Written and Photographed by Codi Fant
With multicolored tinsel curtains and fairy lights adorning the runway, Menyelek Rose’s SS18 show provided a refreshing insight on modern masculinity. Sequined tops, reflective foil pants, and day-glo accessories adorned the models as they stomped down the catwalk: “The main goal for this collection was to show that just because a man is wearing colorful clothes, that does not mean that man is soft or lacking the ability to show aggression,” explained the mind behind the brand, Mr. Rose himself.
This goal was definitely achieved. As the models burst through the curtains with confident struts, their theatrical gestures of machismo contrasted powerfully with glittery makeup and glimmering outfits. This sent a powerful message, one that forced any conservative, binary views of gender roles to take a back seat. Menyelek’s line of garments allow men, especially men of color, to be fashionably bold in a society where traditional masculinity can be suffocating, seeming to say, “We can breathe easy now.”
Check out our shots of the show, which took place on Tuesday, July 11, above. To learn more about Menyelek, you can follow @menyelek_ on Instagram or visit www.menyelek.com