A Trendy New Man
The term metrosexual has been making statements in fashion lately
By ERIKA LINDQUIST
He’s narcissistic. He’s well dressed. And he can be found
at all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hair salons. He’s the new
fashion icon for men — the metrosexual.
A metrosexual is defined as “an urban male with a strong aesthetic
sense who spends a great deal of time and money on his appearance and
lifestyle,” according to Mark Simpson, who coined the term in 1994.
Since then, metrosexuality has worked its way through mainstream media
as a widespread developing phenomenon.
Men “are being exposed to the whole idea through different male
publications and shows such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,”
said fashion merchandising professor Ronna Crews.
Men who fit into this category are often stereotyped as gay, because being
fashionable has often been thought of as a gay trait. But metrosexuality
has become an accepted image and lifestyle for both gay and straight men.
“Men’s fashion is all about guys expressing themselves,”
said Jesse Cruz, 20, a business marketing and advertising major. “There
are many types of guy’s fashion, but the most talked about is the
metrosexual fashion, where guys are more into the feminine look.”
Cruz said the metrosexual is popular here on campus. Some guys fit this
category more than others.
But Crews believes the trend is making a slow transition to the Central
Valley.
“It is slowly taking hold in the Central Valley,” Crews said.
“As always, with all aspects of anything regarding fashion, Fresno
is very slow in accepting new trends. Our guys have to see things around
for a few seasons before they invest in a new trend.”
Men haven’t worried as much about their looks in the past as they
do today, Cruz said. “Men are more into designer brands today, and
pay more attention to color, texture and the style of their wardrobe.”
Men are now going crazy for hair products, different types of shoes to
go with each outfit, clothing for every occasion and expensive designer
wear. In fact, they are spending just as much money as girls do, Cruz
explained.
“I fit into this category,” Cruz said. “I want to look
different every day and I want other people to be like, ‘Wow, he
is so fashionably creative.’ ”
Cruz also said he’s very self-conscious and always looks at what
everyone else is wearing. “I try to overdress myself sometimes.”
Cruz said it’s not unusual for guys to spend hours perfecting their
hair, or trying on numerous outfits from their closet each morning.
“Guys may not want to admit it, but it’s true,” Cruz
said.
Fashion helps Cruz express himself, he said. He takes mainstream items
and turns them into his own individual “unique pieces.” He
said, “being able to express myself through fashion has taken a
low self-esteemed person like me and has helped boost my self esteem.”
The metrosexual era has possibly been in existence for a while, but has
only been accepted in the last few years.
There has also been talk in the media about men carrying handbags as a
new and popular accessory.
“I think it looks tacky when men wear handbags,” Cruz said.
“I think it looks way too feminine and not fashionable.”
But men in skirts, men in makeup, and men carrying handbags are popping
up all over the fashion show runways.
“I think the fashion craze will just get more crazy,” Cruz
said.
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