A Brief History Of #Menswear Selfies

Ah, the selfie: the post-aught phenomenon of broadcast narcissism. While you might have perfected your own self-shot for maximum Insta-likes, we decided to round up some of the best #menswear selfies on The 'Gram—and a couple classics that aren’t—for your amusement and viewing pleasure. From the up close and personal shot, to the mirror pic, to the late-night drunken snap, there’s no shortage of quality selfies courtesy of #menswear's elite. A few are legendary, some are entertaining and, of course, most of them make no sense whatsoever, which is why they’re absolutely incredible.

Jake Gallagher is a writer living in New York. Read his blog, Wax Wane, here and follow him on Twitter here.

Olivier Rousteing

What do you do when you’re the head of design for one of the world’s biggest fashion houses before you’ve even hit thirty? You take selfies. Tons and tons of selfies. Because being the director of design for Balmain at twenty-seven is cool, but take it from Olivier Rousteing, chilling with The Kardashian is something that’s really worth bragging about.

Steven Kolb

As the head of the CFDA, Steven Kolb has helped to revolutionize young design in America, but his true gift is taking the perfect selfie.

Umit Benan

Umit Benan is the king of the Instagram selfie. Benan is currently on what appears to be some worldwide tour, but instead of focusing on the scenery, Benan has decided to capture himself, or should I say his face, in various locales. It’s hard to pick just one, but between the hat and the stare, this is absolutely flawless.

Michael Bastian

Michael Bastian was a late adopter when it comes to the Instagram game, but he’s certainly made up for lost this. One of his first photos was this epic behind the scenes shot, prepping for that night's CFDA Awards.

Frans Boone

While Frans Boone has made a literal name for himself in #menswear with his eponymous shop in The Netherlands, you could easily say that he’s equally as famous for his in-store selfies. While showing off his store’s new arrivals, Boone’s piercing stare has made him a legend of the shop-keep selfie.

James Goldstein

Let’s play a game called How Much of this Photo isn't Made of Leather? We may have no idea how he managed to make his fortune and become a front row fixture of NBA games and fashion shows alike, but the stone-faced James Goldstein routinely rubs elbows with some of the industry’s biggest names. Dressed in one of his signature animal skin outfits, here we have Goldstein with designer Roberto Cavilli.

Mr. Mort

Mordechai Rubenstein has become a master of New York street style in his own time, capturing all the idiosyncrasies of this city’s most (and often least) stylish characters. But that doesn’t mean that Mr. Mort is afraid to turn the camera on himself. Between the #NWTS cloud shirt, the mirror and that stare, this one has all of the feelz.

Glenn O’Brien

Glenn O’Brien might only have seventy some-odd photos on Instagram, but he surely makes ‘em count. It’s the Jesus piece and sneer that really seals this one as a selfie for the record books.

Theophilus London

At this point, I honestly think more people know Theophilus London as “that one guy at every single fashion event that's not Kanye West” than as a rapper. Nonetheless, London’s proximity to fashion’s elite has certainly made for some quality selfies. I mean, who else can match Karl ice cold glare for ice cold glare?

Pharrell

I think it’s important to point out that this was Pharrell’s third Instagram post ever, so bravo to Skateboard P for setting the tone early. The scarf, beanie and sunglasses (inside of course) combo might be a bit much for most, but c’mon, it’s Pharrell! He can do whatever he wants at this point.

Luca Rubinacci

Luca Rubinacci’s Instagram is an absurd smattering of fit pics, food, enviable resort spots and, of course, selfies. I don’t think anyone looks like they love their life more than good ol’ Luca, and why not? Just like the caption reads: “good vibes.” Good vibes indeed.

Bryan Boy

He might be one of the biggest bloggers in the world and now a full blown celebrity in his own right, but that hardly means Bryan Boy is above a good ol' selfie. This shot was just posted over the weekend, but already being heralded as an instant classic. Bizarre location? Check. Leather? Check. Gauche accessories? Check. Sunglasses inside? Check.

Mike The Ruler

Mike The Ruler needs absolutely NO introduction at this point. The future of fashion (and America) is in good (and steady) hands.

Jean Touitou

A.P.C.’s irreverent leader is one of the most vocal designers on Twitter, but only joined the Instagram ranks a couple of months ago. It didn’t take him long to drop some prized pics though. This photo raises so many questions, and gives no answers, like all good selifes should.

Rick Owens

No this isn’t an actual 'gram, but this shot was too good to pass up. Rick Owens has perfected the “one look” selfie with his teethy smile that’s basically Blue Steel for goth ninjas everywhere. Like bloated dunks and, at least, seven layers of drape, Owens hasn’t been caught in public without that half smirk in years.

John F. Kennedy

Finally, I'm pleased to share with you what's easily the most iconic of #menswear selfies, the one that birthed them all. Slim fitting polo, creased trousers, dark shades and, naturally, JFK knew that a good selfie is always far less pause worthy when your girl is the one taking the photo.