Debbie Schlussel: Men-the New Women-Alert: Jewelry for Men (the Brad Pitt Effect)
Uh-Oh! It's another episode in the continuing crisis of defining masculinity down in America.
Respected jewelers, like Tiffany & Co., and mass retailers, like Kay Jewelers, are trying to push a new trend--JEWELRY FOR MEN.
Yup, today's Wall Street Journal reports on a Brad Pitt effect. Influenced by girlie-men celebs like Pitt, singer Lenny Kravitz, and actor Orlando Bloom, the Journal claims that, "Once considered a fringe market for rockers, rappers, gay men, and gangsters, men's jewelry is inching toward the mainstream." Say it ain't so.
We're not just talking fancy watches, either. Tiffany's now carries "sporty" men's jewelry, including rings, pendants and bracelets. Bracelets on men? Eeuw. Nothing "sporty" about that.
The WSJ article is entitled "Men Say Bling it on." No, real men don't WEAR bling--or bracelets. Oh, and by the way, I guess the WSJ didn't get the memo: the word "bling" is out. Jewelry for men should be, too!
Posted by Debbie on November 30, 2005 03:08 PM to Debbie Schlussel