About Us
Founded in 1940 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Beau Brummell Club is a distinguished social organization rooted in culture, refinement, and tradition. The club is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of formal attire, etiquette, and social conduct, reflecting a timeless commitment to sophistication and gentlemanly excellence.
For more than a century, the Beau Brummell Club has served as a steward of cultural heritage and social responsibility, fostering fellowship among members who value character, dignity, and community engagement. Our legacy is built on honoring tradition while thoughtfully embracing the modern era.
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A Legacy of Distinction
1778
May 07, 1940
January 18, 1941
1948
The Patron of Refinement
Founded on tradition, elegance, and distinction, the Beau Brummell Club, Inc. traces its inspiration to George Bryan Brummell, the iconic English tastemaker born on June 7, 1778, in London. Renowned for his impeccable style and refined taste, Brummell was widely regarded as the undisputed leader of London society and the embodiment of sartorial excellence.
The Founding
On May 7, 1940, twenty men of similar taste, class, and distinction gathered in the home of the last Beau, Charles P. Aguillard, and formally established what would become the Beau Brummell Club. The Club was officially chartered in the State of Louisiana in 1948 as the Beau Brummell Club, Inc.
From its inception, the Club set a standard of formality and elegance by instituting white tie and tails, formally known as Costume de Rigueur, as the required attire for members at formal gatherings. The Beau Brummell Club distinguished itself as the first and only organization to extend this same requirement to its guests.
The First Carnival Ball
The Club’s first Carnival Ball was held on January 18, 1941, at Xavier University’s gymnasium. The inaugural Queen of the Beau Brummell Club’s Carnival Ball was the late Mrs. Geraldine Jeffrion Know, who reigned under the theme “Cinderella.”
Continuing its tradition of innovation, the Beau Brummell Club broke local customs by becoming the first carnival organization to select its Queen from among the guests attending the ball. The Club later became the only carnival organization to utilize a public, random selection process to determine who would reign as Queen of its Carnival Ball.