Nathaniel Fong Answers: Will “Bros” Wear Skirts For Fashion?
and a little menswear Fall 2020 roundup
A little Menswear Fall 2020 Roundup
As 2020 progresses I’m considering covering more fashion topics, ideally in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive (of course I can’t offer Sarah Mower / Alexander Fury-level insights); and more personal and funky. I’m also (somewhat) in talks to help start an independent fashion publication.
Anyway, my thoughts on what’s happening in menswear lately inspired part of my conversation with Nathaniel. I thought it might be useful to share why.
The late 2010s was a precursor to reality today: think “inclusivity”, comfort/streetwear in luxury fashion, the shuffling of creative directors and use of digital media.
However, 2020 so-far has also seen many changes in the defining tropes of the decade just-passed (new decade, new fashion!) Designers who dictated trends are pivoting from what they once championed. Think Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton (where were the sneakers?) Or his student Samuel Ross, for one of my favourite Fall 2020 shows, A Cold Wall, who updated his core workwear line with tailored menswear (and stuff closer to the body).
In other spaces, Alessandro Michele’s first menswear show for Gucci in years (it’s been co-ed for a while) highlighted brighter the need for femininity in boys. And then at both Loewe (it’s so good, thank goodness it’s underrated) and his own brand, Jonathan Anderson seems to have rekindled his love for the genderqueer male wardrobe.
Elegance and femininity in menswear future is great but begs the question: Will “bros” be willing to wear skirts for fashion in 2020?
Why fashion?
My mum was a fashion designer and merchandiser. My sister studied fashion design at LASALLE. I did fitness training in ITE because I love sports and studying the body.
Now I study fashion merchandising at NAFA: learnt basic fashion design, drafting on paper, sewing, marketing, pricing garments, sales. After graduating, I’m going to start a fashion brand dropping limited-quantity pieces.
Style.
I used to wear more sportswear: jerseys, shorts. Watched Levi Bent-Lee, Luca Fersko on YouTube. Gained more knowledge on how to dress up, feel comfortable.
I like to wear what I can “do stuff” in.
I like creating silhouettes, flow. Clean, minimal. Issey Miyake, A Cold Wall, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto.
Instagram.
Liked posting photos of my outfits there. When I used to get modelling gigs, would post those photos too. I post what I like, don’t edit my photos.
It helps me get jobs.
The Nathaniel Fong brand.
I’ve some ideas. Still looking for manufacturers. I like making things with small details.
It’s going to be inspired by skateboarding, what happens to clothes when you fall, scuff, rip your t-shirts, jeans.
“Elegance”.
My friends say I look like a girl (because of my long hair). I’ve to tie my hair when I go to the restroom.
I like wearing things that I know I won’t get bored of.
Womenswear-inspired menswear. Gender non-binary fashion. Think Palomo Spain frills, Ludovic De Saint Sernin underwear, Telfar crop tops.
It’s a good thing. Close-minded, non-fashion people may have bad things to say.
Will bros wear skirts for fashion in 2020?
I don’t think you can “force” it. Just try it if you’re comfortable.
