The Modern Day Dandy

Forget post-modernism or modernism, metamodernism is a contemporary cultural dominance providing sense to our future generation (WGSNa 2012). Let’s face it; our world has had it pretty tough. From natural disasters, the global financial crisis, and political unrest - so I don't know about you, but I think it's all getting a bit old (Notes on Metamodernism 2012). But let’s not give up guys! Metamodernism is instead characterising a future full of hopefulness, essentially creating a romantic enthusiasm for the world that is to come (Notes on Metamodernism 2012).

A fashion trend stemming from this social, cultural and theoretical consumer trend is the emerging impression of the modern day dandy who uses his wardrobe as both armature and means of personal expression (Von Maltzahn 2012). The illusion of gender and the traditional notion of masculinity are challenged (Von Maltzahn 2012). The final product  - reconciliation between the masculine and feminine (Von Maltzahn 2012). Examples of this trend can be found in Dutch designer Sjaak Hullekes’ and German designer Siki Im’s latest collections. New York Times Style Magazine concluded that Siki Im’s collection was ingenious, by suggesting he has blurred the lines between masculine and feminine attire (Brown 2011).

So no boys, this does not mean that you can run to you sisters’ or girlfriends’ wardrobe and throw on the first skirt you can find. The metamodern man is all about combining a piece that has a feminine aspect to it, such as a fine linen jacket or the men’s ballerina pump, with a masculine piece such as a traditional tailored pant (Fashion Practice: the journal of design, creative process and the fashion industry 2009). A great example of this forecasted trend is pictured above. Here we have Samm sporting a pale blue linen shirt, which is very soft and fresh, and tailored shorts that are quite fitted to his body. The sleeves of the jacket are shorter creating a more contemporary look on a piece that could be quite traditional. WGSN’s Volker Kenttis reports that the seasonal colour moods for the metamodern man will include calm neutrals, sage and midnight blue broken up by canvas white and lilac grey, ochre, and shades of brown and intense red (WGSNb 2012). So boys get out there and channel your inner-metamodern man, don't be afraid to push some boundaries!