CASSANDRA HENG

Looking at men at a different perspective

This image challenge masculinity simply by featuring clothes both masculine and feminine. The fitting of the top is normally worn among the majority of men which may give the viewer a sense of femininity. The skirt is without a doubt feminine to the viewer. However the well built model and his posture are the obvious masculine factors. The boots he's wearing is masculine as they are military boots. Lastly having it photograph at a studio it gives off a sense of seriousness when being viewed.

In the following look, the entire outfit is very much towards the feminine side none of the pieces of clothing that he's wearing are popular amongst the conventional men and this makes his outfit feminine. The black draped vest, white top, baggy shorts cannot be seen worn by the majority of men today. On the other hand, the model's posture, his facial expressions and the model himself are all very masculine.

The printed skirt and cropped blazer are feminine because they are practically female's clothing. However the cropped blazer was chosen to be in black for the meaning behind the colour. As black is associated with power and elegance and denotes strength and authority. The posture and the setting in the image are still very similar to those that can be seen in images in mainstream men's fashion magazines. Hence it successfully challenge masculinity.

Since this look is hardly seen, it may look feminine to other men. However the idea behind this look is rather masculine as it combines the two opposite colours. This image is also taken from a low angle which makes him a look larger and more powerful as a result.

The feminine factors in this look are the wide legged trousers and model's posture. The cutting and design of the trousers dont appeal to men as most modern men feel that wide legged trousers are difficult to incorporate into everyday wear, or they are associated with untidy and also because is originally worn by women. Wide legged trousers are actually known as being masculine by pairing up with a shirt or matching overcoats.

Meshed is definitely feminine in the eyes of the conventional men. The outfit featured in this look is entirely white; meshed layer top paired with a white skirt. White is an inherently positive colour but however it is associated with softness and purity which hence at one glance it is considered to be feminine. However, one rather small significant trait is his facial hair is widely known to be a masculine trait.

Studying the image, one can see his body posture, his chin angled up, his shoulders are upright, back and relaxed. These are the keys factors that a poised, confident and powerful alpha male flaunts. However, the conflicting factor in this image is the hat with the chain, which will look completely foreign to the common men, and his facial expression which look slightly feminine.

His clothes are masculine as the model is wearing a black jacket paired with a shirt inside. However, the feminine factors are the hat and his posture as in the image he is leaning against the wall which showed his restless as a masculine men always sit upright.

The posture resembles how a female model poses which is downright feminine. The clothes on the other hand will be viewed as masculine since it is very obvious that it is men's clothing. The posture is much more masculine as he is looking right into the camera with a strong facial expression.

His shoulders are upright, back and relaxed. His neck is strong and powerful yet loose and is stretched as high as possible and his chin is angled up which shows confidence and power. On the other hand his face is facing a different angle which make him look more feminine. The hats he wear gives off the feminine vibes as his posture is not as strong as the previous images but however his facial hairs and expression makes him look masculine.

Using a projector to project the chosen flowers as flowers most often are feminine with their soft scents and petals but however, certain flowers read more masculine in shape, size and colour. Such as the flower projected is white orchid as they have contemporary clean lines which is the ideal type for a man.

Orchids are also considered symbols of luxury probably because only the rich and royalty could afford them in the past.

The featured clothing are pretty much associated with females because of the pink meshed blazer, flowery short-shorts. As pink are always viewed as feminine, and the colour often gives the impression of empathy and sensitivity. However, with his body posture looking directly into the camera with a manly posture surrounded by ferns. As ferns are a symbol of richness.

Apart from the masculine model, one might perceived this image as feminine, perhaps due to the leaves or the sweater. Instead, everything in this image is masculine.

Even though the outfit featured in this image is nothing like the typical dark colored suit, the colour red symbolizes strength and power and is often associated with war, danger and blood; thus proving the masculine ideal behind the colour. Similarly, the leaves hold a masculine meaning though oblivious to the viewer; the leaves h

Masculine due to his posture and his direct eye contact to the camera which shows seriousness and confidence. It successfully challenged masculinity because of his hair as usually majority of men who do slick back hair. As most men will viewed this image as feminine due to its surrounding. Why is fern leaves chosen, due to its textures of leaves and shades of green, it is more of an outdoorsman masculine approach.