Fashion’s Gender Fluid Movement
Gender expression in fashion has always been prevalent throughout history. However, it has recently begun to shift fashion designers’ viewpoints, such as major brand Louis Vuitton, who famously showcased Jaden Smith sporting a skirt in 2016. On the runway in 2017, Public School styled a man wearing a plaid shirt with baggy pants and a zipper, followed by a woman wearing the same shirt as a dress. This allowed distinction between the models but confined their models to assigned gender roles.
There are few brands ready for this movement. Inhabit announced its first genderless collection last fall, Norma Kamali proclaimed her brand to be unisex last year, Umit Benan launched unisex line B+, and Equipment launched a gender-fluid collection in spring 2020. In order to take steps forward, we have to acknowledge the distinction between gender expression and sexuality. And how they appear to be lumped together.
It is important to start promoting genderless fashion and start reintroducing gender roles in the fashion world. Fashion designer John Galliano said that we should stop conforming to the performative gender clothing and that he himself has crafted dressmaking for men and women. He also stated that we should be rid of the preconceived notion of what is masculine and feminine. It is also important that designers see this change as a long term idea for their brand, and not perceive it as dipping their toe in the water.
Strike Out,
Writer: Ana Hernandez
Boca Raton