Art of the Beard

Book excerpt: The age of the metrosexual is over. Dead and buried. In places as diverse as Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Richmond, Miami, and Charleston, modern American men are ushering in a new golden age of hirsute pursuits. Denouncing the baby-smooth standard that society has set, men from around the world are reembracing their face in its most natural state. A select group of these well-whiskered men and their faithful Whiskerinas have taken this dedication a step further through the formation of their very own competitive community. Backed by the jackpot of good genetics and a well-oiled care routine, this group of grooming enthusiasts competes all over the world in hopes of recognition in the art of pogonotrophy. Step inside this whimsical, wild, and often-misunderstood world of competitive bearding through the lens of David Sacks. Comb through his collection of over 200 portraits and see for yourself how beautifully weird the beard can be.