As we embark on this already turbulent year, I can’t help but be saddened by all of the death and destruction that has bestowed upon us.

Per usual I look to fashion to raise my spirits and with awards season coming to a close and men’s fashion week behind us, I was delighted to see a theme in men’s fashion. More and more the power men of today have tapped into their deeply buried feminine sides and have embraced brighter and more daring colors.

During this year’s annual RocNation brunch a fan, who complimented Jay Z’s “pink suit” was then corrected by the rapper who let him know the suit was actually mauve. I cackled at his preciseness and went straight to Google where I proceeded to look up the color “mauve”. I was intrigued to find out that it isn’t a shade of pink at all. Mauve is actually a soft shade of purple which was named after the mallow flower.  Honestly, I’ve never heard of that flower but it sounded good on the site.

When reflecting on this color I began to realize that straight men in general were embracing more “feminine” colors. Stars like ASAP Rocky, Michael B Jordan and Trevor Jackson can all be seen donning colors like pink, lavender, peach and of course mauve.

Could the facade of overt masculinity finally be crumbling before us? And if it is, will that have a significant impact on society as a whole? I’m thinking probably not, however, it will be a nice change if the person robbing you was wearing a more vivid color, for the better of identifying. I only kid, but seriously men deciding to wear brighter colors is most likely not the answer to all of the world’s problems, but it’s one hell of a start.

Written By: Dominique Bedell 

Dominique Bedell

The beginning of the year is here and with it comes the always anticipated awards season.

This is the time of year I always look forward to seeing what celebrities will be wearing for Hollywood’s biggest nights. Along with the amazing gowns and ensembles comes the bad ones. I can usually expect my eyes to be assaulted with horrible looks and even worse accessories. The usual suspects have come to be known for this, however, there are those who constantly challenge your thoughts on beauty and what is acceptable for what occasion.

Billy Porter is one of those people. Every award season we know Miss Porter will turn out a look that conjoins our idea of femininity and masculinity. Now I don’t love everything he wears, however, I do applaud his efforts to change social norms. That is to say, until I saw his red carpet look from the 2020 Critics Choice Awards.

Now I don’t want the gays to flog me for this, but I have to say I’m a little over all of the pomp and pageantry. I expected to see Porter in something that would make me say “hmmm”, however, this Hogan McGlaughlin look left me saying “WTF Billy?”

First of all, as a man with a man figure, a corseted strapless dress was all the way WRONG. He goes for this silhouette all the time, however, I wish at some point he would find a sleek look. If you want to turn a look that bad, give the girls a nasty “tight to the ankle” dress. Secondly, the fact that these are actually pants makes me want to gag and not in a good way. Plus when he flared them out he looked like Gumby( Google it young girls) It made no sense for him to pull out a look that would get the girls on Pose read for filth. The only thing I can say that I actually liked was his jewelry. As a lover of Elizabeth Taylor I enjoy seeing someone fill their fingers full of rings.

In conclusion I’d like to say that I’m not opposed to him wearing fashions that make a statement or challenge the norms of masculinity. But, as a fashion guy I can’t condone just wearing any old thing. This dress/jumpsuit thing won’t stop me from admiring Billy and all he’s done in his long career, however, the next time he’s thinking of putting on a dress (which will probably be tomorrow) I want him to take extra time and consider his community and what we would be proud of seeing.

Written By: Dominique Bedell

Dominique Bedell

When I was informed I would be attending a fashion show for Me’ja Wear, I had no idea what was in store for me.

I must admit that I was unaware of the brand at the time, however, love at first sight was my immediate reaction. As we waited for the show to start, our anticipation grew by the second as we saw gorgeous male models file back and forth to the bathroom wearing next to nothing. I was caught completely by surprise, which was pleasant to say the least.

Before the show started the man of the evening, Ja’Me made his way to the DJ Booth and thanked the crowd for coming. I learned that this line of men’s and women’s lingerie had actually been 10 years in the making. I couldn’t help but think about how genius the concept was. A lingerie company that catered to men as well as women and is able to be customized to your liking. Each segment exuded a different mood and featured an array of textures. He did his thing when it came to the models. Every time one sauntered down the runway you had to first get over the shock of being near such gorgeous beings. Once you were through that, you then focused on the garment at hand.

We were given permission by the designer to touch the garments to feel the fabrics. That was something that was easier said than done. I was interested in the fabrics, however, I was afraid of feeling like a creep for touching the underwear. Aside from the gorgeous men, there were some equally as beautiful women. Modeling bra and panty sets as well as slip tops with matching thongs.

The best part of the night was seeing Ja’me take his final bow during the finale. As he walked alongside the models you couldn’t help but feel how proud he was at that moment. After 10 years to finally get to that moment must have been quite overwhelming. We briefly spoke to him later:

Ja’Me (middle)

I left the show with more knowledge about Me’ja Wear as well as a new desire to get some custom underwear made. What a perfect way to end the year.

Written By: Dominique Bedell

Dominique Bedell