Media Watch: NYT Fashion, Men in Heels

Gay Guy, 

From the New York Times Fashion section, an article on the men who wear women's heels on the club scene. [A Tall Tale, but True: Men in Heels

It doesn't get into their sexuality, but one of the trendsetters complains: "I literally look at girls and think, you have so many options. You have jumpers, you have skirts, you have dresses, you have pants, you have shorts. Boys have pants and shorts. Or suits and a shirt." 

Wait. A lack of "jumpers" for men? Let's get right on that, garment industry. 

I'm not heavy into the club scene right now (or ever), but it sounds pretty competitive, fashion wise. You do what you have to do to stand out. If that's a jumper and high heels, go for it. But don't get confused. It's not drag! Another quote:
None of the men interviewed considered themselves to be in drag. “I always make it very clear that I am a man, and I’m not trying to portray an illusion to anybody,” Mr. Wagner said. Though some would call it a form of drag, he added, “As far as we’re concerned, this is just bringing a look to a club — which is what you are supposed to do.”
I knew by the end of the first paragraph there there would soon be a comparison to Napoleon and 18th century French aristocracy as examples of the proud tradition of men and heels. And that the current wearers would try to claim that the added height was the primary benefit. Sorry, no points awarded on either count. 

It's high fashion, where self-indulgence is required and form rules over function. Don't try to justify it. Own it. And then work it!

Yeah. There's some sarcasm here. But if I have a prejudice, it's against a club scene where folks, gay or straight, apparently have to go to great extreme and expense just to get noticed, because that's priority #1. I guess talking, drinking, and dancing are optional now. 

I realize that I couldn't be more out of touch than I am with these guys. And that they couldn't care less about my thoughts on their size 13 stilettos. 

Still, I will do my best to "bring a look" to work tomorrow. Probably something in the "function over form" category.

--Straight Guy

3 comments:

singlegirlie said...

Are you kidding? I am so jealous of men for not HAVING to wear this crap to be considered attractive! What I would GIVE to never wear heels again in my life!! Those suckers hurt like the dickens. Not to mention we have to freeze our arses off on Halloween and New Year's to look cute. Embrace your manly non-options, dawg. I'd trade places any day.

straight in upstate said...

What a bunch of putzes. Otherwise, SG, you already touched on everything I would say. GG, I already have my orders to shoot you if you're ever seen in a gold realtor's jacket, may I assume this extends to man-heels?

Dorn said...

Fashion is so subjective and fads are fleeting. I think there is something about wearing a classic look, properly fit, pressed, and clean, that will turn heads every time.