ERIN DUNIGAN | DATE 11/9/2011

The Inspirational Moustache

Last November, at a party in Brooklyn, I was introduced to a jovial fellow, a friend of a friend, supporting the fiercest facial hair I had ever seen. Upon exchanging pleasantries he immediately clarified (somewhat self-consciously) that he doesn't usually have such an eccentrically mustachioed visage. He mentioned something about a charity event, but the conversation was quickly drowned out by a musical performance. I remember thinking that there was an unusually large number of moustaches at that party - even for the Brooklyn set - but little did I know that aside from the depressing onset of Daylight Savings Time and the increasing chill in the air, November is, notoriously, the month of the moustache (otherwise known as "Movember," in honor of the men's cancer awareness and fundraising event.)

Rob from London. Photograph by Lee Roberts.

Here's the gist: Starting on November 1, men across the country start growing their most impressive flavor savors, nose neighbors, lip ticklers, misplaced eyebrows - whatever you may call them - and all month long, raise donations from their dutifully impressed friends, families and co-workers. In 2010, participants raised more than $7.5 million, with funds going to a number of causes, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation, LiveStrong and the Global Action Plan. Find out how to get involved or donate at the Movember website.

LEFT: Sean from New York. RIGHT: John from London.
Both photographs by Richard Baker.

Fundraising events aside, the moustache is making a HUGE comeback in craft, fashion and on the faces of hipsters everywhere. Stars like Tom Selleck and John Waters may have beaten everyone to the chase, but rest assured the phenomenon is spreading fast. In the past few months, I have stumbled across moustache-embellished t-shirts, necklaces, mugs, tote bags, pillows and even tattoos.

Photograph by Zachary Ramey.

Enter Cicada Books' latest and greatest publication, The Inspirational Moustache. This clever and humorous ode to the aesthetic sensation features outrageous street photography, witty texts, moustache-related crafts, a summary of key styles and much more for only $10. While your purchase won't go to charity, this might just be the perfect gift for the mustachioed men – or 'stache loving friends – in your life this season.

LEFT: Moustache light by Studio Greiling.
RIGHT: Dog toy by Humunga Stache.