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Publisher’s Corner

Stylin’ in the 19th Century journalofantiques.com

Publisher
Maxine Carter-Lome
We often hear the word “dandy” applied to wealthy, because he didn’t think London journalofantiques@gmail.com
fastidiously dressed, 19th century gentlemen unduly laundresses could bleach them Maxine Carter-Lome
devoted to themselves, their image, and style, yet it seems white enough when white was the Business Manager
an antique, ill-fitting designator to apply to today’s social standard and anything less was considered Jeffrey Lome
fashion trendsetters in a world where runway looks and ungentlemanly; and that he bathed daily to promote jeffrey@journalofantiques.com
streetwear run the gamut and individuality is stressed. cleanliness and reduce the need to wear perfume. Managing Editor
Yet, interestingly, being a “Beau Brummell,” the dandiest Yet Brummell’s greatest contribution to men’s fashion Judy Gonyeau
of the dandies, is still a fashion ideal among designers, was his use of mixed period reference pieces to create an editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com
stylists, and the fashion-conscious. individual style at a time when conformity was de rigueur. Contributing Writer
Menswear has changed considerably since the 19th He did not invent the elements of his dress from scratch, Erica P. Lome, Ph.D.
century where fashion was the calling card of the upper rather his aesthetic brought together various inspirations
class and strict social guidelines dictated the dress to stylize a coherent look. This mixed-use approach to Art Director
required of both men and women for different times of fashion and the use of cultural references continues to Lynn Cotterman
the day and social activities. Men of this class needed to drive the menswear market and define our understanding ads@journalofantiques.com
be slaves to fashion - to be accepted and to convey their of what it means to be a Beau Brummell, a fashion- Production
social position to others through the expense and appro- forward rebel. Jill Montague
priateness of their wardrobe. Fashion was all about fitting While waistcoats, frock coats, trousers, and top hats Judy Gonyeau
in - from the length and cut of a jacket to the correct from this era are today mostly relegated to costume bins,
colors and accessories to style the appropriate “look” for many of the accessories that adorned gentlemen’s
the occasion. The same social precepts that defined a fashions of the day—gloves, pocket watches, monocles, 508-347-1960
gentleman’s public fashion also dictated his at-home cravat pins, walking sticks, spats—are fun to collect and Toll free:
leisurewear and bedroom attire. He might have to change wear, adding a story to any outfit. We share some of these 888-698-0734
his attire up to six times a day depending on his schedule! stories in this month’s issue as we explore what was
Fashion was a sunup-to-sundown commitment of time involved in accessorizing the 19th century gentleman, Fax: 508-347-0911
and money. Some would argue that it still is today, and how the fashions of the day were shared with Mailing:
although what defines and who wears fashion has consumers before there was Facebook and Instagram. P. O. Box 950
changed considerably. Also in this issue is our Annual Holiday Shopping Sturbridge, MA 01566
Dressing as a dandy became aspirational among a new Guide, featuring some of our favorite antique shops
generation of wealthy, fashion-conscious men, first in from across the country. This season, as you visit your info@journalofantiques.com
England and then throughout Europe and America, in neighborhood stores and malls and attend holiday shows,
the first half of the 19th century. Accessories were critical think of gift-giving something special from our past to UPS and FedEx
to the dandy’s style. The typical dandy carried a long someone on your list. Independent antique shops Shipping Address:
46 Hall Road
gold-knobbed, tasseled walking stick, and was never seen showcase mostly ‘Made in America’ goods that make Sturbridge, MA 01566
in public without his bejeweled snuff box, in which he meaningful, thoughtful, and unusual gifts. While ‘big
carried chewing tobacco. To ward off bad odors he box’ and online stores wait for their holiday inventory to Journal of
may have carried an artificial nosegay, a small bunch of be offloaded from barges sitting off the coast, antique Antiques and Collectibles
flowers, or worn powder or perfume. Many dandies shops are filled now with everything you’ll need to put is published monthly in digital
brandished swords with diamond handles and hung two a smile of remembrance on someone’s face. These and bi-monthly in print by
fobs, or pocket watches, from their elegantly tailored independent, local businesses, decorated to take you back Weathervane Enterprises, Inc.
waistcoats. Being a dandy was as much about attitude as to Christmases’ past, need our support now, more than 46 Hall Road
it was a style of dress, and those walking by could easily ever. Call before you go to confirm hours, but pay your Sturbridge MA 01566.
identify one. favorites a visit this holiday season and learn about new
Many early dandies adopted the name “Beau,” after places to shop inside our Guide and online on our Periodicals postage paid at
the most famous dandy of all, and the man who truly website with our Shop Finder Directory. Sturbridge MA.
changed the course of men’s fashion, George Bryan As we conclude 2021 with this December issue, we
“Beau” Brummell (1778–1840). want to share our thanks and appreciation to you, our POSTMASTER:
According to the Encyclopedia of Fashion, Beau advertisers and readers, for supporting us so we can
Brummel was the son of an English butler who was continue publishing and return to a more frequent print Send address changes to
educated at Oxford. Brummell resisted some of the more schedule. We head into 2022 with another great editorial The Journal of Antiques
flamboyant trends of his day. He dressed simply and line-up and feel optimistic that next year will see the full and Collectibles
plainly, preferring wool and cotton fabrics, carefully return of the shows and activities we love. ISSN: (1539-5618)
tailored jackets, and ankle-length, loose-fitting trousers P.O. Box 950
in dark or neutral colors worn with white shirts. A typical Happy Holidays and cheers to a new year!
outfit for Brummell consisted of a blue woolen tailcoat Sturbridge, MA 01566
with brass buttons, buckskin-colored pantaloons (loose- – Maxine Carter-Lome, Jeffrey Lome, Judy Gonyeau, The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
fitting trousers), and immaculately polished boots. Lynn Cotterman, & Jill Montague Kaitbenski reserves the right to reject any advertising that
does not comply with our standards. The
And he didn’t wear a wig or makeup. The only item of Journal will not be liable for any errors or
elaborate clothing he wore was his necktie – a large omissions but will print a correction in the
bow-tied cravat, a scarf tied around the neck. following issue if notification of such error is
sent by the appropriate deadline. Original
In typical dandy fashion, it was said that he had three manuscripts are welcomed by qualified
separate hairdressers: one for his forelock, or bangs, one writers. We assume no responsibility for loss
of unsolicited material.
for the hair at the back of his head, and one for his Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher Copyright 2021
sideburns; that he sent his shirts out of town to be washed All rights reserved

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