Ms Elizabeth Tomlinson
English Media Studies and Art History
University of Queensland
eliztom@bigpond.net.au
Elizabeth is presently working on a PhD at the University of Queensland researching the changing visual representations of men in the media, specifically in health and lifestyle magazines. This qualitative research explores how men experience their bodies in relation to the presented ideal, and this paper focuses on one area of representation being considered in her thesis: the male model in fashion spreads. This study is an extension of previous work at the Honours level in Sociology and is a combination of interests in media studies, fashion, health and body image.
The Ideal Male Body in Fashion Spreads
Visual images are important mediators of the experience of our bodies in the social world, as they provide us with ways of conceptualizing the everyday experience. This paper focuses on the changing visual representations of men in fashion spreads within lifestyle magazines over the last 20 years and the impact of the presented ideal on men's general health. From the mid-1980's, representations of men were based on a combination of the 'ephebe' and the 'blond god' with the models having both a slim figure and muscle definition. The men were always young, particularly muscular, strong-jawed, clean shaven, sporty and healthy. By the late 1990's, the male body had become 'hypermuscular' with clearly defined breasts, a reduced waist, no chest hair, and sometimes, no apparent general body hair. This presented ideal image in the fashion spread is often portrayed as passive and without work. The achievement of this look is in the contrary, nothing but work, physical and pharmaceutical. Over the last 15-20 years with men, there has been an increasing incidence of weightlifting and exercise compulsions; muscle dysmorphia; eating disorders; steroid abuse and cosmetic surgery. Muscles may have become the visible symbol of male power; a power that displays superior will-power and control over desire, but no longer a strong and healthy body.
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