The Elixir

Sotiris Thomaidis beached (click to enlarge)

 This colourful image is a great ad for the bottom enhancing qualities of Modus Vivendi swimwear! The curvy seams shamelessly copy the classic styling of denim jeans but then, no-one ever got bored looking at them! 

The bottle of turquoise liquid, suggestive of idyllic locations, is a constant and mysterious presence in the pictures of this advertising campaign. In this particular image though, the photographer has conjured up a feast of ideas which epitomise the world of advertising - the handsome man reaching out for a prized, precious object, which appears to have been spilled and nearly lost. But these are ideas that have a resonance for our everyday lives too which gives this picture a touch of true art.

Model: Sotiris Thomaidis photographed by Panos Misailidis for Modus Vivendi's 'Contrast' Line (2016)

Music and muse

Apollo V by Richard Taddei

A piece of male art that you could hang on any wall. It is not intended to be erotic or sensuous but succeeds in being both by dint of the sheer beauty of the model, subject matter and colouring. The pensive muse reaches out to our emotions as we wonder what he is pondering. The artsy crowded patterns suggest a complex life, perhaps a struggle to master a difficult musical composition. Lovely.

More art by Richard Taddei 
plus lots on search engines

Another Spring Shower

This image of Dwain Leland presenting an arching body to the sprinkling water of the shower showcases his fine physique but there's a sense of reckless abandon in the pose, underlined by the soggy, sagging underwear and turned-down waistband which his mother would scold him for. (Photographer: Mark Jenkins)

If you look at Dwain Leland's Instagram you'll see he's a man that loves to show off his body also at White Steel

Cycling Shorts

They say that cycling's having a bit of a boom at the moment but if all the men rode dressed like this we'd all be out there watching. This isn't the sort of garment you think of when the words cycling shorts are usually uttered but the clever pairing of blues makes it seem the most natural combination in the world. It's quite a complex design which itself gives it man appeal. The blue side flash also deceives the eye into thinking these are skimpier than they really are. Put 'em on a stunning model and Bob's your uncle. Where's the nearest bike shop? The crossbar is a very underhand trick though.

Young Masculinity

Phil Hunter

Phil Hunter's shapely, slightly fleshy physique and rugged face seems the epitome of young sporting maleness. The slightly precarious pose (sadly I can't credit the photographer responsible) shows off the curves and bulk of his body extremely well. It also conveys a nice sense that he's here to do someone else's bidding . His pulled back arms and the brightly coloured costume emphasise the display of his his lower body area. You may have read elsewhere that he won't do full nudity and his slightly disgruntled facial expression here makes the irony of this provocative pose all the more delicious. This is a memorable picture that he may never equal in his modelling career, a worthy entry in my 15 minutes of fame gallery (see label below)

Olympic Wrestling

The sight of one man bodily lifting another using only his strength is one of the most thrilling of sporting moments. These two images show that Greco-Roman wrestling, not only has drama but also moments of unexpected grace and artistic beauty. The leotards help to capture the essential beauty of the human body without dimishing the masculinity of the wearer - at least they do as long as they fit well!

Overalls

Nick di Cristina aka Johnny V

photographed by Mark Henderson

Overalls are a very masculine garment and light blue always seems to showcase the male physique too for some reason. Add in sleeves rolled up just above the biceps and flyaway collar framing the neck and you've got a heady testosterone brew here even before Nick di Cristina's lusciously gym-honed muscles are revealed by his lowered zip.

In these mirror sun glasses, Nick bears a passing resemblance to Landon Conrad here. However, they are an incongruous accessory, projecting a sophistication and mystery which is quite at odds with the straightforward simplicity of the workman's garment. Great image though.