THE MODERN DAY DANDY CULT
Old fashioned values and classic sartorial style returns to mens fashion
by Ellie Howard
Whether he’s gracing the cover of Dapper Dan or sauntering down the runway for Sibling’s AW/15 show, it appears that the modern day dandy has made a riotous return. Razor sharp blazers in shades of raucous pink with matching strawberry ice cream quiffs, were a la mode during London Fashion Week.
Known for their sartorial style, old world sophistication and flamboyant frills, the dandy has become a florid male archetype in the fashion world. The term derived from the self-made men of the 18th – 19th century, who considered themselves to be “arbiters of culture, refinement and wit”, a poseur involved in the cult of self. Famous luminaries of the dandy cult are; Andy Warhol, Oscar Wilde and the late Sebastian Horsley, who once commented upon dandyism: “being well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquillity which psychoanalysis is powerless to bestow.” They were glamorous men who resigned themselves to a life of leisure; hosting frivolous parties, overdosing on narcotics and corrupting social circles with bad behaviour.
Image of Sibling AW/15 Catwalk
A Dandy on Carnaby Street, 1968
Left: Jatinder Singh Durhailay, 2012 Right: GQ African Street Style
While Dandies have a long and glamorous history, the 21st century dandy cuts a slightly different figure. Rising up against the informalities of society’s current dress, dandies take a stand against the prevailing tracksuit trend. With a mischievous tip o’ the hat, they bring back the elegance of a gilded Victoriana.
Andy Warhol and the Brookes Brothers
Patrick McDonald, 2005
Quentin Crisp
Waris Ahluwalia: GQ, 2010
