No shave today, beard tommorow!

Summer has finally hit! Aside from the odd rainy outburst in Manchester the weather really does seem to be perking up! Guys out come the flip-flops, shorts, sunglasses and er beards…

It has become increasingly apparent this season that the most sought after and hottest male accessory is in fact the beard! Yes! you heard correct! Long gone are the days of shaving to achieve that smooth exterior…this summer its all about embracing your inner caveman and growing a bit of rough!

This all may seem quite the unlikely trend for men in recent times, but look no further than the fashion industry and you shall see why a new breed of man is stepping into style. Recently fashion advertising campaigns by French Connection and All Saints, decidedly turned their backs on the atypical skinny indie buy silhouette that once showcased angelic androgyny to perfection. Instead these High street powerhouses have swayed back to a more masculine, hench-worthy figured man to represent them in the style stakes! Bearded clad and all!!!

French Connection’s ads are particularly powerful with a handsome yet unconventionally smart man fronting the brand and carrying off possibly the biggest beard ever sported by a model high street sweetheart. Pictured in many a comfortable stance, with enlightening statements such as ‘Man should be brave’ and ‘I like my trousers you should like my trousers’ emblazoned across his portrait, the model acts almost like a protagonist, creating an exceptionally humorous narrative through the expression of his views on fashion, culture and lifestyle whilst casually sporting his summer wardrobe.

With this unkempt mature selection of model that’s noticeably more individual than your average pretty boy, his home-grown facial hair and relaxed poise come across effortlessly as that dudelicious guy next door whose stylish clobber you simply want and must have!

Suggestively looking to also have been influenced by the heightened appreciation for relaxed street style, this ad undoubtedly reflects the important fact that men want to get back to their roots…less preening and more grrrrrrr!

With a boho friendly appeal, the beard is transforming the modern man into an original piece of eye-candy that’s edging further away from the metro-sexual male we know to date. A guy who wears it very well is Devendra Banhart, an all round talented musician, artist and creative being extraordinaire.

Take a leaf out of his style bible, let it grow and simply embrace your inner bohemia! Just think facial hair is an extension of your personality it creates more mystery and adds originality no-one wants to look like a clean-shaven clone forever!

To check out the collaborative version of this article with some info about male grooming products by fellow bud Matt Pike. To view on MFN SITE cliCk HERE