MEN IN SKIRTS

'A woman shall not wear anything that

pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a

woman's garment; for whoever does these

 things is abomination the Lord your God.'

 Deuteronomy 22.5

Togas. Frock coats. Kilts. Sarongs. Kaftans. All items traditionally worn by men. But what is acceptable male attire in today’s society? As long as there is fabric between the legs we’re happy, and comfortable? For many men, their female connotations are too potent to overcome their fear that by wearing a skirt, their gender identity might be brought into question.[1] Fashion designers, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Walter Van Beirendonck and Yohji Yamamoto continue to campaign against connotations of mens dress by presenting men looking entirely augmented and masculine. Photographer Mark Lebon comments, ‘The look (being men in skirts) was not intended to threaten a man’s masculinity, it was intended to enhance it’. [2] 

[1](From, ‘For many men’) Men In Skirts, V&A Publications.

[2] Interview with the author of ‘Men In Skirts’ by Andrew Bolton, V&A Publications. 

[3] Image, Tommy Hilfiger advertising campaign, Autumn/ Winter 1997-8. Photograph by Mike Toth.