What Accounts for Men's Increased Enjoyment of Fashion?

From the red carpet to the catwalks, men's fashion is becoming intriguingly unconventional.

During Veronica Leoni's inaugural show for Calvin Klein in February in New York, stylist Julie Ragolia focused on a particular menswear aesthetic. A model traversed the runway adorned in a sleeveless knit featuring armholes extending to the waist, complemented by a basic pair of black slacks. “I promptly considered Pedro [Pascal],” she continues, referring to her renowned customer who enjoys experimenting with fashion. She recognized his confidence to accomplish it. The Calvin Klein team permitted her to retain the look exclusively until the opportune occasion presented itself: the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. “The remainder, as commonly stated, is historical.”

 Headlines such as “Cannes Is Warm but Blacked-Out Calvin Klein is Hot” were published immediately, with articles asserting that Pascal’s bare arms “broke the internet.” The Cannes red carpet prominently featured masculine superstars confidently embracing strong self-expression. Alexander Skarsgård traversed in provocative thigh-high boots. Jeremy Strong donned a complete ensemble in pink corduroy. A$AP Rocky radiated in a white Miu Miu suit, brown leather shoes, and shimmering jewelry. These whimsical individuals belong to an expanding group of males who are unapologetically enjoying fashion—a movement unprecedented in its nature.

 On May 17, 2025, Pedro Pascal attended the Eddington photocall at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

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 No single stylist is credited with this wave, although many deserve recognition. Rather, it appears to be serendipitous collaborations between knowledgeable industry veterans and actors possessing exceptional, inherent fashion sensibilities. Consider, for example, Colman Domingo and the seasoned stylist pair Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald. During their extensive tenure, the team has devised numerous remarkable ensembles, including a vibrant pink Versace suit for the 2021 Oscars. This year, Domingo's fashion has been extensively chronicled, culminating in his portrayal as the quintessential modern dandy at the 2025 Met Gala, where he, as co-chair, wore two Valentino ensembles: a floor-length blue cape with an embellished bolero and a black-and-white jacket-and-pants combination.

 Bannerman and McDonald emphasize the collaborative aspect involved in this situation. “He has been one of our most esteemed collaborators over the years due to his consistent willingness to engage and enjoy,” they state. “He is always willing to experiment with any style.” Domingo has secured a rare, completely synergistic ambassadorship with Alessandro Michele, the creative director at Valentino. Domingo revels in Michele's silk pajamas, vintage men's formal shoes, and sophisticated evening scarves.

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 Ragolia has placed considerable trust in designers like as Miuccia Prada, Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent, and Pierpaolo Piccioli, formerly of Valentino and now appointed to lead Balenciaga, in addition to burgeoning brands like 3.Paradis, Aubero, and Kartik Research. “Men’s fashion is currently in an exceptionally dynamic state,” she articulates eloquently. Menswear designers have long recognized the importance of consistency and shape, and there exists a persistent demand that menswear is consistently prepared to fulfill. It is influencing the manner in which women attire themselves as well.

 Daniel Todd, buying director at Mr. Porter, states that figures such as Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, and A$AP Rocky exemplify a bold, astute, yet harmonious approach to style that is both culturally relevant and sartorially refined, reflecting the dynamic evolution observed in modern menswear designers. “Brands such as Bottega Veneta, Loewe, and Lemaire are reimagining traditional menswear with relaxed silhouettes, opulent fabrics, and meticulous detailing, presenting garments that merge formal and utilitarian elements, as well as structure and fluidity.” It produces a trickle-down effect.

 Todd asserts that the desire for self-expression has increased, and there are undoubtedly more freedoms and choices available for men to convey individuality through style than ever before. The distinctions between professional and casual attire are becoming increasingly ambiguous, facilitating greater experimentation with proportion, texture, and color.

 The most captivating demonstrations of style, irrespective of gender, contrast two opposing components, such as casual and formal or masculine and feminine. Consider one of Ragolia’s “internet-breaking” ensembles designed for actor LaKeith Stanfield for the 2021 Academy Awards. She engaged Saint Laurent to replicate a jumpsuit inspired by a design from the Spring 2021 womenswear collection. Bannerman and McDonald frequently select accessories—hats, earrings, gloves—from the womenswear collection for Domingo. Although legally classified as menswear, numerous Valentino designs are imbued with feminine elements.

 It is not groundbreaking for men to explore womenswear; nonetheless, Harry Styles, in collaboration with stylist Harry Lambert, significantly accelerated this trend years ago by donning women's blouses, gowns, and feminine accessories such as feather boas and beaded necklaces. Chalamet, known for his audacious red-carpet attire, has recently carried women's Chanel bags, garnering enthusiasm on social media and Reddit discussions. “All is permissible in menswear now!” Bannerman and McDonald articulate. “Men can enjoy the red carpet experience just as much as women do now.” Traditionally, red carpets have necessitated sophistication through tailored suits for men and dresses for ladies.

 In this domain of innovators, as in any environment, genuineness resonates most profoundly. “I do not deliberately engage in risk-taking, nor do I encourage others to do so for its own sake,” states Ragolia, who regards the infamous yet undeniably genuine rule-breaker Kristen Stewart as a symbol of self-expression. Stewart notably traversed the Cannes red carpet without footwear to contest the dress code mandating that women wear heels. Pascal has demonstrated a comparable attitude of protest by donning a T-shirt designed by London-based Connor Ives featuring the phrase “Protect the Dolls,” advocating for the safeguarding of transgender women, alongside a shirt inscribed with “Adult Content,” a motto attributed to the late trans artist Pippa Garner. The latter was sold by Mother, Daughter, Holy Spirit to generate funds for transgender rights. “I assist my clients in articulating their individual identities,” Ragolia states. I appreciate creative approaches to work, although it is essential that anyone I style maintains their authentic self. We constitute a team.

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 It is even more advantageous when that resonates with an audience. “Apparel constitutes merely one aspect of the equation; it is the individual's emotional response to their attire that dictates the degree of resonance,” she states. “Individuals started to recognize Pedro’s fashion sense, exemplified by something as simple as a collection of sweaters.” A cardigan, a knit draped around his neck, and an additional silver cardigan ignited the world. The experience was exhilarating due to the universal presence of cardigans or sweaters in everyone's wardrobe. There were no deceptions. Merely the choice to approach the quotidian with a novel viewpoint.