Amid the increasingly hip and trendy nature of the beard and talk of the Western world reaching 'peak beard' state, photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten set out to create this perplexing and profound portraits of bearded men. The portraits are thought-provoking as they were made at a time when the beard -- a symbol of ruggedness and masculinity -- is increasingly common in the distinctly feminine fashion industry.
The men in these portraits were photographed in overgrown tree houses, with the presence of nature symbolizing the reclaiming of space. But what's most eye-catching about these men is that their beards are stuffed with feminine floral arrangements. The intertwining of flowers with the men's most masculine physical feature exemplifies the complexity of the man's role in the fashion industry and modern society at large.
Ultimately, the bearded men in these photos represent the bringing together of rugged manliness and sensitive femininity.
Florally Bearded Male Portraits
These Photos of Men With Beards Explore Notions of Masculinity
Trend Themes
1. Floral Masculinity - Exploring the intersection of masculinity and femininity through the use of floral arrangements in men's facial hair.
2. Redefining Masculinity - Challenging traditional notions of masculinity by embracing femininity in unexpected ways such as through the use of flowers in men's beards.
3. Nature-inspired Fashion - Incorporating elements of nature and the outdoors in fashion, beyond just patterns and prints, such as using foliage in facial hair.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunities for fashion brands to challenge traditional gender norms with unexpected collaborations and designs, embracing gender fluidity and individuality.
2. Beauty - Opportunities for beauty brands to expand product lines and marketing towards men's grooming beyond just shaving, offering more diverse and creative products for facial hair care and styling.
3. Floral - Incorporating floral arrangements and designs in unique ways into various industries and products, beyond just traditional floral arrangements for events and weddings.