Beau Brummell (1778-1840) was the leading fashion icon of his day. So much so, his influence on men’s fashion has trickled down into the modern day suit and tie. Even the Prince Regent, the future King George IV (1762-1830), sought fashion advice from him. The two developed a friendship, but a very public quarrel led to a falling out. Having lost the Prince Regent’s favor, Brummell eventually found himself in debt. He fled to France to avoid his creditors and died poor and insane.
Despite being at the forefront of English dandies, Brummell also possessed a witty mind. Ranging from witticisms, advice, and biting sarcasm, for your reading pleasure, here are 9 quotes from Beau Brummell.
“Fashions come and go; bad taste is timeless.”
“Starch makes the gentleman, etiquette the lady.”
To an angry father who accused Brummell of encouraging his son’s gambling: “Really, I did all I could for the young man. I once gave him my arm all the way from White’s to Watier’s.”
When asked if he liked vegetables: “I don’t know. I have never eaten them… No, that is not quite true. I once ate a pea.”
“Who’s your fat friend?” (Ironic to say for someone who doesn’t seem to enjoy vegetables).
“If people turn to look at you on the street, you are not well dressed.”
References
30 Beau Brummell quotes and anecdotes by Rachel Knowles, Regency History
Beau Brummell on Britannica
Beau Brummell Quotes on AZ Quotes
Beau Brummell Quotes on LibQuotes
Beau Brummell Quotes and Sayings on InspiringQuotes.us
GEORGE ‘‘BEAU’’ BRUMMELL: THE ORIGINATOR OF DANDYISM by CHRISTOPHER MODOO, The Rake
How Beau Brummell Invented Modern Men’s Style by J.A. SHAPIRA, He Spoke Style
Just one quote by Beau Brummel, compiled and edited by Luis de Avendaño
A Revolution in Masculine Style: How Beau Brummell Changed Jane Austen’s World by Jeffrey A. Nigro and William A. Phillips, Jane Austen Society of North America
Kat Devitt 
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