Welcome to the 21st insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we’ll be analyzing the narrative surrounding masculinity in fashion as a derivative of music, and the influencers advocating for such.
Music and fashion have been synonymous since the dawn of rhythm. From the head banging face painted rockstars of the 90’s to the Moncler puffer coats and classic timberland silhouette of New York drill - style is inseparable from melodic expression. The strive for distinction is portrayed through both audible expertise, but also presentation and stature. When looking at a wildly oversaturated field like music, image becomes inherently crucial and boundaries begin to crumble. Style becomes an aspect of personality and as avant-garde is pushed, true prejudices are confronted.
Masculinity has been challenged for decades - especially in fashion, but has been widely suppressed as homosexual, femine or ‘soft’. Music icons like David Bowie and Prince notoriously rebelled against the conformity of the traditional male silhouette. Preaching individuality with skin fitting knits and platform heels, each stood with a formidable sense of character. However, neither truly matched the eccentrics of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Rock band Queen. Bowie was even aware of this, quoted “Freddie took it further than the rest. He took it over the edge. And of course, I always admired a man who wears tights.”
Although the early 2000’s saw baggy denim and oversized t-shirts in contrast to the refined look select rockstars once had, hip-hop’s influence is essential to the timeline of male progression. The personality and development in which stemmed from Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Nigo inspired generations to come. Iced chains, BBC Icecream, Bape - these fashion cornerstones inspired those now pushing extremities like A$AP Rocky and Tyler the Creator.
Looking at modern day notions, far less discrimination is apparent, but quietly, it lurks. Why do these ideals persist, and how can we as a community diminish them?
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