While the Cannes Film Festival red carpet often sparks debates about long trains and daring dresses, Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård flipped the script in a bold, unexpected way. What if, back in 2005’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith, it was Brad Pitt—not Angelina Jolie—rocking thigh-high leather boots?

That’s exactly the vibe Skarsgård brought to La Croisette on Sunday. Attending the premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, he stunned everyone with a jaw-dropping pair of thigh-high boots. Designed by Harry Lambert and straight from Saint Laurent’s Fall-Winter 2025 runway, these square-toe boots wrapped his entire legs, stopping just where boxer shorts would begin. The look? Half dominatrix, half fisherman’s waders—and completely unexpected.

Thigh-high boots have long been seen as the ultimate symbol of female sex appeal. Angelina Jolie famously wore them as the seductive assassin Jane Smith, pairing them with fishnets, suspenders, and a strapless PVC minidress. Julia Roberts’ Vivian in Pretty Woman and Jane Fonda’s Barbarella also sported iconic tall boots. Even Anne Hathaway’s character in The Devil Wears Prada reached style perfection only after slipping on knee-high leather boots—leading to one of cinema’s most memorable fashion moments.

But here’s a fun fact: thigh-high boots weren’t always a women’s thing. They actually date back to the 15th century when men wore them for practical reasons. A medieval skeleton found in London’s Thames in 2018, believed to be a fisherman or sailor, was wearing boots that reached his thighs. Later, in England’s Restoration period, King Charles I and his Cavaliers donned riding boots that could either stand tall or fold into cuffs—often with heels to show status.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that thigh-high boots became linked with femininity and sex appeal. In 1962, Cristóbal Balenciaga introduced a knee-high boot, and a year later, Roger Vivier pushed the design further for Yves Saint Laurent, crafting alligator leather boots that reached up to the thigh. Vogue praised this evolution, saying, “This year’s best-looking legs will be marching up and down and back again in boots.”

This trend fit perfectly into the post-war “Youthquake,” a time when hemlines got shorter and sexual attitudes shifted. In Mary Quant’s era of the miniskirt, tall boots framed bare legs like never before—making them an icon of female empowerment and style.

Today, while thigh-high boots are a staple in women’s fashion, men wearing them is still a fresh idea. But pioneers like Pedro Pascal, who wore the same Saint Laurent boots earlier this year, are changing that. Designers like Rick Owens, Martine Rose, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, and GmbH have all embraced the trend, creating bold over-the-knee styles for men.

As fashion becomes more daring and gender boundaries blur, thigh-high boots on men feel like the next natural step. Whether paired with ballet flats or Mary Janes, these boots are proving that style is about courage and creativity—no matter who wears them.

Source: CNN – Look of the Week: Alexander Skarsgård flips the script on thigh-high leather boots

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NEW YORK – The Met Gala may have come and gone, but the elegance of dandyism continues to captivate. At the heart of the event, fashion icons stepped out in their finest to celebrate “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” For many, this celebration of Black dandyism isn’t just confined to red carpets or high-end fashion; it’s alive and thriving in everyday life.

Michael Henry Adams, a New York-based cultural and architectural historian, knows this style intimately. In the early 1970s, as bell-bottoms and afros took over, Adams found himself seeking a different identity. It was a trip to the Museum of Modern Art’s “Harlem On My Mind” exhibit that set him on the path to dandyism. “When I saw those photographs of elegant Harlemites on Seventh Avenue… raccoon coats, fox furs, spangled gowns — all this satirical splendor… I thought, ‘This is another way for me to be authentically Black,’” he recalls.

Adams embraced this style, which came to be known as dandyism — a form of self-expression through impeccable tailoring, bold colors, and a fearless approach to fashion. Now, as the Superfine exhibit opens to the public, the spirit of Black dandyism isn’t just an artistic showcase; it’s a lifestyle that many live by every day.

Here are some tips from seasoned dandies on how you can bring this classic, high-style look into your own life.

1. Confidence Is Key

To truly embody the essence of a dandy, it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. Dandies agree: fashion is all about personality. “Two guys can buy the same outfit and look totally different,” says Guy Wood, co-owner of Harlem Haberdashery. His advice? Confidence. When you walk into a room, make sure all eyes are on you.

For Atlanta-based style consultant Michael Andrew, dandyism is the highest form of self-expression. He adds, “Dandyism is not about being over the top — it’s about taste, balance, and expressing yourself in the most elegant way possible.”

2. Make a Statement with Your Pieces

At the heart of dandyism lies the love for fine tailoring and bold statements. The beauty of dandyism is that it’s highly individual. For some, like Wood, it starts with a perfectly tailored suit — paired with colorful brogue shoes to add a playful twist. James McFarland, an 80-year-old master tailor, believes that fine tailoring is the ultimate statement. “When you wear something that’s well-fitted, people notice,” he says.

But it’s not all about suits. “Texture is key when you’re talking about dandyism,” says Andrew. For him, accessories like hats, pocket squares, and even wool socks elevate the style. The important thing is to find what speaks to you and make it your own.

3. Creativity Over Cash

Dandyism isn’t about having a big budget. It’s about creativity and the ability to work with what you have. “You can find something unique in your mom’s closet, a scarf or a belt that can elevate your outfit,” says Wood. Adams, too, emphasizes individuality over expensive items. “It’s not about fitting in; it’s about standing out,” he explains. He’s just as comfortable shopping at discount stores as he is at high-end boutiques.

Jacques Agbobly, a designer featured in the Superfine exhibit, agrees: “Dandyism is more about how you wear your clothes than what you wear.” It’s about making bold choices and embracing your own style.

4. Don’t Succumb to Casualness

One thing many dandies lament is the current trend of casual dressing. “There was a time when everyone — men and women alike — dressed up,” says McFarland, a legendary Harlem tailor. He urges people to remember the dignity that comes with dressing well. Andrew echoes this sentiment, encouraging Black men and women to remember their history and the pride of dressing in their best attire.

“Back in the day, we would always put on our Sunday’s best. It’s about showing up as the best version of yourself,” he says.

5. Make It Your Own

Ultimately, dandyism is about expressing yourself with intention and care. The Superfine exhibit shows that Black dandyism is about more than just looking good — it’s a powerful statement about culture, history, and individuality. For those like Wood, dandyism is more than a trend. “We’ve been doing this forever. We just do it because we love it,” he says with a smile.

As the world continues to embrace fashion’s more casual side, dandyism remains a timeless rebellion, a way of taking up space and standing proud. So, whether you’re donning a sharp suit or adding a distinctive accessory, remember: confidence, creativity, and personality are the true marks of a dandy.

By embracing these tips, you don’t have to wait for the next Met Gala to step out in style — you can bring dandyism into your daily wardrobe and wear it with pride.

The post The Timeless Elegance of Dandyism: Tips for Modern Fashion appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.