Mark Bryan
Mark Bryan
How did you start wearing heels, skirts, and experiment with your wardrobe?
I started wearing heels when I was 21. But I started wearing skirts when I was 56. I would wear heels for a few months at time then stop. the biggest gap of time without wearing heels was maybe 10 years . I have now been wearing heels full time now for 5 years. skirts for about 3-4 years. I started experimenting by wanting to stay masculine but just add the high heels and skirts. Thus my hybrid style half masculine and half feminine.
What does this way of self-expression mean to you?
I feel very comfortable wearing my skirts and heels I don't feel any different when wearing skirts or pants. But also to say "screw you" to the people who believe that men should only wear manly clothes. I'm still a man, so what I wear is manly!
Where do you work? Could you tell us something about the specifics of your job?
I'm a mechanical engineer but have been in robotics for over 35 years. I do more application work, where i design the system to meet the customers requirements.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I coach American football here in Germany. Also I am in the process of restoring my 1967 porsche 911. currently I am replacing all the rust including floorboards.
Can you tell us about your marital status? What do your family think about your style?
Happily married. This is my 3rd marriage and hopefully my last. My wife and family realize that I am the same man regardless of what I am wearing, My youngest daughter, age 33, is my biggest supporter. she is always wanting to borrow my shoes.
How many pairs of shoes do you have now?
I may rotated around 50 pairs. I have other packed away for special occasions . Like my gold glitter stilettos in all maybe 80 pairs.
What is the most important thing in life for you?
Family, trying to be a better husband and father, and grandfather. But second is just being me.
What thing do you still hesitate to wear, but would really like to? Or is there something that stops you as a new experiment on yourself?
People ask me why I don't wear dresses. I like my hybrid style. Dresses typically don't fit right in the shoulders or neckline, the chest area is designed for a female body so they just don't fit me well. also I lose some of the masculinity I want to keep.
I have done several photoshoots now. My only request is that we maintain my hybrid style.
Do you drive a car? Is it comfortable to do it in heels?
Yes I drive a car. Some cars are easier to drive than others when wearing heels and it depends on the type of heels as well. Tall stilettos don't work so well. Just recently I had a pair of 10cm heels that was more ball shaped. It was the easiest heel I had ever driven in, as you can roll the foot.
At what age did you start wearing heels?
Age 21 when in college
Are you interested in fashion? Do you have any favorite designers?
Yes. or now I have become more interested in it. I really in the past never thought about specific designers or brands. I just bought what I thought looked good. Growing up in the USA i did buy only Ralph Lauren polo shirts an only worn Levis jeans. Also I am a big Under Amour fan. But lately my world has opened up to a whole new world of fashion and brands.
What inspires you the most in life?
Just being myself. either at work, at home, football practice, or at a photoshoot. I don't worry what others think about me.
Do you always wear heels?
I wear heels when ever possible. Sometimes I will wear a heeled boot when working on my Porsche. During the shut down and working at home I still go the thru the same routine in the morning. Shower, shave get dressed in my shirt and heels. It keeps me more focused during the day.