PDF
Since most magazines feature pages upon pages of beautiful women all dressed up with hair and makeup, many think that the fashion world is dominated by women. But it’s not what it seems. Most of the top designers of the moment are men. Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Jean Paul Gaultier are just a few of the male masterminds behind some of the most creative trends and classics of all time. Marc Jacobs is by far one of the most creative male designers. His newest line is all about skiing. He’s taken that lifestyle and experience of skiing/snowboarding and he tells a story with his clothes. The line includes skiing staples such as pants and puff jackets made out of weather-proof fabrics, accessories such as fur hats and muffs, as well as oversized white bags are included in the line. Basically anything in the line can be worn on the slopes as well as at a nightclub.
Jacobs has started the trend of themed clothing. His infamous grunge collection began this revolution. He takes an object/ activity/stereotype and develops clothing looks from it. Male designers differ from female designers in many ways. Female designers such as Coco Chanel and Donatella Versace evoke feeling and emotion in their shows. Their designs are classic and feminine. Masculine designers however, are more technical. It’s easier to pinpoint their story. Jacobs’ show in Paris was all about sculpture. This is easy to see with the sharp-edged capes, jackets, and skirts. There were no soft fabrics or lines. The sculptural element was driven home with the hats on top of every model’s head.
Male designers started the concept of themed lines. This idea has filtered down into mass retailers such as Marciano and Abercrombie and Fitch. The newest brand from Abercrombie: Gilly Hicks centers itself around the Sydney beach lifestyle. The fashion world is definitely shifting its inspiration and perspective. Last season, most designers were inspired by art, nature, or family. Ralph Lauren’s evening wear line was inspired by the tropical weather of Australia. Almost of his gowns were either blue or green, with touches of coral in some of the pieces. The jewelry was antique, and turquoise, like it was dug up from the ocean floor. This season and past fashion week, designers are choosing more direct inspirations and creating clothes to fit that lifestyle and person.
Aside from the runway shows and lines, males have created some of the most successful labels in today’s retail market. Russell Simmons created the Phat Farm label, Sean Combs created Diddy by Sean Combs; these are just two examples of brands created by males from the hip-hop genre of music. Both of these successful males expanded their careers and fame with their fashion labels. Their look is nothing like Jacobs and McQueen. It’s more current and fashion-forward. It’s for the common masses, and the younger generation. Many guys at Bentley can be seen wearing these current styles and trends.
It’s obvious that most guys do not stray from the usual uniform of jeans, t-shirts and sweat pants. But, actually all of these items are currently in style. Ed Hardy brought back the jeans and t-shirt looks with his line of graphic tees and pants. Abercrombie and Fitch has cornered the market on male fashion. Their polos, t-shirts, and jeans can be seen everywhere on guys ranging from the ages of 13-27. They consistently pinpoint trends and create pieces that are attractive to the majority of males. The trends for guys this summer are: short sleeved button-downs, madras print, and the mandarin collar. All of these trends were seen on the runway in shows such as Brian Reyes, Giorgio Armani, and Moschino. Leather is also huge this summer for guys, pieces range from flip-flops to belts.
So while women do have more fashion choices in their wardrobe, statistically speaking, males are no slouch when it comes to being high-fashion. I’ve even spotted with my own eyes at Bentley some Armani suits on some seniors. Trust me, everyone takes notice when you have on that grey Hugo Boss suit and crimson tie. That’s what fashion is all about, making a visual statement about you. Even if guys claim they put on the first thing the grab in the morning, as a fashion columnist I believe that they secretly put more thought into it. After all, I’ve seen the result with my own eyes.
Comments on this entry are closed.