Bears--stocky, hairy gay men--have moved from the margins of gay culture to the mainstream. This volume presents Bear-centric work by 30 international illustrators, photographers, designers and artists from around the world, including Walter Van Beirendonck, Costello Tagliapietra, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Franko B. and Nayland Blake.

Walter Van Beirendonck is a fashion visionary and member of the now legendary design group Antwerp Six. He always questions and challenges the fashion system. By not following any trends or movements, he delivers a clear message with integrity. In his 1996 Paris show Bears and Fairytales Van Beirendonck 'street cast' models to show that real beauty can be found in a variety of body types.