Written by Annie Gilson. 

Harry Styles. Vogue. A dress. 

One image, with a positive message of gender-fluidity and self-expression sends the ‘Karen’s’ and right-wing conservatives into a frenzy. Making his debut as the first-ever male to feature on the cover of Vogue, Styles is photographed in a Gucci lavender blue gown coupled with a black tuxedo blazer. Iconic if you ask me, but not everyone felt the same.  

Well-known conservatives were quick to react to the cover, Candance Owens shared her thoughts on twitter describing it as “an outright attack” and that “There is no society that can survive without strong men.”, then ending the tweet “Bring back manly men.”. Ben Shapiro followed on from Owens comments with a thread of tweets regarding the image and its message about “undermining masculinity”. Agreeing with Owens, Shapiro goes on to say, “Anyone who pretends this is not a referendum on masculinity for men to don floofy dresses is treating you like a full-on idiot.”.  

Many celebrities and fans were prompt in coming to the popstars defence responding to Owens comments, including Jameela Jamil who tweeted “Harry Styles is plenty manly, because manly is whatever you want it to be” and right she is.  

Styles responded to the backlash in true king Harry fashion via an Instagram caption that simply said, “Bring back manly men.” shading Owens’ earlier tweets.  

Harry is renowned for his bold and exquisite taste in fashion, always showcasing various unique and refreshing looks. A true pioneer of fashion, an inspiration and advocate for be who you want to be and wear what you want to wear.  

So, to conclude, Harry Styles is an icon. Wear what you want to wear.