Men in skirts - Tapa dura

"Men in Skirts" seeks to dispel the myth that the skirt is an exclusively female garment. It looks at outfits inspired by togas, frock coats, dhotis, sarongs and caftans, all items traditionally worn by men.;This book celebrates the designers who have established the skirt as a form of male attire. From Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamo to to Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger and Yves Saint Laurent, these designers have set out to prove that the skirt can be a stylish and practical alternative to trousers.;The photographs and illustrations reveal an array of outfits put together in a way that enhances the masculinity of the wearer. Alongside the fashion images are portraits of men who have led the way in legitimising the "skirt for men", including pop icons David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Robbie Williams, film starts Ewan McGregor and Samuel L. Jackson and sports celebrity David Beckham.;This book, which accompanies an exhibition at the V&A, comes at a time when men are casting off their suits and turning to more exciting forms of dress. It should be an inspiration to all forward thinking males.

Andrew Bolton is V&A / London College of Fashion Research Fellow in Contemporary Fashion, and lectures, writes and curates shows on the subject. At the V&A he is curator of Fashion in Motion, a monthly performance event, and Fashion Forum, a public lecture series for designers, fashion journalists and dress historians.