Mark Bryan has seamlessly expanded his impressive list of roles—parent, engineer, and football coach—by adding model and influencer to his repertoire.
Famed for confidently rocking skirts and heels while embracing his identity as a straight man, Bryan has skyrocketed to fashion icon status, gracing the pages of top magazines with striking photoshoots.
Recently, he opened up in an exclusive interview about his bold fashion choices, the inspiration behind his unique style, and the public’s reaction to his look. Here are the most captivating highlights from his conversation.
Mark Bryan: Defying Fashion Norms with Confidence
Introducing Himself
“I’m still working full-time as an engineer, putting in 45 hours a week. Modeling and influencing are more of a side hustle for me—my employer sees it as a hobby, but it’s actually helping pay the bills. Not quite enough to make it my main career, but it’s growing fast!
It’s been an incredible journey—just a year and a half ago, I had only 200 Instagram followers. Now? Over 635k and counting!”
What Inspires His Fashion Sense
“My biggest style inspiration? The one and only Carrie Bradshaw.
During photoshoots, I’ve worn skirts just like hers—those dramatic, flowing designs that may not be practical for everyday wear but make you feel absolutely regal. Her fearless approach to fashion has influenced my own ‘hybrid style’—a unique blend of masculine and feminine elements that reflect who I am.”
What Led Him to This Bold Fashion Choice?
“It all started back in college—40 years ago! My then-girlfriend was taller than me in heels, so she suggested I wear a pair to match her height. Since we wore the same shoe size, it worked out perfectly.
Fast forward to about six years ago—I saw a woman strutting confidently in a pair of Louboutin pumps. That moment reminded me of my college experience, and I decided to give heels another try.
A few days later, my wife and I went to a Halloween party, and she encouraged me to take it further—pairing heels with a skirt and a wig. The response was overwhelming, and I thought, ‘Why didn’t I start doing this sooner?’
Turns out, I was born to wear high heels.”
How Did Friends and Family React?
“Fortunately, I haven’t faced much criticism. My friends and family understand that no matter what I wear, I’m still the same person. Whether it’s because they’re used to my style or simply being supportive, I’m grateful for their acceptance.
To me, wearing a skirt is no different from wearing trousers or a different-colored shirt—it’s just clothing. In Europe, where diverse cultures and backgrounds converge, people tend to be more tolerant. Unfortunately, in certain parts of the U.S., there’s still a stigma attached to men wearing traditionally feminine clothing.
Many assume that if a man wears a skirt, he must be gay. But in reality, plenty of straight men would love to experiment with fashion but are held back by fear of judgment. My goal is to break that stereotype—to show that men can confidently wear what they want without it defining their sexuality.
At the end of the day, my family and friends still see me as the same father, husband, and person I’ve always been. If someone’s opinion of me changes based on my clothing choices, they were never truly a friend to begin with.”
Why Skirts and High Heels?
“For the first 20 years of my career, I was stuck in the same predictable routine—wearing a suit and tie every day. Men’s fashion is painfully limited: black, blue, or grey suits paired with either black or brown dress shoes. It lacked variety, creativity, and, frankly, excitement.
That’s what first led me to experiment with skirts and heels. I love the endless options in women’s fashion—different cuts, colors, patterns, and materials. It’s refreshing. While I have a particular fondness for stiletto heels, I also appreciate the vast range of shoe styles available—something men’s fashion simply doesn’t offer.
More than anything, I love the feeling of getting dressed in the morning. It sets a positive tone for my day and gives me something to look forward to. In fact, that’s how my Instagram journey began—I started posting daily outfit photos, just for fun. The rest is history.”
His Favorite Fashion Brands
“Since I wear them so often, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin are my go-to brands. And I have to give a special mention to Kkira, a Boston-based company that even named a pair of stiletto boots after me!
One thing’s for sure: investing in a quality pair of heels makes all the difference. Luxury shoes don’t just look great—they feel great, too. And trust me, they’re far more comfortable than anything you’d grab off the bargain rack.”
What Does He Do Outside of Work?
“Absolutely! While soccer is the dominant sport in Germany, I coach American football. I work with two teams—one for young men and another for young women, both consisting of players up to 18 years old. Coaching is something I truly enjoy, and it keeps me active outside of my engineering career.
At 62, I’m nearing retirement from engineering, which makes the success of my modeling career even more important. My management team has connected me with various agencies, but I sometimes wonder how long the novelty of a straight man wearing skirts and heels will last.
While I have the world’s attention, I want to be known for more than just my clothing choices. The spotlight may fade, but my goal is to leave a lasting impact—one that goes beyond fashion and challenges outdated gender norms.”
