Photo Credit: My Golden Dream on Pinterest
Men’s fashion has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades, shifting from rigid formality to a dynamic industry that blends tradition with innovation. Once defined by strict dress codes and muted palettes, menswear now embraces bold styles, diverse influences, and personal expression. This evolution has not only reshaped wardrobes but also redefined the role of men’s fashion in culture and society.
Historical Overview
For much of history, men’s clothing was functional and dictated by social status. However, the 20th century brought dramatic shifts. From the rebellion of leather-clad rockstars in the 1950s to the power-suits of the 1980s, each era introduced new statements of masculinity. The 2000s saw a mix of streetwear and high fashion, with luxury brands embracing sneakers, oversized silhouettes, and experimental tailoring. Today, men’s fashion is at an all-time high, celebrating inclusivity, sustainability, and self-expression like never before.
Social Influence
Photo Credit: Jasmine Armstrong on Pinterest
But why has men’s fashion become such a focal point? The rise of social media and digital influence has given fashion-forward men a global stage, challenging outdated norms. Celebrities, athletes, and influencers are embracing tailored suits, statement accessories, and designer collaborations, proving that style is no longer just a women’s game.
Male athletes, in particular, have become trendsetters, turning their pre-game walks into high-fashion moments that fans eagerly anticipate. Their influence extends beyond the court or field, shaping trends and solidifying the connection between sports and style. With more brands investing in menswear collections and consumers demanding elevated options, men’s fashion is no longer an afterthought—it’s a revolution.
This revolution is shaking up the entire fashion industry. Traditional fashion houses are reimagining their approach to menswear, while independent designers are making waves with innovative designs. The blending of gender-fluid styles, tech-infused fabrics, and sustainable production methods is pushing boundaries and setting new standards for fashion as a whole. Menswear is no longer playing catch-up—it’s leading the charge.
Men’s Fashion Week at a Local Level
Gent STL Fashion Show
This transformation is also making waves in St. Louis, where the city’s fashion scene is steadily growing and gaining recognition. Dwight Carter, Founder of Brainchild Next and Gent Men’s Fashion Week, emphasizes the unique opportunity St. Louis holds in the fashion world: “London, Paris and Milan are the only areas that have a successful Men’s Fashion Week. NYC has New York Men’s Day and LA, although trying to start a MFW does not currently have a fashion week dedicated to men’s fashion. This gives a lot of opportunity for St. Louis to have the only Men’s Fashion Week in the states.”
Carter has played an instrumental role in shaping the city’s fashion scene and is passionate about spotlighting designers: “My focus has always been designer first in my shows. Without designers we would not have a fashion industry… retail, modeling industry, TV, events, everything is connected to fashion. Menswear hasn’t been in the forefront and I not only plan on continuing this platform, I want to redefine what menswear means to everyone.”
Photo Credit: Richard A. Nichols, @nichols_photo, www.richardanichols.com
Fashion in the Heartland
The 10th Annual Gents Men’s Fashion Show, taking place on Sunday, February 16, is a testament to this growing trend. For fashion enthusiasts in the Midwest, this event is a rare chance to experience the evolution of men’s fashion up close and be part of a movement that’s redefining style in the region. With doors opening at 6 p.m. at Energizer Park, formerly known as CityPark, the event will showcase cutting-edge designs and celebrate the artistry of men’s fashion. St. Louis is proving that fashion isn’t just for the coasts—it’s flourishing in the heartland.
Saba Desta is the Marketing and Brand Relations Manager at Stars Design Group. With expertise in Brand Strategy, Social Media, Content Creation, and Influencer Marketing, Saba leads the development of brand books, catalogs, and marketing campaigns. As the liaison between marketing and sales, Saba ensures seamless collaboration and communication between departments. She manages client-facing projects and fosters team growth. With a background in Digital Media Production and Digital Journalism, Saba brings a strategic and creative approach to enhancing brand presence in the apparel and fashion industry.