Fashion Moment: The Metrosexual

The Metrosexual; is a term first coined by Mark Simpson - a writer on all things pop culture - in 1994. Simpson describes the term as a, “young man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis - because that's where all the best shops, clubs, gyms and hairdressers are.”

Metrosexuals’ have evolved over the years, from the immaculatly dressed dandy of the 1800’s to the ‘60s Mod - with his tailored suit and narrow lapels, button-downed shirt and winkle pickers – through to the gender-bending New Romantics of the ‘80s.

But what started primarily as an urban trend in the mid to late ‘90s, has since become an accepted part of mainstream culture. Thanks to, sarong wearing metrosexual icon, David Beckham. Every Joe Bloggs up and down the kingdom sports some shade of pink – previously a colour exclusive to women and gay men. The Metrosexual now cannot leave home without his ‘manbag’ and can even shop for ‘guyliner’ in his local Superdrug.

However well accepted this movement’s been; high-fashion continues to take it a step further. Prada’s A/W 08-09 Collection, had models strutting down the catwalk in mini tutus. Marc Jacobs started wearing kilt-like skirts by Comme des Garcons, and even wore heels to his collections’ this year. Even Russell Brand is, in on the act, wearing pair of Sass & Bide ruched ‘black rat’ leggings.

All of this demonstrates that the metrosexual is continuing to evolve. And with the continuation of feminisation of menswear. It wont be long until the metrosexual embraces a feminine ideal towards clothing. Perhaps, by 2025, men everywhere will be wearing skirts. Possibly, with Miucia Prada doing for men and skirts, what Yves Saint Laurent did for trousers and women in the late ‘60s.