Image taken from the penthouse of Morgans Hotel, New York by Nicola Linza. All rights reserved.
Editorial by Nicola Linza
I live the base theory that what we do, the way we speak, what we personally choose to use and wear in our daily lives as men creates a clear powerful message of what we are "about" in terms of our individual style, and psychological frame of mind. Men do this all the time. It is just that most men do not openly recognize and judge other men, in all ways, all the time; they may think that it a social judgment on their individual sexuality, or personal social or psychological security.
Unfortunately, many men are struck down, in an insecure mind-fuck of what masculinity is about at its core. Even those who desire or dare to look good, move ahead, be respected and accepted in their professions and by their business partners, few have broken away from that narrow-minded stereotypical pattern. I do not mean to imply that to not follow the stereotype has anything to do with that idiotic phrase, "metrosexual" because it does not in any way, shape or form in my view. A man of style is one thing, a man trying to be another man or worse subtly dressing and acting like a woman, well that is another.
This has really to do with being a man secure enough to speak his mind confidently, one who considers how he puts himself together, and admires how other men look and act accordingly toward him. What I want to make clear is that men in general tend not to be vocal about other men in a complimentary manner, and to me that is akin to a form of insanity relating in proportion to their own levels of security. It stems from my personal belief that far too many men are insecure in their confidence, their own style, and male sexuality; so to recognize another man that is great looking or influential would be to question if they like the man's style, or the man himself!
Thankfully, I suffer from none of the above-mentioned ailments. I remember being in New York on Madison Avenue in the 60s (the street block that is ...not the decade,) when a tall 40ish man with wavy blond hair in a dark blue suit and black shoes passed me. I did not know him. I had never seen him before that moment, but his entire aura, his overall look and confidence hit me, as a total and complete great looking man. It was one of those rare moments of a stranger having a great impact on my psyche of style. I have never forgotten how fantastic that man appeared now nearly 20 years on. He had memorable street style, that man was the true definition of a style influencer to me.
My encounter was years before overhyped television dramas of perceived Madison Avenue style and power. Years ahead of the few odd men today who have picked up cameras and tag themselves "street style" photographers (but to me are nothing more than bad imitations of the great Billy Cunningham.) Moreover, my encounter with that one guy on Madison Avenue 20 years ago was far above and beyond today’s flood of strange young (and not so young) men who have come out of nowhere to take pictures of themselves and each other like a high school production, and laughably think of themselves as some media have led to believe they are so-called style (or worse fashion) bloggers.
I live the base theory that what we do, the way we speak, what we personally choose to use and wear in our daily lives as men creates a clear powerful message of what we are "about" in terms of our individual style, and psychological frame of mind. Men do this all the time. It is just that most men do not openly recognize and judge other men, in all ways, all the time; they may think that it a social judgment on their individual sexuality, or personal social or psychological security.
Unfortunately, many men are struck down, in an insecure mind-fuck of what masculinity is about at its core. Even those who desire or dare to look good, move ahead, be respected and accepted in their professions and by their business partners, few have broken away from that narrow-minded stereotypical pattern. I do not mean to imply that to not follow the stereotype has anything to do with that idiotic phrase, "metrosexual" because it does not in any way, shape or form in my view. A man of style is one thing, a man trying to be another man or worse subtly dressing and acting like a woman, well that is another.
This has really to do with being a man secure enough to speak his mind confidently, one who considers how he puts himself together, and admires how other men look and act accordingly toward him. What I want to make clear is that men in general tend not to be vocal about other men in a complimentary manner, and to me that is akin to a form of insanity relating in proportion to their own levels of security. It stems from my personal belief that far too many men are insecure in their confidence, their own style, and male sexuality; so to recognize another man that is great looking or influential would be to question if they like the man's style, or the man himself!
Thankfully, I suffer from none of the above-mentioned ailments. I remember being in New York on Madison Avenue in the 60s (the street block that is ...not the decade,) when a tall 40ish man with wavy blond hair in a dark blue suit and black shoes passed me. I did not know him. I had never seen him before that moment, but his entire aura, his overall look and confidence hit me, as a total and complete great looking man. It was one of those rare moments of a stranger having a great impact on my psyche of style. I have never forgotten how fantastic that man appeared now nearly 20 years on. He had memorable street style, that man was the true definition of a style influencer to me.
My encounter was years before overhyped television dramas of perceived Madison Avenue style and power. Years ahead of the few odd men today who have picked up cameras and tag themselves "street style" photographers (but to me are nothing more than bad imitations of the great Billy Cunningham.) Moreover, my encounter with that one guy on Madison Avenue 20 years ago was far above and beyond today’s flood of strange young (and not so young) men who have come out of nowhere to take pictures of themselves and each other like a high school production, and laughably think of themselves as some media have led to believe they are so-called style (or worse fashion) bloggers.
When I compare that outstanding stranger on Madison Avenue to these ridiculous childlike men just described, who take themselves and each other so seriously that they actually consider themselves style influencers, as if they could or would influence anyone worthwhile! It is downright hysterical to all of us associated with Manner of Man Magazine.
The power that businessman's look, his image gave off to me on Madison Avenue that day in a single passing swift moment was not a front. He was not a fake or fraud he was polished and authentic, it was pure masculine energy. His look and the aura was one of honest masculine style. It was not just that he was outstanding looking in height and features it was also that he wore clothing well, walked confidently. He was simply completely polished and pulled together in a powerful confident manner. That particular man, on that particular day, was the definition of "in the moment."
So what is the meat and meaning of all this? We all give off that same split 1/10th second inital impact to others, as that man on that day did to me. I cannot focus enough on the fact that we always have to be careful of our overall aura. It gives a good view to others of where our mind and style are at and where they are headed. I notice many people in my daily life. I certainly do not take their pictures, but I do pay attention to what these people are saying and how they are "saying it" through their styling, conduct and behaviour.
I find it interesting to examine what other men are saying, using, what designers they wear, what colours and combinations they have put together. I always feel what is right for them, which has caught my eye, may be something I need to look into for myself. I have no reservations about such things. I will ask another man on the street about his hair, cologne, tailor or clothing choices without hesitation. How the hell does one learn if one does not observe and ask questions? We learned in elementary school that only an idiot does not ask questions.
So what is the meat and meaning of all this? We all give off that same split 1/10th second inital impact to others, as that man on that day did to me. I cannot focus enough on the fact that we always have to be careful of our overall aura. It gives a good view to others of where our mind and style are at and where they are headed. I notice many people in my daily life. I certainly do not take their pictures, but I do pay attention to what these people are saying and how they are "saying it" through their styling, conduct and behaviour.
I find it interesting to examine what other men are saying, using, what designers they wear, what colours and combinations they have put together. I always feel what is right for them, which has caught my eye, may be something I need to look into for myself. I have no reservations about such things. I will ask another man on the street about his hair, cologne, tailor or clothing choices without hesitation. How the hell does one learn if one does not observe and ask questions? We learned in elementary school that only an idiot does not ask questions.
