The right shoes, wristwatch, pocket square or necktie can certainly draw attention to a man when he enters a room, but I'm of the opinion that eyeglasses are the only accessory with the ability to add sex appeal. And sunglasses add an aura of mystery and celebrity.
However, when it comes to the advertising of eyeglasses there's not a lot of creative ways to show them. For the most part such ads are simply a close-up of a sexy face where jawline, stubble, lips, the coif all come into play (in addition to appealing frames). But these ads demonstrate how sex appeal can be communicated without the need to show off pecs, washboard abs or bare butt cheeks.
It appears Armani dominates the fashion frames category, or it could be that it dominates ads that appeal to me.
Here are what a few other labels have to offer.
This ad for Arnold Brant is a case where eyeglasses are used as an effective prop.
Tom Ford (2000's), Guess (1990's) and Notorio (1980's) went beyond the face in an attempt to break the monotony of the category.
Finally, some of the best advertisements aren't ads but, rather, celebs photographed wearing glasses.
The old trope about a picture being worth a thousand words is especially true when it comes to fashion advertising. In fact, the six ads I've chosen here rely entirely on photographs - there's not one line of copy. And upon looking at the selection of ads below the first word of each readers' thousand is likely to be "wow".
Miguel Cruz - Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe snapped this breathtaking photo for this short-lived (and not very highly regarded) apparel company which flamed out in the late 1980's. It hit the skids when its financial backer, a notorious personal banker, art connoisseur & social climber named Roberto Polo, was jailed in Italy for misaapropriation of client funds.
Rockport - If you didn't know that Rockport sold shoes you'd be hard pressed to figure out what this ad was selling. But it's a pleasure gazing upon the ad and trying to figure it out. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Rockport is based in Massachusetts and is now a subsidiary of Reebok International.
Levi's - Sex appeal conveyed in a gritty, blue collar setting. Part of this ad's appeal is guessing what the model looks like from the front. (And why is he looking down?)
Versace - Ladies & gentleman, introducing the Versace iron. Wait, I think it's the shirt that has the Versace label! This ad is a classic from some 20 years ago.
Bottega Venata - Most likely the carefree model is skipping off to some oh-so-fabulous destination. BV is a luxury 50-year old brand best known for its leather accessories. The company is a subsidiary of Gucci and is headquartered in Italy.
Alex Cannon - Nothing brings attention to a shirt than unbuttoning it and opening it wide so the model's beautiful chest can be gazed upon. (However, a warning label should be at the bottom of the ad that reads: your results may differ.) Alex Cannon is a menswear company that's been in business since 2003. The label is sold at Lord & Taylor and a number of specialty stores across the U.S.
Gay serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy claimed many more victims than Andrew Cunanan. However, Cunanan may be more famous because the last of his five victims was world famous fashion designer Gianni Versace, gunned down in broad daylight the morning of July 15, 1997 in front of his mansion in South Beach. He was 50. Fifteen years later the motive behind this sensational crime continues to be a mystery. Did the openly gay Versace even know Cunanan and if he did, under what circumstances? How was it that Cunanan happened to be in front of the mansion when Versace went out to pick up coffee and magazines, something he did infrequently? And why did Versace have $1,200 in cash in his pocket?
The 27-year old Cunanan walked away after the shooting and became a fugitive. Eight days later he committed suicide on a houseboat not far from the murder scene. He took his life the day after the grand memorial service for Versace was held in Milan. Among the countless A-list friends who attended were Princess Diana and Elton John. Sadly, many of the same people would be in attendance at Diana's funeral less than two months later.
They say power is the greatest aphrodisiac - and all the better if that power is wielded by a handsome face. Inspired by Mexico's dashing new president, this post salutes fashionable and sexy heads of state. Not surprisingly, few of the world's presidents, prime ministers, sultans and dictators are heartthrobs. However, I managed to find nine who are worthy of some adolescent ogling. (Please note that appearing on this list isn't an implied endorsement of their policies.)
Enrique Pena Nieto (President of Mexico, age 45) - The youngest of my choices, he was elected president on July 1 (with less than 40% of the vote). Appearance-wise he reminds me of a Latin Jon Huntsman but having sired two illegitimate children his personal life is more like that of John Edwards.
Barack Obama (President of the U.S., age 50) - He may wear "mom" jeans when he's relaxing, but Obama wears a suit very well (European fit, no doubt). Furthermore, he has a great gait, a wonderful smile and a soothing, intelligent speaking voice. Even his graying hair hasn't detracted from his sex appeal.
Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel, age 62) - Exuding classic Israeli arrogance and swagger, he enfuriates the Arab world because he can be as stubborn and vengeful as they are. A very hot soldier as a young man, Netanyahu is now an honorary "Silver Daddy".
Rafael Correa (President of Ecuador, age 49) - This charismatic and very popular president is pals with Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez. His style somewhat resembles that of New Jersey's blowhard governor Chris Christie (minus a few hundred pounds). As president he once confronted police during a strike and dared them to shoot him. Instead, they took him hostage and he was rescued by the army.
Sebastian Pinera (President of Chile, age 62) - Very suave and handsome in a John Forsythe kind of way, he looks like a head of state from central casting. He came to the world's attention a few years ago during the miraculous rescue of the Chilean miners.
Hamid Karzai (President of Afghanistan, age 54) - A rather complicit, double dealing "ally", but he gets style points for his tribal hat. And he looks good without it as well. Reminds me of Ben Kingsley.
Qaboos bin Said al Said (Sultan of Oman, age 70) - He of the beautiful, flowing robes. Said to be gay.
Jose Maria Neves (Prime Minister of the Cape Verde Islands, age 52) - A tip of the hat to this tiny nation of 500,000. Neves has the same professorial look that makes Obama sexy.
Dmitry Medvedev (Prime Minister of Russia, age 46) - And finally, representing the northern latitudes, the pasty Dmitry Medvedev! He recently handed over power to his mentor, Vladimir Putin, but is still prime minister. He has a boyish appeal. Unlike Putin, there haven't been any photos circulated of a barechested Medvedev out in the wilderness.
Honorable Mention. If they hadn't resigned from office both Portugal's prime minister Jose Socrates (near left) and Serbia's president Boris Tadic would still be in power and have easily made this list. Interestingly, they're both 54 and look somewhat alike - separated at birth? Under Socrates' leadership same-sex marriage was legalized in Portugal two years ago.
Four months after RuPaul's fabulously catchy and campy single Super Model (You Better Work) hit clubs, radio airwaves and MTV the 6'4" (without heels) drag performer's debut CD Supermodel of the World was released the week of June 8, 1993. And in gay circles the phrase "Shante, shante, shante!" was the "it" phrase of the year. For the rest of the 1990's he seemed to be everywhere flashing his megawatt smile. (I was especially enamored by his cameos in the two Brady Brunch movies as guidance counselor Mrs. Cummings!)
Twenty years later the 51-year old RuPaul Andre Charles (pictured, left) still has an active career and is presently hosting RuPaul's Drag Race on Logo TV. Only Madonna, the Pet Shop Boys and Liza have been going at it longer. He certainly has taken the edict "You better work" to heart.
Although many of us lost close friends and lovers to AIDS in the early years, it was the death of "names" that communicated the seriousness of AIDS to the general public. This first happened in the fall of 1985 when Rock Hudson died. Then less than a year later Perry Ellis, a well known fashion designer in the prime of his career, was stricken down at the age of 46. His death on May 30, 1986 came five months after his partner of five years also died from AIDS-related complications.
In the early years of the health crisis the cause of illness & death of many gay men in their 30's, 40's and 50's was wrapped in mystery & denial. It was often attributed to conditions other than AIDS because of the stigma attached to it. (In most cases these other illnesses were caused by an AIDS-weakened immune system.) Six weeks after Ellis' death New York Magazine ran a cover story about him that discussed his career and the downturn in his health that was whispered about but never openly discussed.
There was concern that the Perry Ellis label might not survive because of its association with AIDS. Happily, that wasn't the case and hiring up and coming talent like Marc Jacobs (pictured, left) insured that creative inspiration remained. However, since the fashion industry employed so many gay men the impact of AIDS posed a serious challenge. The implications were reported in detail in an article in the NY Times from 1990.
Ellis' was just the first notable AIDS death to shake the fashion industry. Two months later famed make-up artist Way Bandy (far right) died at the age of 45. The next year Willi Smith (center), a designer just hitting his stride, died at the age of 39. Then 31-year old Angel Estrada fell in 1989 followed in 1990 by 57-year old Halston (near right).
30 years before Lady Gaga, Grace Jones was making herself known with her striking presence, outrageous fashion sense, distinct singing voice and inventive performance videos.
Born and raised in Jamaica (birth name: Grace Mendoza), she moved with her family to the snowbelt city of Syracuse in New York state when she was in her teens. Before becoming a singer she was a model who became part of Andy Warhol's glam circle. To me, she resembled an Amazonian version of Eartha Kitt.
Every year between 1977 and 1982 Grace released an album (and ten overall), but none became big commercial hits. Her highest charting LP, 1981's Nightclubbing, made it only to #32 on Billboard's album chart. However, songs such as I Need a Man (her first); Do or Die; and Pull up to the Bumper were big club hits. Besides those, other favorites of mine include La Vie en Rose;Nipple to the Bottle;Unlimited Capacity for Love; and Slave to the Rythym. Her music style was hard to categorize - a bit disco, a bit new wave, a bit R&B.
In the 1980's, her Warhol years behind her, she tested her mainstream appeal by appearing in action movies such as Conan the Destroyer and was cast as the villain in the James Bond movie A View to a Kill. She also appeared in TV and print ads for Honda scooters.
March 24 is fashion designer Kenneth Cole's birthday; he was born in Brooklyn in 1954. Although he's not gay (he's married to one of Mario Cuomo's daughters) he's been a true friend of the gay community. Since shortly after starting his company in 1982 Cole has supported gay causes, especially those dealing with AIDS research and prevention. He's done this through fund raising as well as advertising messaging and is presently chairman of amfAR.
I'm familiar with Cole's store at Grand Central Station/42nd St. (pictured, left) because it was in my work neighborhood. Over the years I've bought shoes, ties, a couple of suits and a briefcase there. (His product line reminds me of Banana Republic's.) Earlier in 2011 the company closed two of its Manhattan stores in prime locations, at Rockefeller Center and on Columbus Ave.
Rather than dripping with sex or using high profile celebrities, Cole's ads are better known for their clever wordplay and commentary about world events. And, unlike Calvin Klein, the ads aren't homoerotic in the least (but the pro-same-sex marriage ad to the right is very touching - and powerful).
What gay man doesn't love looking at underwear ads? And it's not just ads for Calvin Klein that can take your breath away (although CK's portfolio has some of the most alluring in the men's fashion industry). I've chosen some favorites to share from my archives (plus a bonus video clip). Believe me, it was a challenge limiting my choices to just five. But since I have so many ads in my collection to choose from I'm making this a regular feature.
Calvin Klein. For all that he's contributed to the men's fashion underwear market it seems fitting to begin with a Calvin Klein ad. It's from this year and features Spanish tennis star Fernando Verdasco (who knew there was another Spanish tennis player other than Rafael Nadal?). It differs from other years for its dash of color and Verdasco's tossled, just-out-of-bed hair.
Abercrombie & Fitch. Although much of this brand's eye candy was on display in its in-house magazine, this is a magazine ad from the late 1990's. Of course, a gaggle of young women surround this young buck, a common Abercrombie device.
Fruit of the Loom. What makes this ad from 1980 of particular interest is that it features a hairy chested model. Nowadays nary a chest hair is seen, the legacy of photographers Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts who depicted their models as Greek and Aryan gods. Also of note are the model's striking, "drag queen" eyes.
Calvin Klein. Antonio Sabato Jr. modeled for Klein in the early to mid-90's, overlapping with Marky Mark (remember their va-va-voom giant billboards in Times Square?). What's interesting about this ad is that I found it on the back cover of the political commentary magazine The New Republic. Perhaps it was due to the presence at the time of its openly gay editor, Andrew Sullivan. An interesting use of plastic water cooler bottles as props. And Sabato's boyish look is sexy as hell.
Jockey. Like the ad above, this is another that proves that bare chests aren't always necessary for conveying sex appeal. Jockey also ran another spread using firemen.
And here's the bonus courtesy of Dolce & Gabanna:
For underwear aficionados here are three blogs devoted to the subject (and I'm sure there are plenty more): Men's Underwear Blog, Underwear Newsbriefs and Jockboy Locker. Also, Universal Gear in Chelsea (140 8th Avenue) has a good selection and Macy's and Bloomingdale's also have extensive inventories. Sadly, a store devoted entirely to men's briefs, Wonderwear on Greenwich Avenue, closed after less than two years. Apparently, a retail establishment can't survive on underwear alone.
Politics - The two biggest stories of 2011 were New York state's legalization of same-sex marriage(coinciding with Gay Pride weekend) and the ending of the U.S. military's shameful "Don't ask, don't tell" policy. But we could still count on continued intolerance by Republicans as they booed a gay soldier during one of the Republican debates.
Fashion - Critically acclaimed documentaires were released about New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham (left) and designer Yves St. Laurent; an exhibit of late fashion designer Alexander McQueen's work was a huge draw at the Met; John Galliano, head designer at Christian Dior was fired after making drunken anti-Semitic remarks to patrons at a restaurant in Paris.
Gay-themed Movies of Note - Weekend; Heartbeats; Beginners; and the documetary Making the Boys.
Bodies Beautiful - Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love; Chris Hemsworth in Thor (near right); Taylor Lautner in the latest Twilight sequel; and supposedly straight, rightwing Illinois congressman Aaron Schock on the cover of Men's Health. Finally, after performances of his acclaimed one-man show Hugh Jackman occasionally auctioned off his sweat soaked t-shirt.
NYC Nightlife - The cowboy bar Flaming Saddles opened in Hell's Kitchen; Boxers joined Gym Bar as Chelsea's second sports bar; Splash celebrated its 20th anniversary; Viceroy and Vinyl restaurants in Chelsea closed. Meanwhile, Next Magazine's page size continued to shrink.
Music - Erasure's Then I Go Twisting and Kelly Rowland's What a Feeling; in February Lady Gaga's single Born This Way became the 1,000th song to hit #1 in the history of Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
RIP - Pioneering gay civil rights activist Frank Kameny; AIDS angel Elizabeth Taylor; John Geddes Lawrence, plaintiff in landmark Lawrence v Texas anti-sodomy Supreme Court case; disco diva Loleatta Hollaway.
Chaz Bono - A documentary and book about Chaz's female-to-male transition received considerable attention as did his appearance as a male contestant on Dancing with the Stars. (Carson Kressley also competed).
Milestones - Crisco turned 100 and Ricky Martin hit the big 4-0.
A fire in November in the harbor of Fire Island Pines destroyed the Pavilion dance club and Sip-n Twirl bar (and a number of other businesses).
Actor Zachary Quinto came out (not to be confused with actor Jeremy Sisto). Still not out: Olympic gold medal figure skaters Evan Lysacek and Brian Boitano; singer/actress/Cover Girl spokesperson Queen Latifah; Emmy Award winning actor Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory).
Talk Show Roulet - Without Oprah's presence housewives apparently weren't interested in an entire hour of Nate Berkus (left) as his home design show was cancelled after just one season. The same fate may await Anderson Cooper's snoozer of an afternoon talk show which debuted in the fall (housewives may not be as enamored with him as gay men at the David Barton Gym are). And Rosie O'Donnell tried for a comeback with a talk show on Oprah's OWN cable network.
Neil Patrick Harris continued to dazzle as host of the Tony Awards. The theme for this year's teleast was: "It's not for gays anymore!" Larry Kramer'sThe Normal Heart won the Tony for Best Revival of a Play, out actor John Benjamin Hickey won for Best Featured Actor and Ellen Barkin for Best Featured Actress.
A fun new website was launched in June named "Subway Crush"whichgives riders an opportunity to share pics of cute guys they've admired riding the subway.
The new ABC sitcom, Happy Endings, (following Modern Family) features a slovenly gay character, Max, who has few stereotypical gay traits. And speaking of Modern Family, who do you love more, Sofia Vergara or gay daddies Cam and Mitchell?
On Curb Your Enthusiasm Larry David coined the term "pre-gay" to describe his girlfriend's delightfully precocious young son who showed all the obvious traits of being gay (he was a big fan of Project Runway). The little boy is the spitting image of Kurt from Glee.
Saturday Night Live aired a music video titled "It's OK If It's In a Threeway", featuring Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and Adam Samberg. The show also had a hysterical skit about a game show called "Who's on Top?" in which non-gay male celebrities were paired up and constestants had to choose which one would be the "top" if the celebs were engaged in gay sex.
Still MIA: Rupert Everett
Finally, as the year came to a close a sexy billboard for Manhunt Mobile went up, overlooking Sheridan Square, bringing back fond memories of the gay West Village of the 70's and 80's.
