12. Future of Men

Ask me what I find sexiest about men and it's a boy who breaks the rules, defies the status quo, conquers the world and yet never sacrifices his manhood. On the basis of popular culture you could call it a contradiction in terms that my rule breaking currently translates to man-skirts; but tattoos, distressed denim and ball-breaking jewellery have had their day in my view and with androgyny reversing the 'girls will be boys' paradox, it would seem it's now becoming acceptable for boys to be girls.

Enter Marc Jacobs. The designer has been a skirt-wearing enthusiast for some time now, pairing them with military style boots, socks and a casual shirt. His Autumn/ Fall 10 collection seemed a little odd almost as if to dilute the concept it might be easier to change the pattern of this skirt, halve it and pair it with pants but Rick Owens Spring 2012 show in Paris provides a less complicated take on the male skirt removing the effeminacy and adding a monastic air.

Not everyone will be a fan of the male skirt, one blogger describing Prada's 2011 Spring Collection as 'looking like you just threw an oversized jumper over a white dress. That's not menswear'. But who are we to define what's menswear and what makes fashion innovative if were not constantly looking to move forward?

Written by A L F I E A N D E L L E for Door 121