When you go shopping to a mall or a clothing store or to a
medical scrubs store if you are a nurse or medical personnel with medical instruments, did you ever observe that many of the customers and buyers are not just consist of female but of men also? And when you look outside and all around you, did you ever observe that like women, men also have a high sense of fashion nowadays? Now, if you don't know about this, you might not heard of the word “
metrosexual” yet.
A straight man that spends a lot of time and money on shopping for his appearance is called a metrosexual. Metrosexual is more associated with being a consumer rather than sexuality. According to Mark Simpson, the one who coined the word “metrosexual”,
a metrosexual man is found everywhere and he’s going shopping.
Along with being metrosexual is believed to have a narcissistic persona, which comes from the Greek mythology character Narcissus who fell in love with his own self upon seeing his reflection on the water. Thus, metrosexual men could be considered men who love themselves to the extent that they want to really look good and the best in every facets of their being. This is of course a part of vanity of men, eh.
Another word that could define the shopping spree of many men today is übersexual, which comes from the book “Future of Men”.
Übersexual is a degree of greatness and perfection, an acknowledgment that this is an evolved species of man—he is so perfect as to leave little margin for error and fallacy." So perfect that it’s hard to find flaws on his appearance from head to toe, even the trace of a messy hair, which is a common sight to men and masculinity.
Gone are the days of real man, macho type,strong,brawny and sweaty men such as Chuck Norris. :)
Before, when we think of a man or masculinity as "
avoidance of femininity; restricted emotions; sex disconnected from intimacy; pursuit of achievement and status; self-reliance; strength and aggression; and homophobia," yet now, many men are
“decidedly single, definitely urban, dreadfully uncertain of their identity (hence the emphasis on pride and the susceptibility to the latest label) and socially emasculated, gay men pioneered the business of accessorising—and combining—masculinity and desirability."
"Gay or straight? Hard to Tell," the fact that women buy less of men's clothing than they used to has, more than any other factor, propelled men into stores to shop for themselves. "In 1985 only 25 percent of all men's apparel was bought by men, he said; 75 percent was bought by women for men. By 1998 men were buying 52 percent of apparel; in 2004 that number grew to 69 percent and shows no sign of slowing."
At present, men cared about what and how they look, similar to women, but according to Simpson, metrosexual are different form homosexual for the latter connotes sexuality preference while the former is more on consumerism.
My question however is;
is this attitude normal for real men? Or do they need men in medical scrubs with medical instruments to cure them? Or it is just the society that judge the concept of the borderline between masculinity and feminity and what women must do that men must not do or vice versa?
Who are the Famous Metrosexuals of Our Time?
Salzman, one of the authors of the “Future of Men” named some celebrities that have metrosexual attitude. David Beckham, Bono, Bill Clinton, and George Clooney is part of the list. But upon looking on the list, I researched some celebrities that have metrosexual tendencies and here is what I’ve got. Take a look:
Celebrities
Mike GreenbergCo-host of the popular morning sports talk show "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio. Confessed to being metrosexual and his book has "Confessions of a Metrosexual Sportscaster".
Dominic MonaghanThe Lord of the Rings trilogy and Lost star and has also been described as a metrosexual. He has jokingly admitted that he "believes he should have been a homosexual—because he loves make-up, painting his nails and wearing skirts".
Ryan SeacrestKnown as "the poster boy of metrosexuality" His highlights, his face, his immaculate grooming, great wardrobe and bleached teeth. “He’s meticulous and very vocal about his looks,” says celebrity hairstylist Dean Banowetz, who’s done Seacrest’s hair every day for nine years.
David BeckhamDavid Beckham has redefined male style with his fashion-forward outfits and skin art. David Beckham never seems to wear the same thing twice, and his sports prowess and new cologne business have made him the most powerful and desired metrosexual man in the world. And we have no problem with that (since it doesn't make him less a man), even with Posh, eh.
Dave NavarroSpends more time in front of the mirror than his ex wife. He is a rocker yet more groomed than a rocker, eh.
Pete WentzThe ex husband of Ashlee Simpson that is famous for his taste for black eyeliner and super-styled hair. No wonder he is considered as a metrosexual.
Alex RodriguezWell groomed, with frosty highlights and has an ever-expanding wardrobe. No need for more evidence.
Jonathan Rhys-MeyersKnown for his love of skin products, high fashion, and 18,000 dollar Fendi couches. This actor is known for his sexually ambiguous parts: he can switch from Seventies’ gay glam rocker, to Elvis, to King Henry the Eighth!
PrinceBefore the term "metrosexual" was coined, Prince had shown many signs that he is what the term defined. He was totally unapologetic about his desire to wear makeup, pink and purple suits, and satin boots with five-inch heels, and backless pants too.
Chase CrawfordPretty boy who was rumored gay yet he vehemently denied that he is a homosexual. He has a beautiful boy bangs that draws attention to his eyes. Feminine-like yet sexy. His layered hair and expertly groomed persona, complete with runway-ready casual wear and suits makes people think that he is a metrosexual.
Orlando BloomWith curly brown locks, and stylish fashion, Orlando Bloom could be considered as a pretty boy as well as metrosexual by others.
Zac EfronAnother pretty boy, with gorgeous eyes and of course hair that is hard to style under normal circumstances. His side-swept, shaggy do is like the male version of the Rachel.
Brad PittChiselled face and great body at 40+ age. Wow! No wonder Angelina Jolie adores him.
Johnny DeppA hybrid of the metrosexual and the homeless man. He's trying to hide his pretty boy nature with weird facial hair, but you know he spends at least two hours on it each morning.
Hugh JackmanAnother man, whose good looks never fails through the years. Wolverine is horribly gorgeous and stylish, and sexy too.
Ryan ReynoldsAnother pretty boy, who was recently, separated to his ex wife Scarlet Johansson. With hair that is permanently in that messy-spiky style and a funny smile, Green Lantern is one of the most good looking metrosexual.
Ashton Kutcher
He's basically strutting down a hallway like a model on the runway. Kutcher is all about the hair, and as well as wardrobe and style.
Jake GyllenhaalTalented, deep, and good looking. And look at those eyes...
Kanye WestHe gets a row of regular gets A+ for grooming in Fashion Week. And he has a dewy skin too.
Robert PattinsonLike Johnny Depp, Edward has poufy, disheveled hair that looked so good and sexy for a vampire.
Models
Andrej PejicAndrej, in a few short months has become the face of a new sort of male beauty, the kind that sparks comments, controversies and intense scrutiny.
Yuri PleskunNo one looks like this young Russian American model and his steady presence in the top magazines and ads reflect the industry's fascination with this unique beauty. Marc Jacobs anointed this singular face with a solo turn in his always memorable Marc by Marc campaigns for F/W 09. Nils ButlerIt's almost a cliche to call call Nils Butler a sculpted beauty. With his Calvin Klein Collection campaign this season, Nils proves that a beautiful man will always in style.Simon NessmanThis pre-Raphaelite beauty exudes an innocence and romantic beauty unlike any other model out there. Season after season, his impeccable showings in the campaign/editorial/runway madness reflect what an incredible life force this young man exudes. Sean O'PryNamed GQ Style's 2007 "Man for the Season", Sean O'Pry's rapid ascent onto the industry's hot list has been nothing short of spectacular. Charming and outgoing with the face that belongs on a Renaissance statue, this young American has kept major players interested in him for multiple seasons running.
Baptiste Giabiconi In a dispersed male model market one of the world's most powerful fashion figures (initials KL) makes a stand and anoints Baptiste Giabiconi as the "One". Think multiple campaigns two seasons running, some serious time in the media spotlight and a big rush of buzz and talk.
Now, since I'm an Asian, I'll add here some of the pretty boys that seemed to be metrosexual due to their beautiful faces (yeah beautiful). They are all Korean male celebrities (though I'm not a Korean), since I found many of them prettier than most girls, eh.
Jun-ki LeeMost women are not as pretty as him. I definitely love her hair and smile.
In-seong JoHe is currently serving the country in the armed forces. He is one of the few male celebrities who is comfortable with his sexuality.
Dennis OhKnown for his nickname "Living David" -- a nod to his chiseled face and sculpted body that Michelangelo would have been proud of. He arrived in Korea as a model and quickly made his debut in the 2005 MBC drama "Sweet Spy".
Min-ho LeeA multi-talented actor/model with a great smile. He has also the sweetest personality to go with it.
Hyun-joong KimSince his debut in 2005, he has always had a loyal fan base. With a sexy singing voice, witty charm, and very well built body, it’s not a surprise at all.
Bum Kim
Pretty face and super cute. No wonder Kim Bum had captured many hearts all over Asia