Smoking and style: Give it a rest already

The unexplainable re-association of smoking & “cool”

Pic above of Javier Burden from the cover of Esquire’s October 2010 issue

Anybody else noticing a resurgence in the use of cigarettes in photo shoots?  The ones seen in GQ, Esquire, online, etc…  What used to be a prop relegated to Camel, Kool, and Marlboro ads, the lit cigarette has gradually once again worked it’s way back into the mainstream.

Maybe blame it on the popularity of Mad Men, but there are now 21st century celebrities and models flaunting their feigned ignorance about smoking.  Not to make excuses, but the Don Drapers of the early 60’s didn’t quite grasp the full consequences of the habit.  So the use of cigarettes as props in 2010 not only spits in the face of the grim reaper, it full on kicks him in the groin too.  There is a line between acting rebellious and being reckless.

Look, this isn’t a public service announcement.  I don’t care if you smoke, & magazines will do what they want.  That’s the way it should be.  No one is arguing that Esquire and GQ should feel compelled to ban smoking from their publications for some sort of nanny state public safety reason.  Esquire and GQ should feel compelled to ease off on the smoking pics because… it looks kinda lame.  They’re forced, mugging, whatever you want to call it, it’s just not working.

…..

Smoking has always given a person something to do with their hands that looks casual and effortless.  That’s why to some it looks cool.  It’s no different than why a lot of models are shot adjusting their watch, or messing with the buttons on their jacket sleeves.  Standing with your hands at your sides looks stiff.  Smoking gives the person a reason to look fluid.

It also makes a person look weak.  Smoking is a weakness.  It’s a weakness that some incredibly strong people by circumstance have fallen victim too, but still it’s an addiction.  Proudly displaying a weakness in this “ain’t I cool” sort of way makes these guys no different than the obese women who get on Maury because they dress too sexy.

Not sure what to do with your hands?  Stick em’ in your pockets.  At the very least you’ll smell better.

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Pic of Joseph Gordon Levitt from Esquire, Josh Brolin from GQ.