It was author Mark Simpson referring to English soccer star David Beckham, in the summer of 2002, who coined the term.
Looking for a word to describe Beckham as a straight male, but one who spends an excessive amount of time and money on his physical appearance, Simpson put the term "metrosexual" into play.
Leon Studio One, located in Williamsville, services many students who come to get their hair cut and eyebrows waxed. But it is not the girls who are their pickiest clients.
"We get a lot of students who come in because of our special student priced discounts for hair and eyebrows," said Sue, a hairstylist at Leon's. "The guys are often more particular about their hair than the girls. We have certain guys that come in exactly once every two weeks to get their hair cut."
For some self-professed metrosexuals, like Daniel Baranowski, a junior finance major, money is not an issue. It is important to look good, regardless of the cost.
"I get my hair cut every two weeks, and it usually costs about $35," said Baranowski. "An average outfit for school usually costs around $250."
According to Baranowski, some of the best stores at which to shop are Diesel, Guess, Express and Urban Outfitters.
Although some might feel that well-dressed gentlemen get primped solely for the attention, some students are more modest about being referred to as spotlight-seeking metrosexuals.
"I dress well simply because I like to," said Daniel McMahon, a sophomore accounting major. "I like to get my hair cut regularly, and I go tanning. I used to work at a tanning bed, so I got a good deal."
According to some fashion experts, metrosexuals are not always easy to find in Buffalo.
"There aren't too many metrosexuals in the Buffalo area," said Jen Roche, a manager at Banana Republic in the Boulevard Mall. "Because Buffalo is not a high fashion area, you are more likely to find this type of guy in a place like New York City, where the people are more fashion aware."
According to Roche, there is a distinction between a true metrosexual and a man who desires to look well put-together.
"There are a lot of guys who are considered the 'going out' guy," said Roche. "They like to come into the store, and have the outfit put together for them. A metrosexual guy likes to put the entire outfit together himself."
Metrosexuals may dress well and look sharp, but not without a bit of teasing from others.
"My friends jokingly make fun of me all the time," said Baranowski. "I just like to dress well. My mom always dressed me nicely when I was little, so I just kind of kept it going as I got older."
Some female students said they have no qualms with the rising trend of metrosexuals.
"I think if these guys decide to dress pretty, it's up to them," said Andrea Guadagno, a freshman undecided major. "They're nice to look at because they are so well-dressed."
Erin Domski, a freshman pharmacy major, said when it comes to her preference in men's attire, done-up is nice but simply relaxed is just as good.
"It doesn't really matter to me how these guys dress," said Domski. "They are nice to look at, but I don't mind a guy in a sweatshirt and warm up pants either. I think that some of these guys might be confused about their sexuality."
According to Matthew Schwartz, a sophomore art major, and also a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA), a man who dresses noticeably well does not equal a man who is gay.
"Just because someone dresses well doesn't mean that they are confused about their sexuality," said Schwartz. "They can be straight and just want to look presentable. I know some gay guys that don't dress well at all."
Baranowski seconds the notion, adding that even with the sexuality questions, he enjoys the results that being put-together brings.
"People ask me if I'm gay all the time," said Baranowski. "I'm just a guy that likes to dress well, and I like the attention that I get from girls sometimes."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
