Tintype Photographs by David Sokosh for the New York Times

The New York Times recently published this little article about the invasion of 1890′s and fin-de-siecle fashion creeping into the male wardrobe.  Look familiar? Well it should!  Way back on June 11th (exactly 5 months previously!) SHEI posted an article about Steampunk – I told you it was “gaining steam”!

More commonly known as “New Victorian”, this aesthetic does go beyond men’s fashion, as does Steampunk and you can’t overlook the similarities.  Both are about reclaiming styles and design motifs from the turn of the century.

 Look for lots of vests and charcoal/gray colors as well as heavier and more durable materials like corduroy.  Check out this slide show with more trends + hunky male models.  According to the NYTimes, part of the appeal, at least here in the States, is that 

“ the clothes relate not to the runways or the estates of Europe, but to America’s heartland in ways that few fashions do. Country and city men alike have rediscovered old-school American brands like Filson, Orvis, L. L. Bean and Duluth Pack.”

As long as I don’t have to wear a corset and I get to see men in knee breeches, I’ll be happy.

-B.C.Bodnar