Just when the metrosexual trend appeared to fade, Michael Flocker, a New York resident and self-proclaimed metrosexual, decided to put out a book to guide the fawning metrosexuals.
Titled “The Metrosexual Guide to Style: A Handbook for the Modern Man,” Flocker’s book provides advice for every area of a “modern man’s” life, including grooming, dating, food, sex and fashion.
A metrosexual is defined in the book as, “A twenty-first century male trendsetter, a straight urban male with heightened aesthetic sense, a man who spends time and money on appearance and shopping, and a man who embraces his feminine side.”
While the book is aimed at urban men who must stay with the current trends of his contemporaries, men who do not consider themselves metrosexual, or are in the metro-closet, could learn a thing or two about being a nice, presentable guy in general.
Etiquette
When dealing with people, in formal settings or another country, the author suggests a metrosexual always remember he is the guest. He is polite and friendly and always mingles, doesn’t hang on someone else’s side or sit in the corner. He makes sure he knows the dress code in advance. Under no circumstance can he ever forget to tip appropriately.
Know Your Alcohol
The handbook mentions there are significant differences between red and white wines, well drinks and call drinks, as well as vodka and gin. White wines are light, perfect for the summer weather, and go well with chicken, salad and Asian cuisine. Reds are heartier, better for cutting winter coldness, and go with red meats, pasta with red sauce, cheese and game birds. When in doubt, the color of the meat will be a hint at the color of wine.
However, Flocker says cocktails are another story. What you order tells a lot about your personality. When any patron orders a cocktail, they will get a well drink, or the cheapest alcohol in the house. A call drink, however, is when you specify a particular brand. There is a difference between a vodka and tonic and Absolut and tonic — unless you are already drunk. For those about to graduate, leave the beer bongs and keg stands here and take care of your hangover with plenty of rest and water.
Eating Out
The book states a metrosexual is always a gentleman. He enjoys his meal and is kind to the servers. He doesn’t order ketchup at high-end restaurants and enjoys after-dinner coffee. He understands foreign menus and has impeccable table manners. The book provides a translation guide for the metrosexual to practice learning foreign cuisine.
Art and Culture
The author also believes the true metrosexual knows his art and appreciates cultural knowledge. He knows each era in art, which are Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism. He also knows the masters of each period. Knows that Leonardo DaVinci and Michelangelo were a part of the Renaissance, Claude Monet was a master impressionist, Vincent Van Gogh was a master expressionist, and Pablo Picasso, Cubism pioneer, was the most original artist of the 20th century.
Fashion and Style
Metrosexuality is tied to style and outward appearance. With that, the guidebook states the metrosexual knows what looks nice, what should have been thrown out years ago, and what gives him a sense of personal style. Clothes still make the man, but shoes tell exactly who he really is inside. A metrosexual always has a versatile pair of black shoes that can be worn with jeans or a dark suit, somewhere between combat boots and $400 Prada shoes. He has two pairs of tennis shoes, one for the gym, one for the club, and dark leather sandals which he never wears with socks.
Grooming
As it should be with any person, Flocker states a metrosexual is concerned with personal hygiene. He keeps his hair neat and well-maintained. His nails stay trimmed because he enjoys pedicures and manicures but he never gets them polished. His face is well moisturized and clean, well shaven, or trimmed. He removes ear hairs, nose hairs and “trims the hedges.”
Body and Fitness
As written in the book, the Metrosexual has a trim body, not too muscular, not too skinny or too flabby. He enjoys working out regularly and goes outdoors. He also connects to his spirit with yoga, pilates, martial arts, or even trips to the spa.
Sex and Romance
Even though he is already labelled by society, a metrosexual does not try to fit himself or others behind preconceived labels, Flocker claims. He is aware of his sexuality and flirts with anyone, male or female. He practices chivalry, seduction and knows when to be aggressive without being harmful. He is responsible and experimental, but never selfish.
Metrosexual Mindset
The author concludes the metrosexual has a good, positive attitude. He takes life one step at a time and always appears in control. He is confident and has goals. He is spontaneous and never puts anyone down. He is a classic gentleman and the ladies, and even some men, love him for being himself.