Suave: Latin Male Book - Tapa blanda

Chili peppers are hot, but Enrique Iglesias is hotter. Ninety-eight degrees Fahrenheit is hot, but Benjamin Bratt is hotter, so are Oscar de la Hoya, Benicio del Toro, Javier Bardem, and Antonio Banderas. From Cuba to Mexico and Spain to Puerto Rico, Latin stars are taking popular culture by storm. The breakaway success of Ricky Martin, the surprising popularity of The Buena Vista Social Club, and the chart-topping status of Marc Anthony all point to the emergence of Latin stars and culture in American society.

Suave is a provocative look at some of the most famous, and even infamous Latin men of our time. Before Banderas there was Rudolph Valentino. Before Freddie Prinze Jr. there were Prinze Sr., Desí Arnáz, Ricardo Montalban, and a host of others. From the music worlds of salsa, merengue, rock, and hip-hop to the silver screen and the glossy pages of magazines, Latin men intrigue us. From serious politicians to artists and athletes, this collection of extraordinary photographs demonstrates how these new superstars and unforgettable icons can play every role. Here is a snapshot of the men who embody culture and style and shape trends. Suave pays homage to those men-- past and present-- who changed the way America looks, thinks, eats, and dances.

Carmen Armillas has worked for Playboy, Maxim, O: The Oprah Magazine, New Woman, Stuff, Madison, and Heart & Soul. Born, raised, and educated in the Midwest, she is a freelance writer now living in New York City.

Eric Gutierrez developed his sense of style as a street musician in France, a writer in Hollywood and by traveling across time zones documenting international trends for lifestyle, culture, and adventure magazines around the globe. His latest incarnation is as a senior fashion editor in New York City, where he lives with his dog Dutch.

Robyn Moreno, a native of Texas, is a former editor at Latina magazine. She is currently developing a travel show and plans to travel to Mexico to report for Time Latin America. She lives in New York City.