Our cup of macho

The definition of masculinity is changing, and so is the dress code. Soften up, show skin, put on pearls and keep it real

- Riddhi Doshi

It started, in the early years of this century, with metrosexuals. David Beckham and other male celebrities began showing off their hairbands, their manicured nails, their on-trend outfits. We got our first glimpse of straight men who were sexy without being macho.

And my, how we've grown! Pedro Pascal has been softening up his look on film promos (He's in everything, he looks good in everything. Thank you, angels!). At the Met Gala in May, Shah Rukh Khan wore necklaces, a jacket with a deep neckline and a cape (Just enough cleavage to keep us hooked). Ishaan Khatter's looks have been laidback but stylish (He's even worn skirts).

These are exciting times to live in, say designers. Arun Kumar, design head of Rare Rabbit, finds that younger people have fewer hangups about masculinity and looking macho all the time. Abhishek Gandhi of Videshi Studio says, “Men today want to look confident without the aggression.” We've lived through the #MeToo meltdown - it’s no surprise that men want to rid themselves of the power-dude persona.