The past several years were a memorable period for the menswear industry. Capitalizing on social media, fashion influencers delivered a bounty of new menswear styles to an enthusiastic global audience, particularly to a younger millennial and Gen Z (zoomers) market segmentation. These convention-busters used the power of the esoteric to highlight gender-neutral menswear, as a revolt against the generations who came before them. Although they’d like to think so; zoomers did not reinvent the wheel. In fact, data has proven that style revolts rise-up with each new generation and the zoomers are no exception to the rule.
In recent years, tremendous shifts in consumer behavior has been driving men back to reliable, functional pieces, while simultaneously leading them away from traditional forms of dress. Equally welcome is the fact that the dominant trend for American men is individualism. And it is indeed this spirit of individuality that has been the catalyst for change in menswear.
Today, the rise of self-expression in menswear is clearly evident. In fact, creative ideas are accelerating at a rapid pace to keep up with a consumer interests. In 2022, it’s a welcome change to see that the next prince in menswear has emerged in luxury menswear.