For its current 'Man Issue,' WAD magazine compiled a stock of makeup-wearing men, with red and plum-colored lipstick. In the hopes of connecting with the audience and promoting androgyny and sexuality, the French magazine hired make-up artist Audrey Gautier to fulfill the task.
The men were photographed by Thomas Paquet and look emotionally numb, but are publicizing the continuous judgment that follows men with makeup. Regardless of the magazine's target approach, it is a gutsy take on a taboo topic and I highly applaud them.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Gender-bending Beauty
- The trend of men wearing makeup challenges traditional gender norms and provides an opportunity for cosmetic brands to create inclusive products and marketing campaigns.
- Male Beauty Representation
- The increasing visibility of men wearing makeup presents an opportunity for the fashion and beauty industry to diversify their offerings and cater to a wider range of consumers.
- Taboo Breaking in Media
- The exploration of men wearing makeup in publications like WAD magazine signals a growing acceptance of nonconformity and opens doors for media companies to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
Where This Applies
- Cosmetics
- The rise of men wearing makeup creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the cosmetics industry to develop and market products specifically targeted towards male consumers.
- Fashion
- The trend of lipstick-wearing males presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry to redefine gender boundaries and promote gender-neutral fashion.
- Media and Publishing
- The portrayal of men in makeup in publications like WAD magazine creates an opportunity for media and publishing companies to challenge stereotypes and drive conversations around inclusivity and diversity.
