WHAT is a groundbreaker? The word sounds full of power and action – but also has more nuanced overtones such as “originator, innovator, or pioneer in a particular activity; an original idea, product, that leads to, or makes possible, further developments, growth, improvements”. Very apt for Glass Man and so, I decided on it as the theme for our autumn issue of Glass Man – the second standalone edition of the magazine.
At Glass Man we are always fascinated by groundbreakers across the spectrum, which is how we came to select our groundbreaking cover stars – singer Niall Horan tells us about taking the plunge to become a solo musician; one of Hollywood’s most visible non-binary actors Lachlan Watson tells us more about their hopes to be a voice for unrepresented nonbinary kids, and we go in-depth with K-pop sensation and US-born Eric Nam about his signature sound, his route to fame and Asian representation in Western music. Each star certainly fulfills the brief.
It goes without saying that groundbreakers can be found in all areas of life, which obviously includes art. In this issue, we speak to leading Dublin-born, UK-raised artist Sean Scully about his route from the working-class streets of south London to showing at the Venice Biennale. British Touring Car driver Nic Hamilton, who competes at the highest level of British racing despite living with cerebral palsy, competes against able-bodied athletes – a living inspiration.
Niall Horan. Photograph: Ricardo Abrahao
Matt Corrias has set up a highly successful model agency in Hong Kong, the eponymous Tigers by Matt. We discuss with him the importance of diversity in casting and how he believes agents have a responsibility to be “groundbreakers while scouting”.
Eric Nam. Photograph: Daniel Benson
UK-born and LA-based celebrity hairstylist Sheridan Ward explains how to achieve the hair looks as seen on the catwalk at the recent men’s international shows – all beautifully illustrated by Regina Yazidi. We also feature a grooming guide to the best tools for readers to use to recreate them.
At Glass Man, we believe that wearing make up shouldn’t be restricted to gender – everyone should be able to enhance their looks, or deploy the power of skincare and cosmetics, and the beauty director, Kim Brown, of our sister publication, Glass, explains how the grooming looks on Niall Horan were achieved using the pioneering Chanel de Boy product range.
Lachlan Watson. Photograph: Sacha Maric
In our fitness section, as well as guiding you with how to adore your core, we select our favourite training wear for autumn and bust open the stigma of mental health wellbeing for men with the help of a group of fitness trainers equipped with the knowledge to discuss all things mental health – a subject that can often sadly seem off-limits for guys.
While over in Glass Man’s Health News some leading doctors bring you the latest innovations in health care, focusing on tennis player Andy Murray’s incredible comeback from a hip injury, with tips on how young adults can also recover from hip and groin pain.
Alton Mason. Photograph: Olivia Malone
Also in this issue, we have expanded and redesigned our shopping guides to give you the ultimate selection of the most stylish watches, accessories, bags, and shoes to be seen this autumn.
We hope you enjoy our second standalone issue of Glass Man and find it as thought-provoking and enjoyable as we did in creating it.
by Caroline Simpson
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