Undoubtedly, 2022 will have loads of cultural impact on our society; in terms of norms, values, beliefs, and practices. Modern-day culture and emerging philosophy pay attention to individualistic preferences and choices, rather than typical or usual behaviours and practices.
There really is no “customary” or “garden-variety” anymore. This is especially when it comes to style. We’ve seen an evolution of accessories that were conventionally worn by women, now worn by men; just like the earrings. Earrings have been and are used in several cultures as body modifications to enhance appearance, assert social status, or mark a meaningful milestone.
Like most accessories, jewellery is unisex. And while If you walk outside today you will run into all kinds of men with their ears pierced, having anything other than the almost-now-regular teardrop earring, is still a rare find on guys. Style lends itself more masc or more fem, but it is taste and comfort levels that really determine if a stud, nugget, hoop, clip-on, or teardrop earring is fitting for you. Receipts show us that the taste levels of the sexiest men – both locally and internationally – make them take their use of earrings up a notch.
We found men like Michael Jordan, Terrell Owens, Nate Dogg, Wizkid and Davido wearing pun earrings (what one might call hoops), and Africa’s boyfriend, Ckay, with the most dazzling and stunning pair of earrings.
We spoke to a few creative brothers Daevees and Jeho who aren’t afraid to bend the rules of conventionality; of what is, and isn’t, and incorporate non-conforming elements into creating masterpieces unique to their own silhouette.
Meet the two Influencers who prove hoop earrings are sexier on Men.
Daevees
To sum myself up as a creative and a style influencer would be me saying I just go with the flow and projection of things in my head, that’s where everything happens, seeing results and endgames and working my way back to plans and things I need to get to the end that I see is pretty much my M.O.
Daevees
I really was just being me, and didn’t set out to be an influencer. I didn’t even know it was a thing lol, but I have no regrets coming into this light, and life has made me develop myself and realise I had and have uncut gems to polish (not just with fashion) so they shine their brightest and that’s been the journey since.
Jeho
Fashion is something I’ve always been into. Even in secondary school when you want to iron your uniform, look clean, so the girls could be like “this guy is fresh and all that”, you’d want to wear the sandals or the sneakers that are popping at that time. So style has always been something for me, it’s just that it grew more when I went to the UK.
Jeho
Bruh, I used to spend my pocket money on fashion. It never occurred to me that this was something you can make a career of, become a fashion influencer, it was just me doing something I enjoyed doing; buying clothes and posting it, Instagram was for (the) lifestyle innit?
So I was literally just on that wave till I started gaining followers, having people hit me up and wanting me to style them or shop for them. As for being a creative, I just work with my vibe and my energy, I don’t force my content. What I can do, I’ll do. What I can’t do, I’ll try and do it, or learn, or get someone to do it for me.
Moda Culture:
So, what do you both think about men adorning themselves with earrings?
Daevees:
I think men who wear earrings are confident and sexy. And choosing to adorn themselves with pieces of jewelry that can be very pricey sometimes, is a show of wealth, fashion and an elevated mind – for me anyway – and not conforming to societal norms of how a man should look or be addressed.
I find it very powerful that men wear earrings.
Daevees
Jeho:
To be honest, It’s whatever. I never used to ‘deep it’ that much.
Bro, it’s like if you want pun earrings, go ahead, do you! It’s not something I had to really think about so much. I always knew I just wanted to put on pun earrings, and have tattoos; that’s where I saw myself as a kid.
Jeho
Moda Culture:
Do you think there’s some sort of cultural impact when men wear earrings?
Jeho:
I think there is. There is, in the sense that it’s breaking the codes in the society, or this mentality in the world; where only women wear earrings. At the end of the day bro, we’re all humans, and we have every right to express ourselves, style-wise and in whatever we do. So, it’s an impact because this generation has been able to push through it. Whatever it is you want to do, and you know you’re comfortable with it, then just do it.
Daevees:
Yes! There’s a cultural impact when men wear earrings over time; dating as far back as time itself, men have worn earrings for so many reasons. I think the collective way is in the fight, and how it helps to break-away fragile masculinity that society has set for men; a standard of how men should look – if one looks a certain way, they’re too soft to be a man, too girly, too all that – but the more earrings are becoming accepted, the more fragile masculinity is being put to rest, and many men are embracing it.
Though today it’s done because it is fashionable and trendy.
People see someone they like wearing earrings, and they say, “Oh it doesn’t change this person, they’re still acting this way. So I can also wear it.”
Daevees
Read the full interview in Moda Culture April – June 2022 digital issue.
