Gene Burkard, a once-closeted Midwesterner and GI, transformed men’s fashion into something cosmopolitan, carefree, and trend-setting when he invented the jock sock, and then created a catalog to sell it. International Male reached gay and straight customers alike as it redefined images of masculinity in American culture - generating revenue and circulation in the millions.
More than outrageous fashions, hunky models, and scandalous undies, All Man is a journey across three decades of the International Male catelog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay rights. For gay men, the images of sensually dressed men were a gateway into a fantasy world providing an escape from the AIDS crisis and widespread homophobia. For straight men and their female admirers, the catelog gave permission to take fashion risks and enjoy a more carefree expression of sexuality without threatening their masculinity and sexual appeal.
The documentary, narrated by Matt Bomer, features an all-star cast of celebrity influencers, and comedic actors including Simon Doonan, Jake Shears, Carson Kressley, and a host of past International Male models.
Gene Burkard, a once-closeted Midwesterner and GI, transformed men’s fashion into something cosmopolitan, carefree, and trend-setting when he invented the jock sock, and then created a catalog to sell it. International Male reached gay and straight customers alike as it redefined images of masculinity in American culture - generating revenue and circulation in the millions.
More than outrageous fashions, hunky models, and scandalous undies, All Man is a journey across three decades of the International Male catelog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay rights. For gay men, the images of sensually dressed men were a gateway into a fantasy world providing an escape from the AIDS crisis and widespread homophobia. For straight men and their female admirers, the catelog gave permission to take fashion risks and enjoy a more carefree expression of sexuality without threatening their masculinity and sexual appeal.
The documentary, narrated by Matt Bomer, features an all-star cast of celebrity influencers, and comedic actors including Simon Doonan, Jake Shears, Carson Kressley, and a host of past International Male models.