Fashion is definitely not only for the ladies. Yet the unfortunate thing is that most men think it is. Taking care of your appearance or getting spiffed up can be appreciated by either sex.
Current pop culture is headed in the right direction by showing men in more tailored clothing and bright colors. But men’s fashion is still lagging in design.
Women have a plethora of choices when it comes to design; men have pants and a shirt.
There are so many possibilities, and I always wonder, why are shoulder pads an option for women’s clothing? That seems like an obvious men’s fashion design option to me.
On one level it makes sense why men and women have distinction between clothing types – sometimes you want to show off the “goods” and men and women have “goods” in different areas.
But then there are men’s fashion bursts that come every other decade or so, for example the 1980s or even 1930s. That has me thinking they want more design options too.
Maybe the current wardrobe-flexibility some men are showing has something to do with living in a time where things are “new age”, where society’s rules bend more easily because times are less certain.
When society makes more exceptions to rules, it seems clothes get funkier. Must be why fashion in the ’90s was so terrible. We were so dang sure of ourselves we were comfortable leaving the house in a big BUM Equipment shirt and leggings. Ew.
My prime candidate for Men’s Fashion Excellence is a Mr. Zachary Walter Johnson.
I met this gentleman one evening attending a show at the Guild Hall. He happened to be in town from Denver, Colorado and was taking in a night of theatre to see Syphilis: A Love Story.
Where did you get each item of clothing you’re wearing?
Boots: Lucchese; Jeans: Levi’s; Shirt: American Apparel; Jacket: Zara; Toque: An old ski hat; Glasses: Oliver Peoples.
Is there an interesting story to something you’re wearing right now?
The boots. I’ve been wearing cowboy boots since grade eight. When I was a kid I always liked cowboy boots and cowboy style, and it’s easier than lacing up. I like to hear myself walk.
If you could choose a theme song for your life what would it be?
“Codex” by Radiohead.
What’s the most important article of clothing in your wardrobe?
My Lucchese boots.
