Goodbye Sloppy Joe, hello Mr. Clean
Ladies, beware of your next trip to the shopping mall or salon. You may be waiting in line behind a fashionable fella, Pampers, preening
Though the metrosexual trend is fairly young, the term itself was born more than 10 years ago. Mark Simpson, a journalist, coined the term in 1994 when he used it in the British publication "The Independent"
The metrousexual trend is Staples' proof of that his penchant for nice clothes isn't out of the ordinary. "I haven't changed, but the world has changed to accommodate my tastes," Staples says. Rangineni, agrees, saying that the metro trend is just a testament to the changing views of society. He says that the explosion of men's magazines like GQ, Maxim, Men's Health (his favorite), drives this new metro-man idea because it gives tips and hints to dressing better, eating better, conditioning better.
Male as old as time
Man's image has changed dramatically over the years, says Mark Justad, a member of the American Men's Studies Association. He says that the range of male identity has broadened to include and embrace the metrousexual trend, identities are more flexible, says the Vanderbilt University professor of culture and religion, and as a result emotions and vulnerability — traits stereotypically associated with women — are now being linked to male heterosexual identity. Though the "macho man" image was prevalent in the past, it's not to say that men
Sandeep Rangineni, who was voted "best dressed" in high school, says his friends often ease him about his color-coordinated closet. He says that he was raised to look presentable at all times and looks at dressing well as a sign of respect to his family. As a result, he never leaves the house without a collared shirt on. Ian Staples, Lawrence sophomore, remembers that he demanded to wear a suit and tie to school on the first day of first grade. Years later, Staples sports jeans and hooded sweatshirts to class, but he would prefer to wear a suit every day because he is more comfortable in slacks.
In this age where image is everything and looks really do matter, it's no surprise that women are no longer the only ones asking the mirror, "Who is the fairest one of all." Men are joining the ranks of the style-and grooming-conscious public and are fashioning — literally — a new generation of men.
who cared about appearance simply didn't exist. Justed says the metrosexual man has been around for a long time, known by other monikers such as the "dandy," who was an appearance-concerned man in the late 18th century. He says that the metrosexual is just a more evolved form of this kind of man.
He rolls his 6-foot.
Men who care about clothes and grooming are growing in number, and a whole trend has unleashed itself on society as a result. The word "metosexual" has taken on a life of its own. In 2003, "metrosexual" was voted as the word of the year by the American Dialect Society, which means that it dominated conversations in America during that time. Shows like "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," along with facial products and hair care lines, have found a new consumer in hetero men with products created and marketed specifically for men. The male identity is getting a makeover, and the "metrosexual" is just one of the new looks.
dent. He used the word to describe a new crop of urban, heterosexual males, who have good incomes, shop at the best stores and are concerned about fashion and facials. Simpson says that this new masculinity is fashioned the traditional repressed, "unmoisturized" masculinity, and that Hollywood, advertising and magazines are the
He rolls his 6-toot. 2-inch lanky frame out of bed at 7 a.m. and sleepily heads to the shower. After that, it's time to put together the day's ensemble, which some serious close consultation. Finding an outfit that matches isn't too difficult because the whole closet is color coordinated. Today he feels like going casual, so出 come a gray Polo shirt, his favorite brand, Guess jeans that are faded just right and a black Armani Exchange belt to put around his slim waist. For accessories, a silver Breitling watch — more like a navigation system — hooks around his left wrist and Polo socks envelop his feet. A last glance in the mirror reflects shapely lips sheltered under a long but graceful nose. A 5 o'clock shadow spreads across green brown cheeks and a cleft chin, but if it's the eyebrows he notices. It's time for another waxing appointment; he thinks to himself as he walks out the door. Sandeep Rangineni, St. Joseph senior and a self-proclaimed metrouxual, is now ready to face the day.