Male celebrities like Jacob Elordi are being praised for their tasteful selection of bags, watches, shoes and sunglasses, but what has inspired such figures to dip their toes into the realm of luxury brands and particularly feminine accoutrements?
The phenomenon of brand ambassadors, which Vanity Fair’s José Criales-Unzueta describes in an article as “someone who has been contracted to promote a label—be that by fronting campaigns, wearing its product, attending events, or even partnering on a capsule or collection,” has largely influenced celebrity styling, ranging from their street-wear looks to red carpet outfits. In recent years, there has been a shift towards sophistication and experimentation within men’s fashion, especially evidenced through the stylization of male celebrities and male accessorization.
One of the most widely-discussed contemporary examples of such is Australian actor Jacob Elordi, who flaunts his expertly crafted style on the street, at major carpet events and front row at fashion shows. Elordi is frequently seen brandishing the mark of luxury brands, including Cartier watches and Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo and Veneta bags (and even a $9,400 Odyssey suitcase).
Harry Styles has similarly been at the forefront of the male celebrity fashion experimentation campaign for years, and his position as such has been reaffirmed through his current press tour surrounding the album “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” Styles has recently been seen sporting both Miu Miu ballet flats and Prada Sneakerinas, styles (no pun intended) typically associated with a more feminine consumer base.
Certain male celebrities’ streetwear or “off duty” looks have come up in conversation, including actor Paul Mescal’s affinity for short shorts. Mescal has long been an advocate for men wearing shorts with at least a 5-inch inseam, which he admires for how they accentuate men’s proportions.
Other standout male celebrity style icons like Bad Bunny, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal and A$AP Rocky are additional examples of advocates for experimentation with men’s fashion as evidenced by their willingness to “break the mold” of menswear. Many of these celebrities have been styled in skirts and dresses over the years, which many view as a form of self-expression, breaking gender norms and challenging traditional masculinity.
Many male celebrities are continuing their accessorization ventures with fun adornments like headphones, bag charms and books, used of course for both entertainment and projecting certain messages (similar to the “performative male’s” obsession with feminist literature).
In the article “From XXL bags to neckties: Accessories and footwear trends from AW25 menswear,” Vogue’s Lucy Maguire noted how a few key accessories were emerging in the men’s fashion space including large totes and weekender bags, neckties and scarves and novelties like bag charms and carabiners.
In Vogue Runway’s Highlights from Spring 2026 Menswear, an apparent polarization of men’s fashion trends of uber-traditional, sleek styles and silhouettes and uber-experimental looks is emerging, possibly mirroring the social and political polarization plaguing the current culture. Men’s footwear trends are interestingly contradictory through emphases on sleekness and function.
Whether such celebrities are venturing into the world of accessorization per their personal interest or a contractual ambassadorial obligation, it is an exciting notion to believe men’s fashion is branching out into new realms of experimentation. I, for one, anticipate the ushering in of male celebrity fashion trends to men’s fashion altogether.
Support Student Media
Hi! I’m Hannah Planey, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.
