|
Men
in Skirts
Fashion
can be the means to break down the great divide between men and women,
working to bring the two together as one.
I was
overjoyed when Jean-Paul Gaultier sent male models down the runway in
kilts a few years ago. The designer chose the traditional clothing of
Scottish men to be considered as part of men’s fashion attire. He also
was given to wearing miniskirts with long-sleeved navy blue striped
tops.
A few
years ago, Gaultier also debuted a cosmetics line for men. When it
first came out in Bangkok, one of my friends was among those first in
line for the products.
Maybe
some male readers will immediately guess that my friend is gay. I may
be mistaken – I hope that I am – but the assumption is that only men
of a certain persuasion would want to beautify their faces with
cosmetics. “That’s no man; it’s crazy to wear make-up,” is perhaps their
disapproving comment.
In contrast, my response is why ever not?
Take a look at the history of fashion, and the remarkable
development of men’s attire in the 18th century. Men
powdered and rouged their faces, wore elaborate wigs, embroidered
waistcoats and beribboned shoes with stockings. Dandies, indeed.
Over time, men settled for more practical, staid clothes, and
closed their closets to flamboyant looks. Since this magazine started
six months ago, our male fashion designs have been limited to the
usual and very conventional: long pants, Bermudas, shirts and ties.
When Gaultier made his “extreme” fashion choice – which was
not extreme at all from a historical perspective – it came as a breath
of fresh air for me. No, I am not interested in competing with women
to be the most stylish, but Gaultier’s example motivated me to try
bolder, more interesting looks.
And if my newfound dress sense led to some calling me a sissy
or worse, I chose to see my critics as people lacking the courage to
be more open. It always helps to remember that the beautifully turned
out French kings of yore never felt they were lesser men simply
because of their towering wigs.
Of course, women have greater freedom in crossing over to
fashion’s other side. Female friends of mine wear men’s ties, shirts,
shoes and watches without being on the receiving end of hoots of
derision.
But there is common ground today: trendy work and travel bags
now share the same unisex designs.
Look over the images on this page. Obviously, it’s your
choice on which side you choose to stand, or if you want to look at
life from both sides In the end, how you look on the outside reflects
what is in your mind, not what is below the belt.
+ Samuel Mulia
Home
| 
