Mark Bryan, a 61-year-old robotics engineer from Germany, is challenging traditional gender norms with his bold fashion choices, particularly his embrace of high heels. Though high heels were originally designed for men in the 10th century as a height and fashion enhancer, they have become predominantly associated with women. Mark is part of a growing movement of modern men who are reclaiming high heels, pumps, and skirts as fashion staples, defying societal expectations and reclaiming these items for themselves.
Despite his unassuming appearance as a father of three and an engineer, Mark has garnered a social media following of nearly 660,000 users on Instagram, where he shares his unique outfits. His style often includes pumps, boots, and skirts, paired with traditionally “masculine” tops. Mark advocates for the idea that clothing should be free from gender boundaries and that items like skirts offer more variety and comfort than the typical pants or slacks worn by men. Through his platform, he encourages others to embrace fashion without the constraints of traditional gender norms.