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TEXT CHLOE TJAGUNS
are you a macho man? What does it mean to be masculine in 2014? Chloe Tjaguns investigates... Is it the wealth and power you hold? Or the confidence to be who you want to be? Times are changing; these changes are being made by the most powerful industry of our time…the fashion industry. The power and influence the fashion industry holds is colossal. From the internet streaming live catwalk shows to fashion magazines being the new generations bible, we check Instagram religiously hungry for fashion news. Has the industry become so influential that homosexual men
can finally be seen as macho men? With the opinions of boys knowing what it’s like to be male in 2014. Let me explain… Ask a passer-by to name a male model and they may come up with one or two, David Gandy, Tyson Beckford perhaps…after that they would probably name ‘celebrity models’, such as David Beckham. The fashion world is over run by females. In the past the idea of an establishment of male supermodels looked unreachable. However, men’s fashion is on the up.
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What is your definition of masculinity? “Society’s definition of masculinity is being a stereotypical ‘lad’. I don’t think it has a definition.” JORDAN CALVERT
A Mintel study shows growth to 2017 is predicted at 11%. The interest in male models is also growing. Forbes magazine now publishes a list of the highestpaid male models. This growing interest brings a whole new perspective of male expectations. Maybe it isn’t the fashion industry’s fault that male models are only just starting to be taken seriously. Since the evolution of the cave man, men have prided themselves on their masculinity. Beards. Muscles. Suit and tie. Our fathers, our grandfathers our great grandfathers have all been ‘men’s men’; the breadwinners, the anchor of the family. Men could never do anything that even remotely hinted towards femininity, in the fear it would go against the rules of society’s expectations. Now, in 2014, teenage boys have the confidence to challenge this. I asked Jordan Calvert, a 19-year-old homosexual what it means to be a male in 2014? “To have a penis in between your legs.” Also what is your definition of masculinity? “Society’s definition of masculinity is being a breadwinner for a wife and children and being a stereotypical ‘lad’. I don’t think it has a definition.” This rather sad expectation that society has created is challenged each day; the idea of a feminine man is becoming acceptable. For her SS14 show Astrid Andersen sent guys down the runway in her bridal inspired collection.
Andersen says: “I think I’m part of a generation who doesn’t even think about masculine stereotypes. There doesn’t have to be any definition. It’s the same with gay or straight, it’s not even a discussion anymore, it’s just ‘whatever’.” Although new generation designers hold the view of everyone being equal, not all brands support this. When asked is sexuality fairly portrayed in the fashion industry? Jordan Calvert answers, “I don’t think sexual relationships are portrayed fairly. Whenever you see a fashion fragrance add on the TV, it’s always a man chasing after a submissive woman. Never a same sex relationship.” Thanks to the fashion industry, menswear fashion now has a major platform. Male models have long hair, wear jewellery and makeup. And why shouldn’t they? Is the stereotypical ‘macho man’ the same today as it has been in the past? Bank worker, Rob Davies, 23 says “I don’t think the idea of a macho man has changed. The ideology that a man should be measured by their muscle size has always been set in stone. But this ideology no longer has an impact on my life.” The traditional definition of masculinity may never change, however society is changing and becoming more accepting. The fashion industry holds power, the power that allows males to have the confidence to go against these traditions and create their own rules. @Chloe Tjaguns
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What does it mean to be a male in 2014? “To have a penis in between your legs” JORDAN CALVERT
the male body