Dandyism
Dandyism was a trend in fashion and society which came from England at the end of the 18th century. The most famous Dandy of all was George Brummell (1778-1840), known as Beau Brummell, a British courtier who inspired writers such as Barbey d'Aurevilly, Oscar Wilde or Baudelaire.
Through his sartorial habits, which always had to be the model of originality and elegance, the dandy used accessories to show himself off to his advantage: top hat, gloves, cane and cravat.
In fact, Dandyism was above all a way of life that was demanding and in no way limited solely to elegance. The Dandy was obliged to respect a moral behaviour and to be witty at all times.
"The Dandy should seek to be sublime without interruption; he should live and sleep in front of a mirror". Extract from "My heart laid bare" by Baudelaire
