothing like the actual one made, and is a ceremonial dress, as would have been worn at the coronation. For the correct outfit see: http://chasbaz.posterous.com/the-princes-wedding-outfit-and-this-charming
What fun! I'd much rather men take the pride and care in dress expressed in this video than see them walking around in shorts that hang below their boxers with t-shirts 3 sizes too large.
Brummel has always interested me. But, I would definitely disagree with him about brussel sprouts.
Thanks for posting!
There are quite a lot of Regency (Empire) Men's fashion plates from Costume Parisien. I have a few on my blog which is mostly Regency/Empire fashion plates.
http://athousandpix.blogspot.com/
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