New York Magazine has rolled out its first ever men’s style issue, choosing transgender actor Elliot Page—identified in the article as a biological female—as one of its cover subjects. The cover image shows Page shirtless, displaying visible mastectomy scars, and the magazine promotes the issue as a celebration of contemporary men’s fashion.
Magazine’s Historical Context
In a retrospective piece titled “The Men’s Style Issue,” the publication traced its past coverage of men’s fashion, referencing a 1971 cover that speculated about men wearing high heels and a 1996 profile of male supermodels. It noted that from 2006 onward, the back half of its women’s fashion issues often featured a mini men’s supplement, highlighting designers like Thom Browne and the rise of metrosexual style.
Current Issue Highlights
The new edition aims to capture what the magazine calls “the power players shaping the business, the new characters shaking up the scene, and the old ‘semi‑supermodels’ who are still around.” It also teases a future trend of men wearing sarongs, though it stops short of declaring a fashion revolution.
Among the multiple covers, one features Elliot Page. The accompanying article, “The Boys in the Baths,” describes a visit to the East Village’s Russian & Turkish Baths, where Page recounts enjoying the experience and singing in the shower.
Criticism and Commentary
Political commentator Link Lauren criticized the decision, arguing that masculinity is already scarce in mainstream media and that the cover was designed for clicks rather than genuine fashion relevance. Lauren suggested that without Page’s transition, the story would not have garnered attention.
Tim Graham, executive editor of the media watchdog NewsBusters, also condemned the choice, questioning the magazine’s understanding of gender and accusing it of chasing a “woke” narrative for progressive applause.
Magazine’s Response
New York Magazine defended its editorial direction, stating that the issue reflects the evolving landscape of men’s style and aims to showcase a diverse range of personalities influencing fashion today.
The debate highlights ongoing cultural tensions over gender representation in media and the definition of masculinity in contemporary fashion coverage.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
