These men understand that the number one rule of fashion is that there are no rules. And so, they mix and match, play with colors and accessories and incorporate a variety of fabrics to create a look that is unique and oh-so-fashionable. These men are far from mainstream…they do it their way and they do it well. A flash of color to an ordinary suit is not style. Choosing between a double-breasted or a three button jacket is hardly a fashion obstacle. These are ordinary decisions for ordinary men. But fashion forward men push the envelope by adding surprises that inspire and dominate. And who doesn’t like a dominate man?

Johnny Depp happens to be one of these dominate men, who rules not only the box office but, in our opinion, the red carpet as well. Who else can command the red carpet like Depp, with his distinctly different look? His quirky accessories, variety of hairstyles and interesting choice of apparel always catches our eye. Then there is Jude Law, whose famous blazer and scarf combination simply screamed cool. Not one to follow any sort of fashion law, the Alfie star took this urban, casual yet suave look to the red carpet and received mixed reviews for it. We, however, adore it and commend the actor for taking risks in fashion.

And while on the topic of taking risks, another actor who most certainly does this is Heath Ledger, the star of the Hollywood blockbuster, Brokeback Mountain. The 6’2” handsome and rugged young actor certainly dresses to impress, but does so in a way no one would expect. He plays up his rugged look with facial hair and wears formal suits that have a bit of edge to them, whether it is a shrunken jacket or a skinny pant leg.

No stranger to the skinny pant leg is the ultra-cool, ultra suave, hip and happening actor Clive Owen. Now Mr. Owen does not take huge risks in fashion, in part because he is still up and coming, but also because he carries the “basic” look not quite like anyone else. As he continues to grow in Hollywood and choose a variety of roles, we are sure we will see more of a variety in his looks on the red carpet as well.

These and many other fashion forward men in Hollywood are not only breaking hearts, but also breaking the rules. They are the inspirers, the commanders, the style creators. They are the rebels who seek to be different, whether that mean what character they decide to portray next or what look they decide to display themselves in next. So here’s to those fashionably fabulous risk takers, for they are the real trend-setters. Cheers!

- Ritu Sharma, Associate Editor