During a recent fashion week that concluded on Tuesday, the attention shifted from the typical lineup of twenty-something pop stars to an unexpected cohort of middle-aged men making bold fashion statements. Rather than the usual sight of Mamils (middle-aged men in Lycra), we observed a compelling trend featuring these men in the latest designs from Loewe.
One standout figure was 56-year-old Daniel Craig, who turned heads at the Loewe show in an eccentric knitted jumper, cargo balloon pants, unlaced hiking boots, and yellow-tinted sunglasses. Following close behind was 71-year-old Jeff Goldblum, who prioritized comfort with baggy white chinos paired with an oversized leather jacket. At the Saint Laurent runway, 60-year-old Lenny Kravitz made a striking appearance in a black and silver striped pussy-bow blouse, elegantly tucked into skin-tight trousers. Meanwhile, 69-year-old Willem Dafoe wrapped up the Miu Miu show in a cheeky white shirt with a collar peeking from under a navy jumper and unbuckled boots.
“After decades of boring suits, we’ve officially entered a fun fashion era for menswear,” declared 60-year-old Rob Lowe, who caused a stir in a deep-cut vest at the Stella McCartney show. He paired it with oversized dove-grey trousers embellished with metallic chains, exclaiming, “It’s about freaking time!” Images of these style icons generated a buzz on social media, with many applauding their daring fashion choices. GQ even referred to Craig’s style as “sublime chaos.”
Craig first captured viral attention in July with his Loewe advertisement, showcasing a fresh look that diverged from his classic James Bond image. Sporting a playful fringe, he showcased a mix of whimsical knitwear and beaded trousers. His recent appearance at the Paris show continued this fashion reinvention.
Fashion commentator Luke Leitch observed, “It might be a challenge for some to see an actor associated with the traditional male archetype of James Bond dressed like a contemporary art curator experiencing a midlife fashion crisis, but I think it’s fantastic. Ideas about what’s ‘smart’ or ‘normal’ are outdated.”
While younger stars have made headlines for breaking traditional dressing codes—such as Timothée Chalamet’s daring backless red satin two-piece at the Venice Film Festival or Harry Styles’ vibrant mesh jumpsuit—this evolution in male aesthetics among middle-aged celebrities certainly comes as a surprise. In 2022, Brad Pitt made waves when he opted for a skirt instead of a classic tuxedo, famously stating, “We’re all going to die, so let’s mess it up.”
The fashion choices of Pitt and Craig mark a significant shift away from the stereotypical macho images of the past. Andrew P. Smiler, PhD, author of *Is Masculinity Toxic?*, suggests that these changes reflect broader societal shifts in perceptions of masculinity. “As cultures evolve—particularly Western culture, which is currently undergoing considerable transformation—so too do our definitions of masculinity,” Smiler explained. “Some men cling to familiar ideals, while others embrace a more adventurous path in redefining masculinity.”
Moreover, brands are strategically seizing this trend by showcasing older celebrities who resonate with younger generations. This fusion of mainstream and internet culture is evident, as figures like 65-year-old Kyle MacLachlan have earned endearing online nicknames like “babygirl,” while Goldblum, a baby boomer, is affectionately called “Father.”
Leitch attributes part of Goldblum and MacLachlan’s appeal to their “non-conformist intelligence” that pairs seamlessly with their quirky fashion choices. Cultural commentator Jason Diamond emphasized the intrigue in watching these men evolve into their iconic selves: “There’s a stark contrast between the impressively stylized, often unattainable looks of actors like Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Gosling, and the unique realism embodied by Goldblum and Dafoe. Their individuality is what makes them truly captivating.”
