Beard Fashion Spring/Summer 2012

To say that seeing bearded men present future fashion collections is more than a rarity, is an understatement. Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Dior, present their upcoming collections on boys on the verge of puberty carrying actually pretty few of the external characters of the sex such as body or facial hair. Well, the time has come that some designers shake up the industry and its image of manhood and masculinity. Some designers ditched the models who may not be shaving yet for men with different facial hair variations – everything from unkempt stubble to nearly trimmed moustache and full grown beards.

The facial hair gives the clothes and the whole collections a more relaxed, worn in look, representing what actually summer is all about – relaxing, taking a break, breaking the habit. Models look more like they own the clothes and don’t look just like simple mannequins. Above and below you can see some of the models from Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, Umit Benan, Ann Demeulemeester and Piombo. Images are courtesy of vogue.co.uk and style.com; selection of thecuttingclass