Yankee Doodle Dandy Highwayman

Adam Ant WAS the Dandy Highwayman. 

He isn't so dandy these days but the term "Dandy" as in Yankee Doodle Dandy is...well, according to wiki...

"A dandy (also known as a beau or gallant) is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of Self. Historically, especially in late 18th- and early 19th-century Britain, a dandy, who was self-made, often strove to imitate an aristocratic lifestyle despite coming from a middle-class background." Dandy on Wiki

Isn't that a hipster?

Dandy?

Well, if the cloak fits...

The song Yankee Doodle Dandy... was a swipe at the new rich in the US for being bumpkins. "Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni..." was not about pasta. Macaroni Style on wiki 

Don't get upset. 

This is a good thing. 

I like to think that no self respecting Yank would wear this shit...

If you need a stick to put on a hat you're doing it wrong

Dressing nice, speaking well and exercising shouldn't be alternative pursuits of some subculture. 

Why shouldn't we all aspire to these things? 

To make an effort.

To add romance to our wardrobes.

Make our bodies fit for purpose. 

Dandyisim in the fitness community  

"You can't turn up for a group run in THOSE shoes. They will write pasta songs about you." 

North Face have turned into a global clothing powerhouse by embracing the spirit of the dandy. Pursuit of leisurely hobbies... erm, fashion.

Where are you going? Everest?

Nope. PTA meeting.

Rapha in the cycling community have based their whole empire on dandy. Its all about lifestyle, style and image and not so much about hard graft. Now, as the kit makers for Team Sky, they have pro status but I would bet my monocle and cape that all the other teams think they are a bunch of dandy highwaymen.

And just what is wrong with that?