The ‘Mo’ as a Mark of Individuality
5 - min read
|
Join us in supporting Movember as we explore the social and cultural symbolism of the ‘Mo’ with Aaron Chan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of King’s Domain Barbershop.
The ‘Mo’ as a Mark of Individuality
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT THIS MOVEMBER
Join us in supporting Movember as we explore the social and cultural significance of the ‘Mo’ with Aaron Chan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Kings Domain Barbershop.
The Mo’ is back. Well, it never really went away, but it’s front and centre again this November, reminding us about the importance of prioritising discussions around men’s mental health, celebrating your individuality in the process.
Over the decades, the moustache has evolved as a social and cultural symbol representing everything from eccentric artistic personalities, to bold fashion statements. Since 2004, its presence as the hero of ‘Movember’ awareness month adds another social and cultural layer to its symbolism. Growing a moustache in November encourages men - and all members of society - to open up about their mental health struggles, knowing that community support is never far away.
Time travel with the Mo’
Co-Founder and Creative Director of Kings Domain Barbershop, Aaron Chan, has seen his fair share of moustaches in his time. He notes that they have become extremely popular again over the past few decades, particularly among a younger generation. This is due to initiatives like Movember that engage a global community in important social discussions that are often difficult to have.
‘I’d have to say the recent popularity of the moustache is largely due to the great work of Movember. The Mo’ has not only become a centre point for generating awareness for men’s mental health, but it has also found its place in fashion for those looking for something a little left of centre,’ he says.
The mark of individuality
Just like a monogram, the moustache has a long history of being associated with both individuality and culture. Aaron believes its power as a ‘mark’ of influence was exemplified in strong artistic and literary personalities like Salvador Dali, Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso. In the 50s and 60s, the moustache was closely associated with the ‘beatnik’ generation, a European wave of ‘hipsters’ who idolised poetry, music and eccentric trends. Evidently, the moustache has evolved as a mark of deeply personal creative expression.
‘Today we’re seeing this same repetition of trend and culture, where men are wanting to show more of their personality through grooming. I think we’ve revolutionised the moustache even more in this generation by accompanying it with the important conversation around men’s health awareness. This has added a new layer to a simple trend,’ Aaron says.
Grow a Mo’
From the ‘pencil’ to the ‘toothbrush’, the Mo has taken many shapes over the decades, all of which, according to Aaron, were born from ‘those who dared to be different.’ It is therefore one of the ultimate marks of personalisation that is now also celebrated as a powerful driver of social awareness.
‘Movember has embraced something that is truly masculine, a symbol of boldness and being different, which is a great starting point to generate those awkward conversations for men that are so important. I’m sure most men now see a ‘Mo’ and relate it to men’s health,’ Aaron reflects.
Thinking of growing or styling a Mo’ this month? Here are a few styles that are more than acceptable to rock in 2020:
The Natural Mo’: A great option for those who prefer something subtle and fuss-free. It’s neither super thin or overly bushy, so it’s ideal for those who are new to the Mo’ game. It also suits every face shape.
The Dallas Mo’: The Dallas or ‘Cowboy’ Mo’ is one of the most iconic and masculine trimmed moustache styles, often seen in film and TV. It suits square faces and strong jawlines, great for bold personalities who aren't afraid to make a statement.
The Pyramid Mo’ : While this style can take some work to perfect, it’s one of the more sophisticated Mo’ styles when done right. It is distinguished by a wide base that tapers as it reaches the nose, with its angular features creating a point of interest on the face. It suits most face shapes.
The Pencil Mo’: If you have thinner hair, the Pencil Mo’ is a great one to explore. It embodies vintage charm, and is the perfect accent to a well-styled wardrobe. This style works well on most faces, and can soften a strong jawline.
Remember, growing a Mo’ is a process that requires regular maintenance. Aaron has a few tips for you:
‘It’s important to be patient, but it’s just as important to give it a regular trim as well. First things first, choose your style or speak to your barber to see what will suit you best then sit back and wait for it to flourish!’
How will you #MakeYourMark this Movember? Share your journey with us on social media by tagging @maisondesabre.
https://au.movember.com/ | @kingsdomainbarbers
Explore our complimentary personalisation offering on all of our premium leather collection as another celebration of your individuality this month.
