Haircut, 3727 W. Sixth St., an upscale barbershop just for men. Where most salons are geared toward female clientele, at The Haircut men can watch sports, shoot pool and just "be guys." Crowell says it's a matter of balancing characteristics to maintain differences that he says is OK to have. A more extreme version of Crowell's viewpoint is a backlash against the metro trend. A marketing campaign to "Save the Regular Guy," created by Consort Hair Care line, questions why a guy has to follow certain fashion rules, and touts its products as keeping men on the "regular guy" track. According to Consort's Web site, that means going back to "a place where guys are guys, girls are girls, and no one is confused."
For some women, a metro man usually doesn't cause confusion, though a female's eye for the metro guy varies depending on the woman you talk to. Journalist Mark Simpson says that women regard metrosexuals in three ways: Appreciatively, as competition, or not at all. Adrienne Hill, Kansas City, Mo. junior, says she doesn't think metrosexual guys are weird or unmanly, and actually prefers a metrosexual-type guy. "Yeah I approve of the trend, a guy who can dress well is attractive to me," she says. Hill and her boyfriend, a KU graduate, both define him as metrosexual. She likes how he keeps his place in Dallas so neat and organized. Hill also appreciates his attention to her and her clothes. She says he compliments her if she gets something new and makes an effort not to clash with her when they go out together. Jenny Rizzo, Kansas City, Mo. sophomore, is just the opposite. She likes her guy to be a "guy." Being a low-key kind of girl, Rizzo says she'd be irritated if a guy was too high-maintenance. A metrosexual type of guy just wouldn't suit her, Rizzo says, because his tastes and interests would be too different from her own, and she isn't attracted to that kind of guy.
Pink Poll
Because the metrosexual trend brings a sense of self-assurance when it comes to fashion, I asked 15 random guys if they would be willing to wear a pink shirt, and the results may surprise you.
Ten out of the 15 (or 66 percent) guys said they would wear a pink shirt, although some guys were reluctant to admit it.
"I don't mind wearing anything as long as it's not too popular at anytime. Six months ago, when green shirts were popular, I would have worn a pink shirt."
"Yeah, I would wear it, I guess. I'd probably look alright in pink." — Austin Fitts, Newton senior
"I wouldn't wear pink, it’s too feminine."
Peter Banner Overland Park senior
"I would wear one on a golf course."
Ryan Brimmer Oltheir senior
"I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it,
but if someone me one, I'd wear it."
— Matthew Ward, Kingman junior
"Yeah, I would if I had one."
— Carl Sundquist, Paola sophomore
The metrosexual trend has been scrutinized by a judgmental eye. While there are some out there who view the "regular" guy as a sinking ship they need to save, the general consensus of people, male and female, favors expanding the male identity and sees many characteristics of metrosexuals as improving upon the old image. Justad, Vanderbilt professor, says that metrosexuals are a sign of tolerance and open-mindedness in a playful, albeit important, way. No one likes generalizing though, and the term metrosexual seems too limited, with no definition sufficiently capturing this emerging type of man.
What it costs to be metrosexual:
—mmasud@kansan.com
The outfit
The outfit
Spider Jean, Guess: $109
Classic Polo shirt, pink, Ralph Lauren:$ 65
Shoe, Nike Shox: $120
Snap belt, Armani Exchange:$ 48
Watch, Breitling: $4,500
Total cost: $4,842
The hair products
Shampoo and Conditioner, American Crew: $24
Styling fiber, American Crew:$ 14.50
The hair products
Total cost: $38.50
The skin care products
Double Action Moisture Rich Face Wash, Nivea for Men: $5.99
Fresh Cooling Shave Gel, Nivea for Men:$ 3.02
After-shave, sensitive balm, Nivea for Men:
$5.79
O-10 revitilizing lotion, Nivea for Men:$ 8.49
Q-10 revitilizing lotion, Nivea for Men: $8.49
Total cost: $23.29
The technology
The technology
Sprint PCS Vision Smart Device Treo 650 by palmOne, includes powerful processor, Integrated Palm OS 5.4, and built-in Bluetooth wireless technology: $599
Total cost: $599
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