You've come a long way, baby.

Forty years ago, the phrase applied to women seeking rights equal to men's. These days, it's come to refer to a new breed of men who've observed women's strides—from the professional and psychological to the material—and decided, “;I want some o' that.”;

Smart men now know that looking good doesn't mean sacrificing credibility or masculinity. Far from it. Employers and prospective dates will probably appreciate a little polish and finesse.

Those who need a little help getting there will be able to pick up ideas from the runway at Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre tomorrow night, when Kane magazine presents its first “;Men's Passion Fashion”; show during Late Night at the Cupola.

Honolulu fashion shows up to this point have centered on women, with a few token males thrown into the mix, such that no one involved knows exactly what to expect from this groundbreaking show. In New York, where men's fashion shows are an expected part of the landscape, the predominantly male guests sit quietly and politely and make mental notes of what will or will not work for them. Here, I imagine more of a male strip-show vibe with the catcalls of a vociferous female contingency.

Surely we can be more grown-up than this—don't men deserve a little more respect? It's Kane editor Doris Bitonio's dream to see Honolulu gents recognized for style on par with their counterparts in New York, Miami and L.A.

“;I think it's already here in Hawaii in small pockets,”; Bitonio said. “;At Linnea, they have a following. At Blue Buddha, they have a following. We want to show people that it's not just the fashion-forward crowd who can look good. Everyone can look good.

“;Men need the attention,”; said Bitonio, who started her magazine three years ago to address the need for men's fashion, lifestyle and relationship news. The magazine staff comprises one male for “;flavah,”; and the rest are women, which might result in a subliminal push for male improvement.

No doubt women will be the beneficiaries of any clothing and style tips that stick, but so will the guys, and from what I can see, judging from recent improvements in the way younger men dress, they must want this, although they may end up with the same dilemmas that women face reconciling their tastes with Hawaii's casual, don't-stand-out ethos.

“;I have a closet full of things I don't wear,”; said Taiarii Marshall. “;I buy it for clubs, to look good, but ... you just wait for the one day.”;