So it’s that time of year again, the month of ‘Movember’. A charity event in order to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancers.
According to the wonders of Wiki, a young group of guys in Adelaide came up with the idea of growing moustaches for charity during the month of November. The original random idea was generated over a few cold beers down the local pub and the concept was based around the idea of ‘whiskers’ to raise money for the RSPA by printing and selling T-Shirts. In 2004 “Growing whiskers for whiskers” lead to an unrelated group of 30 men in Melbourne using the idea to raise awareness for prostate cancer and depression in men. This group later became the Movember Foundation Charity.
So, now we all have a bit of background knowledge of what Movember is all about, ‘WHAT’S YOUR POINT’ I hear you ask? I guess the point is nothing more than the power of the word spreading for a good cause, and the strength that if one person will do something different or unusual, someone else will follow suit, before you know it everyone wants to be part of this new team trend setting creation.
It’s like a quirky men’s fashion for a month – but with a brilliant outcome. This is something that has become so large it’s funny to do a count of how many men have taches when walking down the high street. Although I would advise anyone not to make the same mistake as myself when asking the question “I take it you are growing that silly little thing for Movember, do you want me to sponsor you?” and the reply being “errrr no I always have this”.
In the design industry the brief you are given will of course dictate the style, look and feel. But there are trends that we have all latched onto over the years, consciously or sub consciously, whether it is graphic design, fashion design, hair styles or facial hair styles, we do tend to follow the trend. Sometimes these trends are disastrous in some eyes – for example the famous 90’s shell suit, or who could forget the hard and cutting wondrous mullet of the 80’s?
This is all down to personal preference of course! You can still see that some of these styles are loved and honoured when taking a stroll down Farnborough High Street during a lunch hour.
Take a look at this site which has lots of great of examples for trends in graphic design over the decades.
I have to admit, I think the power of such a simple trend as ‘Movember’ has been brilliant, as is any charity raising activity or event, whether it be fun running, head shaving, body painting and so on. Movember has turned into a worldwide success with thousands men coming together to raise money for cancer, including our own Eclipse employee Drew Harding! Oh Drew, suits you Sir!
I do question however on whether there are some men out there that just want to be part of the trend without raising the cash? Don’t make yourself look like a 1920’s villain or one of the Mario Brothers for the sake of following the crowd boys. Remember what it’s all about and get in those donations!
And on that note, if anyone would like to sponsor our lovely Drew Drew Zella for all the effort and bravery of that beaming orange facial crown, please follow the link and give what you can spare.
Drew Harding Mo Space & Donations Page
Laura Beech, over and out!