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Philly beards get national recognition

Back in August, local fashion designer Curran J. Swint, in collaboration with Visit Philly and Philly 360°, put together a video featuring one of Philadelphia’s most notable fashion trademarks: the beard.

Back in August, local fashion designer Curran J. Swint, in collaboration with Visit Philly and Philly 360°, put together a video featuring one of Philadelphia's most notable fashion trademarks: the beard. The video, called "The Bearded Bunch" talks with seven local beard aficionados about the beard's history and why they choose to rock one. "It's just a part of kingship and manhood," says barber Marcus Williams.

Philly rappers like Freeway and Philadelphia's prominent African-American Muslim population have helped solidify the idea that, yes, the "Philly Beard" is a thing. Now, national publication Ebony Magazine has picked up on the craze.

A writer for the magazine's website sat down with Curran to find out more about the beard's religious and pop-culture significance:

"Within the Islamic faith, the beard is mandatory for the men. I think up until a few years ago, it was a true stereotype that if a man is black and has a beard, he is Muslim, especially in Philly. But the world is becoming such a more cultured, diverse, and ethnic place because of popular culture and I think Philadelphia is at the epicenter of that change and integration. Beards are not just worn by the black, Muslim man. All religions, races and backgrounds wear them. I think it's dope to see a Caucasian male or Latino man striding along the pavements of Rittenhouse Square rocking a beard. It makes me feel like we as a nation are growing together and becoming united under one common thread."

We might be the fifth ugliest city in America, but our beards score top marks. Take that, Travel + Leisure.

[Ebony.com]