Fashion’s New Frontier: Pushing the boundaries of gender norms
London, United Kingdom
The rise in gender fluid fashion is an interesting phenomenon and a sector that continues to grow. John Lewis have abolished boys and girls labels on its children’s clothing whilst H&M have released a unisex denim line.
There is a popular question at Oxford interviews: why are ties smart? I’d like to pose a similar one - why are dresses feminine? The answer to both, of course is because we think they are! Kilts aren’t effeminate because cultures develop differently as do their conceptions of masculinity and femininity. For the tribes of the Amazon, women were often the warriors and providers, whilst in Scotland Kilts are a traditional sign of strength and masculinity.
Designing clothing that works for both men and women is providing a unique and interesting challenge to designers but the complete break down of men and women’s sections remains unlikely and perhaps undesirable - men and women have different body types and in the same way that clothes should be designed for a multitude of body sizes so should specifically designed clothing for men and women, to some extent, remain. Particularly as inclusivity is about diversity and fashion, brands should continue to provide a range of options for men, women and the more androgynous. In terms of androgyny the rise of gender queer fashion is bringing to break down our conception of gendered clothing - men in dresses, women in suits challenging our conception of clothing and gender
Brazen designers too are beginning to challenge our ideas about gender and clothing, so when it comes to men - dresses are no longer just for drag queens!
“Because art without meaning is just decoration”
Fashion is art. When you go into your wardrobe and pick out an outfit, remind yourself that your body is a canvas - say something with it, with the clothes you wear, because art without meaning is just decoration! When you shop on the New Edit, don’t feel confined by gender or what society expects you to wear, pick the clothes that speak to you, that will say something about you and is true to your personal values and beliefs.
Because fashion and the wider world are becoming more inclusive of the diverse spectrum of gender, as designers have become more daring in pushing the boundaries of what men and women are traditionally expected to wear.
Samson Royston, February 2020
