Richard of Naples

Richard of Naples is a perfect example of the changes taking place in gentlemen’s fashion during the Regency Period (1762–1830). He was greatly influenced by George Bryan (Beau) Brummell, who had become the most fashionable man in London. Brummell brought cleanliness and simplicity into vogue, eschewing frills and furbelows, and demanded perfect fit in his clothing. During this period, men’s trousers became tightly fitted above the knee, and the central-button fly, rather than the side-buttoned front panel, became increasingly popular. Dressed in such a manner, the populace never suspected his subversive Bonapartist activities.

Dick wears a Carrick coat, adapted from the coat worn by stage drivers in bad weather. It is of heavy cloth, has a deep collar and several shoulder capes. He wears a woolen waistcoat, a loosely tied cravat, breeches, leather Hessian boots with a tassel and kid gloves. He carries a heavy walking stick and a top hat.

Dick wears a double-breasted cutaway frock coat, stockings and soft leather pumps. The breeches have a flap frontal closure. The coat has a velvet-lined collar, and the sleeves are cut full, almost puffed. His beaver and silk hat has a tapered crown. He holds a monocle, a useful and popular fashion of the day.

For an audience at court, Dick wears a satin frock coat over a satin waistcoat and knee breeches. The frock coat is edged with heavy metallic gold embroidery, and the waistcoat has a more delicate embroidered pattern in silk thread. He wears a lingerie shirt with starched collar points and lace wrist frills, a full jabot and a cravat. He wears silk stockings and satin pumps and carries his felt tricorne hat.