Lately at uni, in historical and cultural studies we have been looking at the 'Great Male Renunciation,' and i have to say it is my favourite topic we have looked at, its so fascinating to see how men's fashion has changed over time. I studied History at A-level so it's interesting seeing pictures of historical figures i am already familiar with, but instead of focusing on them, you focus on the clothes and its amazing how much they tell you about that time period.
However this week we focused on the latter years of the 20th century, focusing on designers advertising campaigns how it really came to the fore front of sexuality, gender and how sex really sells.
Brands such as Calvin Klein, D&G and Tom Ford (which i am going to blog on in a few days as im so obsessed and touch upon his new film) really push the boundaries, we see strong nudity and the reversal of natural gender roles. As well as the models and in turn suggesting the consumers, sexual orientation is evidentially thrusted up on the viewers eye, and not just heterosexual images but homosexual. This is 'The homospectatorial look' ...... in other words women can attract the 'gaze' from men but also women, and vice versa. We no longer live in a one sexuality world, and why can't woman appreciate the female form? and men appreciate the male form? We all have our own ideals of beauty, and by looking at others of the same sex we can define ours, and possibly what we aspire to, e.g. a man starting the gym to get a 6 pack.
Of course for men to be able to feel comfortable and confident with this new of looking at beauty, there had to be a starter point, or a catalyst, arguably sports. Men have always been free to partake in contact sports such as rugby, but of course this slightly takes the argument out of context, but nevertheless still valid. We have seen the birth of 'The New Man' and it's extreme, the 'Metrosexual' man, merely men with attributes and traits of a homosexual man, but heterosexual. Men have established a new, and acceptable attitude to fashion, i for one hope it remains this way. The question i pose to all the ladies reading ..... would you like a man that doesn't take pride in himself? Gets up, sprays some deodrant, throws on the nearest trackie and is set for the day?
In our modern day society men are catching up with the consumer rates of women, we almost equally need the skin products, hair cut's, treatments and right clothing to survive in the cut throat society, especially that of London. With constant growth in men's fashion's i think its about time the high street and various other brands and companies need to open their eyes and deliver to male consumers in the way they want, as something is serious lacking.
Ive Really enjoyed this one guys so i hope you have too, keep your eyes peeled for Tom Ford Special.
X
In Short went shopping today spent too much money than i should of, regardless on the list a very nice new check shirt, jumper and scarf from zara...... none of which i can show due to the crappy website that will be shop-able online by the end of this year for all of you who didn't know, a very nice leather look jacket from pull and bear's new collection...... and some very cool 3/4 jogger;s from River Island, i'm a big fan but material could be better.
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