In the not-so-distant past, and even today, long beards were the sign of specific peoples and tribes: they might be a sign of holiness, wisdom or authority (Father Christmas, Jesus, The Ayatollah) or more recently, eccentricity (think garden gnomes and hermits, including urban hermits like Walter van Beirendonck or Sebastien Tellier).
Today, the full beard has become the sign of a new tribe, the tribe of the urban hispter, as illustrated in this fun story shot by Sylvain Homo for Milk magazine.  The trend likely started in Brooklyn, and spread to other parts of the world in a few short years. What’s next? Flipping through the pages of men’s fashion magazines, clearly the next big thing is the thick, furry moustache. Are you ready for that hairy caterpillar tickling your lips, ladies?