Everything
It is hard to deny that trending style moves cyclically. Before the birth of social media post-2009, the early 2000’s were dictated by magazines and television where mainstream voices were the leaders of style and for the most part, underground street culture had yet to surface to the masses. Past era’s of fashion made a clear comeback, before regressing 12 months later into the “What was I thinking”, area of the wardrobe. Quickly, and without much preparation for its consequences, MSN and MySpace soon became irrelevant against Facebook and Instagram following the birth of a new decade.
The magic was and still is, the ability to share information worldwide. For the fashion industry, it meant cult groups were soon mainstream phenomenons and hip hop and street cultures were no longer exclusive to the cities that inspired them. The ’70s, ’80s and ’90s merged into one consuming machine and individualism has since been defined as how not to look like everyone else on the internet. Freedom of style is more apparent than ever. And for luxury fashion houses, they have been forced to conform to a new era of millennial buying and streetwear demands.
So what will the roaring ’20s look like? To look forward, we looked back and asked 20 men what the last decade of style meant for them, and how they predict fashion will look like in the coming years.
Richard Jarman – Founder, Commas
https://www.instagram.com/p/B88RLxQA27f/
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I had an obsession with anything vintage Levi’s, plain tees and surfing in very short studio 54 style swim trunks.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
Anytime Jack Nicholson is on summer vacation.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I think it’s already starting to evolve in a positive way, people have come to the conclusion that we all have a part to play. I love the thought that people are buying smarter, better quality garments that last, and really caring who makes their clothes.
max may – Hair & make Up Artist
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I had to actually go into my pictures to see. I was wearing a lot of double denim. Funny enough there were a few tie dye tees in there but more rocky/70s vibe prints (think Wolf Heads, Skulls and Guns & Roses) than the more minimal ones I been wearing now. There is a big over sized heavy cable knit cardigan and a button up flannel shirts and lace up boots.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
I wore a double denim outfit (dark denim jean and worn, lighter 70’s denim shirt) with a black ribbon in a loose bow as a bow tie to the GQ Awards at the opera house. I had a black Tom Ford single button suit jacket with me just inches they told me I wasn’t black tie enough. But I didn’t end up wearing it. It’s no revolutionary outfit but in a sea of black suits with my long curly blond 70’s Jim Morrison hair I had at the time, [it] definitely made me feel different in a sea of black suits and short spiky haired dudes.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Wow, this is a tough one. For me as a man I love it when designers play on the classics cuts but do it in modern colours of fabric.
I feel like the line between men’s and women’s will be tested. Back in the day John Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood did it, but in more of a statement/character based way. I feel like we will see it in more of an everyday wearable way? Look at Olivier Rousteing new collection for Balmain. If you look at the pieces individually it could be either male or female. I love that because you can choose who you want to be or not at all. I mean I’m no fashion predicting guru but I definitely like what I’m seeing and who I’m seeing do it at the moment.
patrick zaczkiewicz – Stylist, ICON & GRAZIA
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I was 16 when this decade started, so I was probably still in my awkward fashion stage, where my mum still played a big role in what I was wearing because we both loved clothes as much as each other. We always bonded over shopping for clothes, for some reason the first thing that comes to mind are Ed Hardy t-shirts. Tragic I know, but for some reason I think I was completely dazzled by the complete rhinestone covered t-shirts and animal prints for some odd reason, to be honest I am like a magpie when it comes to sparkly things. I think my wardrobe really ranged from all different colours and styles and I was quite experimental with my choices, I’m definitely more refined now, you don’t really see a rhinestone in my closet anymore.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
For me the 2010’s was my introduction into the world of fashion, starting my love affair in high school to then eventually planning to spend my life working in the industry. For me, I spent every day after school jumping onto Style.com, which is now VogueRunway and I would study every runway show in history and click through every brand’s recent collections and save every individual look I loved. So the fashion moments that I remember most from the 2010’s take form in runway collections, the Prada SS/10 chandelier dress, Prada SS/11 collection (the banana print was revived and it was just a burst of colour and print), any John Galliano collection for Dior, especially Haute Couture and Nicholas Ghesquiere’s SS/12 collection for Balenciaga.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I think style evolution is so hard to make a commentary on because as we know style is so subjective. I think the fashion industry has definitely evolved and changed to a certain degree as commercialism has become something more important to luxury brands. I think we will continue to be influenced by social media greatly and brands will continue to use this to push their marketing. I think, I can’t predict how style will change and evolve because we’re yet to see what new talent will emerge in the new decade and what influences and imagery will then influence us as a whole, especially those of us in the creative world. The fashion industry constantly references itself, so the trends at the start of the decade that lasted a season, will probably make a comeback in this decade, maybe I should of kept my rhinestone t-shirts?
wono kim – Photographer
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I was wearing a white shirt from As Colour and blue jeans from Country Road. These days, I wear pretty basics, mostly jeans and shirts. It never fails. However, it could be boring if you are just wearing blue jeans and a white shirt all the time. Colours. Lots of different colours would help. It’s actually fun to think about what moods you are in and the colours you are going to wear the next day.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
I will always remember my first fashion week in 2012. I really enjoyed wearing bowties and boutonniere every day.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Retro and colours. Vivid colours are coming back. Mix match is still trending. I am looking into the closet I have not looked at for a decade and trying to find one to mix match with new [clothes]. I am looking at my baggy jeans and blazers. I also see people reforming their clothes. Many of my friends are doing it. People start to talk about individuality and self-confidence. The key factor in fashion is becoming more inclusive. I guess it all helps to create a sustainable environment.
antony nader – hairdresser and owner, raw
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
In 2010 I was island hoping between living/working in New York and Sydney. New York definitely had a strong influence on how I dressed. The uniform colour I wore mostly was black even in the Summer – its a New York staple I guess. I like to be comfortable that’s really important for what I do, in 2010 up to today even I wear ‘relaxed’ tailoring but with a sports luxe feel. The brands I indulged in ten years ago and still wear are Y-3, Acne, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, COMME des GARCONS, Gucci & Yohji Yamamoto. My husband still can hit the roof when I spend $400+ on what he calls ‘track suit pants’ to my horror, but I assure him I’ll do even more haircuts to make up for my purchases.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
I mean you can’t go past when Riccardo Tisci was at French fashion house Givenchy. He blended street wear into high fashion making it savvy like no other fashion house ever did or could. And now look at what he has created with Burberry, a complete 360 in the short amount of time with this British fashion house is another huge fashion moment in history.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Well I think men still wants unique tailored pieces hanging up in their cupboards without doubt. I think fabrics and the technology will only become more comprehensive with what’s going on with our world environment. There really is no end to the science and future studies of how for example a field of cotton can be grown. I’m excited to see what the future holds, for not only naturally grown fibres but also manmade.
REMI – ARTIST
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
Air Force 1s, velour pants and anything Judah.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
Shorts with the sports leggings underneath. Pharrell really got us.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I think a lot more freedom and experimentation. You always want to evolve.
shayne tino – Creative director, by him
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I was wearing tonal coats, basics, and lots of classic denim.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
The Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration! That was the revolutionary moment in the world of fashion. A lot of luxury consumers never respected streetwear up until this point, it all changed.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Tailoring is coming back in a huge way. Goodbye to streetwear hype and oversized everything – tailored garments will make their way back.
blair archibald – designer
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
Well I was in my final year of university, so probably something very low maintenance as I basically lived there to get my thesis done. I think even then I was still working out who I was and how that impacted on my design identity.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
For myself? A fashion moment had to be meeting Anna Wintour and having her see my work, especially that particular body of work because it carried a lot of personal weight to it.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I mean that’s anyone’s guess really. We can certainly look to how fashion has moved and adapted in previous decades but with how quickly fashion operates now, it’s going to be a clear visual commentary on our political and environmental systems.
jake halpin – ICON CONtributor
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
Back in 2010 was when I think I truly started to define my style. I was obsessed with Ksubi (and still am) and that kind of edgy but relatable style – it felt both effortless and wearable but also somewhat cool and savvy at the same time. I’m a long-term devotee to minimal colours – most of my wardrobe to this day is black, white and grey.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
There are so many incredible and iconic fashion moments from the 2010’s – probably as many we would like to forget as much as remember. I think for me, it would have to be a relaxation in men’s dress codes – this is something we saw across the board throughout the 2010’s, and it really paved the way for the dominance of streetwear and its status update from subculture to pop culture over the course of the decade. Overall I think if there’s anything we take away from the 2010’s – it’s that men’s style went through a period of profound change and development to something more modern.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Perhaps contrary to the above, what I predict will happen will be a return to a notion of elegance and sensibility. In a world where it is so easy to be casual, there will be something quite alluring in the notion of “dressing up”. Already we’re seeing this shift – one look at the runways for SS/20 and AW/20 would show you that tailoring is back – in a range of modern interpretations. This is even now trickling down to the consumers, the street style from the men’s fashion weeks this January featured a staggering amount of what I’m calling “new tailoring” – which exists somewhere in the intersection between casual streetwear and old-school smart tailoring. Keep your eye on this trend!
jonathan Cheung – SVP Design Innovation, Levi’s
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
T-shirt – usually black or white, a grey sweatshirt, sneakers – usually white and 501’s.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
Working with Vetements and Virgil Abloh starting in 2015. They both redefined fashion in the latter half of the last decade.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Whilst silhouettes will continue to oscillate between looser and more bodycon fits, the one thing I’m sure of is the impact of sustainability. We’ll make clothing from more renewable sources, recycle more and wear more vintage. In 2030, I predict I’ll still be wearing a T shirt, a sweatshirt and 501’s (and it’s a good chance that it will be literally the same pair). The shoes might change though.
thomas davenport – model
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
At the start of the decade I was wearing a lot of cropped skinny jeans and trousers with a lot of long tees, and cut off singlets.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
I think my favourite moment of the 2010’s (and ongoing moment for that matter), is the major resurgence of the 90’s i.e. chunkier sneakers, looser silhouettes, and layering.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Moving into the 2020’s I feel that the loose silhouettes will be here to stay for a few years, seeing the shape of pants to become even wider and shirts to become even shorter. I think we’ll see the addition of oversized and structured suiting and jackets, sometimes shirtless, oversized shorts, and vests, but hopefully all in a much more eco-conscious way.
roberto malizia – icon Street editor
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
At the start of the decade I was just getting into tailoring, I was working for Armani back then in sales and that’s when I started getting really passionate about suiting.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
My favourite fashion moment was Justin O’Shea’s appointment as creative director for Brioni, that was a total flop for the Maison, but God I loved what he did with his first collection. He used Metallica’s faces for his first campaign too, it was brilliant and the collection was stunning but unfortunately was way too far from what Brioni’s customer was used to. It will still remain history for me!
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Style is such a circle. The influence from 90s is coming back as we’ve been seeing for the last year or so. Pants with flairs, suits with shoulder pads. And I love that tailoring for men and women is coming back so strongly as it is my background and always loved it. Also emerging brands and big companies too are becoming really environment friendly so hopefully we will keep going that way.
hass murad – founder & director, dear letterman
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
A fashion moment I remember in the 2010’s would be undone garments with layering. Think Haider Ackermann or Dior Homme.
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I was wearing a lot of tailoring with sneakers.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
The return of crochet will have its moment. Think shirting, tanks and waistcoats with a modern touch on crochet. As the fashion industry is looking to become more sustainable, I think there’s something special about this trend. A process that involves a handmade technique whilst being sustainable.
Julian Haig – Actor
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
At the start of the 2010s I was wearing clothes to fit in down on the Mornington Peninsula which is a beach area. So mostly surf brand t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, basics. Nothing that “fashionable”. If anything, down there, locals try to avoid looking “fashionable”. That’s considered more of a city thing. But I’ve always enjoyed looking good and feeling good in what I wear.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
My most memorable fashion moments would be in 2013 when I spent most of the year in Europe modelling. I think I really discovered a whole new level of fashion. I had seen some great stuff in the small amount of work I had done in Australia, but in Europe so many people dress well just as their day-to-day. I mean even guys selling fruit at the market in Italy look amazing. I think the most memorable moment would be doing my first Italian suit campaign for Tombolini. It was such an amazing creative experience and the eye for detail was crazy.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I think we’ve already seen a bit of a push back to the 1950s with a lot of great block coloured colour shirts coming out. And a bit of thrift shopping and retro vibes. Maybe even more so with more conscious effort to be sustainable. In general, I hope to see more of a push for affordable sustainable clothing. I think people more than ever are connecting with authenticity so brands that have a purpose more than profit and greed I hope will do well.
steve cordony – interior stylist
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
Oh man, a lot of very ripped denim jeans, deep V-neck, t-shirts and very pointy D&G shoes!
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
Skinny jeans, slim tailoring and urban street wear. Ok, thats three, but I think the slim tailoring was the hallmark of the 2010s which feels like it’s slowly been phased out in favour of more generous, wider suiting and tailoring such as wider lapels and pleating which is a nod to earlier centuries.\
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
I think we will see more and more individuality and eclecticism, and exaggerated forms. I also think dressing up rather than down, especially on holidays, will give a nod back to the days of old.
jono friend – influencer, designer
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
A whole lot of lilac with the hair to match.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
It’s gotta be the babushka, right? Rocky at LACMA proved just how much it can pay off to be bold and take risks – now everyone’s into head scarves. A very close second goes to Tyler, The Creator’s 2018 Grammys outfit – all the way down to the leopard print hair reveal.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Style is a very individual thing, now more than ever, I think we’ll see styles continue to move in more varied directions with time. Overall people are becoming bolder with what they wear in pursuing their own individuality – confidence is key.
I’m also really interested to see whether Virgil Abloh’s comments on the death of streetwear hold up. Everyone is (rightfully) focussed on sustainability at the moment, so we might very well see vintage take over the world in the next few years. Having said that, I think there’s always going to be a place for brands who get to the heart of what good streetwear is about – unique and exciting contemporary style that puts individuality first.
LUKE DUBBELDE – PHOTOGRAPHER
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqW9jfeAEFA/
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
If my memory serves me correctly ripped shirts from Chronicles of Never and always Ksubi skinny jeans that I would rip myself. I thought I was a rockstar (I still do).
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
I think 2010 was the transition of really ill-fitted jeans becoming out of style and skinny jeans becoming a stable in a lot of mens wardrobes.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
It has been really interesting to watch how style has changed and evolved throughout the past decade. Through so much cultural change and progression in the world over the past 10 years I think we as a society are much more inclined and comfortable about expressing individuality than ever before. Red carpet regulars such as Troye Sivan, Harry Styles, Jared Leto are just a few men who come to mind – they are not only style icons but also reflective of how style is evolving and challenging stereotypes around social norms through fashion. In 2020 we are celebrating authenticity, diversity, inclusion and everyone being whoever they want to be. I predict that this is what will continue to influence style, trends and designer collections globally.
christian wilkins – model, podcast host
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
So much Abercrombie and Fitch – head to toe Americana prep everyday, lotta popped polo collars, white pants and tees under-shirts. Thank God we’ve moved on…
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
The “naked” trend/dress… Obviously we had previously seen sheer dresses before (Cher’s 1975 Met Gala dress will never not be iconic) but the 10’s saw the trend taken to the next level – in an era where we are searching for more transparency from our World Leaders it feels as though this political want took a literal fashion translation. I’ll always remember the Golden Globe “Black Out” of 2018 – fashion has always been more than just aesthetics, this was so apparent when Golden Globe attendees said “Time’s Up” and used the event to highlight injustices in the industry.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
Most obviously we are seeing a move towards gender-neutral fashion but I think the biggest evolution we will see from the industry as we enter the 20s is a mass move towards sustainable and ethical fashion. The fashion industry is currently the second largest polluter of fresh water – which is insane. As consumers become more aware of the negative impacts products can have and realise the power of purchasing from labels that align with their own social values I think we will see a lot of big high and fast fashion houses become increasingly more environmentally friendly.
josh heuston – model
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
At the beginning of the decade I was just finishing primary school so my style consisted of pretty much black skinny jeans, high-top Converses and a white t-shirt.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
One of the most memorable moments for me was when A$AP Rocky released the music video for Pes – it was the first time I was exposed to outfits like that and introduced to designers like Rick Owens.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
In the new decade I think style will continue to push boundaries with both the materials used and the boldness of looks. I’m liking more intense prints and chunkier shoes – I’m definitely being drawn to pieces with a subtlety but also with a flare.
genesis – artist
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Ptgl_ha0j/
What were you wearing at the start of the decade?
I entered 2020 on a beach in track pants and a Lee Lin Chin fan shirt.
When you think of the 2010’s, what is one style/fashion moment you will always remember?
2016 NYFW – Young Thug stopping a model on the VFILES runway to fix his collar. Also I think the 2011/2012 ‘tumblr boy’ trend with the snapbacks, lakers jersey, pink shorts and red vans (accompanied with some beaded bracelets and string anklets) will always haunt me.
As we move into a new decade, how do you predict style will change and evolve?
A lot of the time, new trends just seem to be trends of an older era, regurgitated with a little finesse. What decade haven’t we gone back to yet? 2020 will be like, 1950s clothes with a TikTok flare.
Words: Rebekah Clark
Interviews: Jake Halpin and Rebekah Clark
