Menswear is getting less stuffy and boring, with designers and the men themselves willing to experiment. Designers like Jones are giving guys more colourful and fun options. Photo: Dior
The recent announcement that Pharrell Williams will co-chair next year’s Met Gala is a huge thing for guys.
For one thing, the singer- songwriter has built his name designing menswear (he is currently men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton).
The associated fashion exhibit at the Met museum in New York City will also be the first in over 20 years to focus exclusively on men’s fashion.
The Met Gala, considered to be “fashion’s biggest night out”, is watched closely the world over. It thus has a big impact on the luxury fashion business.
In recent years, menswear is getting much more attention.
At red carpet events, male celebrities are seen putting more effort into their dressing. Some of them have even eclipsed their female counterparts.
Male celebrities like Colman Domingo are now more willing to push boundaries and opt for statement clothes. Photo: Instagram/Colman DomingoInstead of just boring (read: classic) suits or tuxedos, they are experimenting in the most fabulous ways.
Read more: Pharrell Williams to co-chair first Met Gala exploring Black style in menswear
Andrew Scott wore a low-cut ruffled black shirt beneath a wide-lapelled Vivienne Westwood jacket to last month’s Emmys.
Jonathan Bailey posed and preened in a loose Armani tuxedo at the same event – which he styled in an unbuttoned manner, paired with a champagne- coloured silk shirt.
Bailey also appeared in an Emporio Armani jewellery campaign for Autumn/Winter 2024. He is seen showing off a cool and carefree style of dressing.
Interesting fashion tidbit: statement gem-encrusted brooches are a must-have for men this year, as seen at all glitzy red carpet events.
Yes, diamond jewellery are not just a girl’s best friend anymore.
Another dandy – a man who places particular importance upon their dressing – is Colman Domingo (also a 2025 Met Gala co-chair).
He sets the bar high when it comes to men’s fashion. At a Paris fashion extravaganza last June, he walked the runway in a fun polka dot Balmain outfit.
Designers with a background in menswear are taking on top womenswear posts, as well.
Dior’s menswear head, Kim Jones (who just recently left his womenswear position at Fendi, after four years), is celebrated when it comes to his men’s designs. Before joining Dior and subsequently, Fendi, he was men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton from 2011 to 2018.
Read more: Fashion week dandies: Well-dressed men flock to the Milan and Paris runway shows
Despite Jones’ inexperience with designing for women (he had none prior to Fendi), his stint has been said to be largely successful.
Jonathan Anderson also started out with menswear.
Heading his own eponymous brand and Loewe (menswear and womenswear), he is now among the most in-demand designers out there.
Acting as honorary chair for this year’s Met Gala, he really went all out to dress male celebrities in Loewe – and each one of them dazzled on the red carpet.
