The term “metrosexual” originated in the 1970s and 1980s when heterosexual men, such as David Bowie and Nick Rhodes, adopted an androgynous look. It later described any heterosexual male who invested heavily in personal grooming and fashion. Celebrities like David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney are often associated with the metrosexual lifestyle. However, there has been a cultural backlash, and men who pay little attention to their personal appearance are now described as “retrosexual.”
A number of musicians who worked in the 1970s and 1980s, such as glam rocker David Bowie or Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, often spent hours before appearances applying heavy makeup and styling products to achieve an androgynous look on stage. This practice of heterosexual men influencing some aspect of a female or homosexual lifestyle eventually earned the nickname metrosexual. A metrosexual is said to be a heterosexual man who is in touch with the feminine side of her, especially when it comes to personal grooming and appearance.
A homosexual British journalist is often credited with first putting the term “metrosexual” in print, but others have claimed its use since the 1980s. In the beginning, a metrosexual was considered a heterosexual man which affected certain homosexual mannerisms, but later the term described any heterosexual male who invested heavily in skin care products, colognes, men’s cosmetics, and fashion apparel. A modern metrosexual may exhibit no homosexual mannerisms at all, and indeed is often considered extremely masculine.
There are a number of entertainers and sports figures who are regularly portrayed as metrosexual. British soccer star David Beckham is often considered one of the quintessential metrosexual models today. Although Beckham’s sexuality is rarely in doubt, he is said to spend a significant amount of time on his personal appearance, often enlisting the services of professional beauticians and fashion stylists. Other high-profile celebrities like Brad Pitt, Ryan Seacrest, and George Clooney have also been associated with the metrosexual lifestyle over the years, though some aren’t comfortable with that reputation.
However, a metrosexual lifestyle doesn’t have to be so extravagant. A number of heterosexual men are becoming increasingly involved in the care and maintenance of their skin and hair. The average man can now visit a local salon for facials or use advanced hair styling products without the fear of being labeled less than masculine. There are also versions of makeup and even nail polish marketed to the metrosexual population.
However, there has been a cultural backlash against the metrosexual movement. Men who have embraced their inner alpha male and pay little attention to their personal appearance are now described as retrosexual. Actors such as Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell are often portrayed as retrosexual, since they are known to remain unshaven between roles and exemplify very masculine lifestyles.
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