What makes an ideal man? And why is he so hard to find? August Man editor Darren Ho shared with Yahoo! Entertainment the qualities that can make Singapore men get even better -- to make them stand out. He cites a few celebrities who possess the qualities that men would do well to emulate.
Actor/Director James Franco at the 2012 Palm Springs Film Festival (Amy Graves/WireImage)
Boldness
"James Franco is talented, creative, and well-versed in the art of story-telling, which is really what being in the film industry is all about," says Darren. "He's done what only a handful of thespians have managed to do with his experiments on directing, acting, painting and writing."
At the 2011 US Open (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Sport)
Smooth, not brute, strength
"Roger Federer is not only a top tennis player, but a great philanthropist and gentleman as well." Darren finds it admirable that few have the Swiss sporting legend's "grace on the court. Rather than strike with brute force, he slices the ball so it slips past the net with an inch to spare. He makes tennis seem effortless."
Originally from Texas, the fashion designer and acclaimed filmmaker epitomises worldly sophistication. (Frazer …
Individuality
"Designer Tom Ford has transformed a brand and made it into an incredible success," says Darren. "He’s also changed the traditional idea of masculinity, that being conscious about fashion and the way you dress is absolutely fine. His own personal and distinctive style helped us believe that we can dress as we wish and as it suits our personality."
Musician, actor, comedian, restaurateur, social media giant? (Ethan Miller/Getty Images News)
The element of surprise
Justin Timberlake began his career as a boyband member, but Darren says it wasn't long that he "soon emerged as a creative genius, brilliant producer and musician – which no one expected. He's also taken his skills outside the recording studio, putting his Midas touch on everything from a sketch on 'Saturday Night Live' to a new fashion line."
President Barack Obama at the University of Miami on February 23, 2012 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Im …
No excuses
"US President Barack Obama is a visionary with a sharp mind who’s willing to do whatever’s necessary to fight off a severe economic crisis," states Darren. "Although he has not managed to deliver most of what he’s promised, he has made no excuses for it – instead acknowledging what he needs to do to turn things around. And that is a sign of a real man."
Once again, Darren Ho and the rest of August Man magazine are challenging the men of Singapore that they've got it going on, possessing smarts, sharpness and style... If you're the man that fits the bill, or know a guy who does, head to the August Man A-Listers site for further details and nomination forms. Nomination period is scheduled to end on 29 February 2012.
