Christopher Senekki is a well-known critic and voice within the modern world of men’s fashion. He’s been commentating and working in the men’s fashion scene for over 25 years. While he views the ‘80s and ‘90s as a period characterized by a lack of creativity and innovation in men’s styles, Christopher Senekki believes there was a huge turning point in 2006, when Tom Ford broke away from Gucci to start his own designer label. Ford effectively revitalized the traditional image of the gentlemen, underscoring it with a dynamic, modern feel.
However, there is still more to be done in the fashion world, especially when it comes to mental health. Christopher has been an ardent critic of the “alpha” male stereotype, which he believes is riddled with toxic masculine traits. If you’re interested in this topic of men’s fashion, then read on to find out more.
Defining negative stereotypes
The “alpha” male image remains a core component of how men are classified and conduct themselves in modern society. It suggests that men need to be uncompromising in how they lead and communicate with others. Consensus and compromise are often falsely termed as weak traits, unworthy of masculine status. For many years, these qualities were emblematic of men’s fashion. The character of James Bond purported a damaging myth that men needed to be fickle and seductive, all the while taking what he wanted when he wanted. In Christopher’s eyes, such views need to change, and this is the core goal of Christopher’s work.
How Christopher’s personal struggles informed his perspective
While Christopher Senekki has had a long-standing affinity and connection with contemporary male fashion, his view of such styles demonstrably changed after he encountered his own personal struggles. In both his professional and family life, Christopher has experienced ups and downs, which have challenged his perspective in various ways. He began to research what he was feeling and found solace in recognizing that millions of men across the world were filling the same thing. It’s a sad fact that men’s mental health has been overlooked for generations, culminating in a crisis of masculinity. Young men have been inculcated into an environment where they feel they need to be an alpha male – where they feel the need to dominate and be successful.
However, opening yourself up to criticism and being confident in yourself are crucial components of developing a satisfied and happy outlook on life. Fashion can help you achieve this – pick out clothes that help you achieve an image and style that makes you feel good about yourself.
Fashion isn’t the complete answer
Having said this, it is essential to understand that fashion isn’t the complete answer. There is a lot more to developing a healthy mental outlook than just feeling good about your appearance. Sure, your fashion choices can help empower you, assist you with socializing and even encourage your self-esteem as more and more people will comment positively on your attire. But there is no replacement for talking. This doesn’t necessarily need to be through a professional either. If you are concerned or uncomfortable about speaking to a professional, then Christopher recommends reaching out to someone in your personal circle. It could be a family member or a close friend – what is most important is that they are someone you can trust!
Conclusion
So, there are a lot of ways that allow fashion to be a building block for social change. While there is still a lot to do in this sector, things are certainly changing, and we have people like Christopher Senekki to thank for that.
Cameron Dickerson is a seasoned journalist with nearly 10 years experience. While studying journalism at the University of Missouri, Cameron found a passion for finding engaging stories. As a contributor to Kev’s Best, Cameron mostly covers state and national developments.