Guys Just Wanna Have Fun Too: Exploring the Feminine Side of Male Models

In a departure from traditional men’s fashion photography—think sculpted abs and square jawlines in stark black and white—we aimed for greater versatility and fluidity, both in the styling and the makeup. This not only allowed more creative freedom for our team, but also gave the models room to explore softer or more experimental sides of their presentation—something that’s becoming increasingly visible in modern editorial campaigns.

If we look at icons like Jim Morrison, Prince, Bowie, and Mick Jagger, it’s clear that a touch of androgyny often amplifies charisma and masculinity rather than undermines it. Today, we see echoes of this in stars like Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny, or Harry Styles—blurring boundaries to evoke something more personal, ephemeral, and self-aware. Because let’s face it: the hackneyed strong-and-silent stereotype no longer speaks to a generation that values emotional presence and style as forms of self-expression.

Together with Creative Director Kara Grin, we set out to explore how far we could stretch traditional gender roles within the context of an editorial fashion shoot. Our models—and the images—made it clear: the cultural tide has already shifted. A new generation is emerging, one less tethered to rigid definitions and more open to personal expression, fluidity, and reinterpretation of style norms.

While we styled the models in a mix of men’s and women’s clothing, our intent wasn’t simply to feminize the male form. Instead, we drew from elements commonly associated with women’s fashion—bold eye makeup, painted nails, jewelry—to create striking contrasts and nuanced narratives. The result: styling choices that challenge assumptions and spark fresh visual conversations.

One of my favorite shots features a flower wreath paired with athletic shorts—a nod to a sportswear campaign infused with a soft, editorial twist. It takes what could be a commercial image and layers it with unexpected delicacy. I also loved the tension between soft styling and bold makeup elsewhere in the shoot—smoky eyes, glossy lips, and confident gazes that resist easy labels.

Overall, this was an experiment worth repeating—and expanding. I’d love to push even further: imagine couture menswear without irony, or a beauty campaign where softness is strength. Maybe there’s a hint of kitsch here and there, but in a world where fashion increasingly reflects the inner self, that might just be the point.

Interested in working together? Contact me here or explore my portfolio.