When most people think of fashion and style, they think of women and feminine expression. After all, fashion was one of the first places in which women were able to express themselves throughout history.
Unfortunately, however, the fashion industry has had a less welcoming impact on men. In the 90s and early 2000s especially, men have often been discouraged from “dressing up” and experimenting with fashion, and a lack of diversity in men’s collections has created a rather constricted idea of men’s style.
But as we keep a steady pace moving into the 2020s, the narrative is quickly starting to change, and a new era of men's fashion is upon us. Designers have begun to blur the lines between what's feminine versus masculine, and countless faces have embraced it with open arms.
Names to Look Out For
One prominent figure who’s proudly highlighted this change is Harry Styles, who spiked massive controversy with his December 2020 Vogue cover for wearing a dress by Gucci, a designer he avidly collaborates with.
Photographed by Tyler Mitchell, Vogue, December 2020
Harry has been no stranger to a general feminine style for several years now, but he consistently leaves his fans stunned and giddy over his tour (and even everyday) looks.
Styles isn't the only rising name in men’s fashion, however. Fashion enthusiast Wisdom Kaye, a 23-year-old from Huston, Texas, made his debut in the industry through social media in recent years, and now boasts a large community of 2.4 million followers on instagram and 9.3 million on TikTok.
His career started when he began to post weekly recaps of his outfits, which later turned into an annual trend in which he would not only show off existing looks, but style new ones taking inspiration from his growing fanbase.
“If you're trying to find who you are in this world, at the very least make sure the things you're wearing are real, are you, and are authentic,” said Kaye in an interview with Teen Vogue- advice we should all take to heart.
On The Runway
It’s not just the digital world that’s taken a special interest in men’s fashion in recent years, but the runway.
Men’s collections saw a huge increase in popularity this season, ranging from traditionally masculine, brutalist, and classic designs to light, airy, and feminine palettes and textiles.
Zegna’s Spring 2023 Menswear Collection by Alessandro Sartori, for example, did a fantastic job at keeping styles simple, clean, and comfortable without sacrificing an elevated feel, bridging the gap between masculine and feminine fashion.
Photo: Courtesy of Zegna
Sartori has been expanding his aesthetic every season, introducing new blends of paper and linen used to create rough edged jackets and traditional silhouettes without crowding the looks with overpowering collars, lapels, and hardware.
Furthermore, Y/Project’s Spring 2023 Menswear Collection took the cake with a delicate balance between timeless and trendy this season. “It’s a bit like Gothic cathedrals, a Flemish vibe… like Bruges,” explained designer Glenn Martens.
Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
The collection included 62 looks displaying various colors and styles with a strong emphasis on denim and the Canadian tuxedo, a trend that’s been keeping our hands full for the past few months.
What's Next?
There's little telling what we’re going to see next in men’s fashion, but there's no doubt that it’s going to be good. But keeping our eyes on rising trends and styles, especially this spring, will be key in building a new wardrobe to kick off the next season.
By: Mackenzie Ostrowski