Imagine a scenario where sharing a closet was taken one step further. That regardless of your significant other’s sex or gender identity, clothes could be shopped for, chosen, and worn freely by both parties, without judgment. Although society is slowly showing signs of progression with regards to this, the fashion world has almost always held on to an antiquated dichotomy until recently.
Now, countless young designers and established brands and either showing both collections together, marketing them through diverse models and visuals and we’re collectively moving towards a space where labels won’t really matter.
Of course, this is taking time – and in the face of the Trump’s of this world and a regressive mindset, there’s so much still to fight for.
The fashion industry is definitely focusing on more than just the typical cycling of menswear looks into women’s runway shows. But why? It’s definitely largely in part due to the celebrity (and digital/media) influences that are shaking up the status quo, as well as the transformative gender ideals that designers have been experimenting with in response to the evolution and growing support for the trans community.
Jaden and Willow Smith are the perfect modern examples of humans actively fighting for a more progressive future. This has also been supported in the editorials and campaigns that they’ve been part of recently – for example this shoot by Steven Klein for Interview Magazine. Not only do Jaden and Willow wear clothing that society would normally label for “men” and “women,” but they also speak openly to Interview magazine about their experimental sense of fashion and how that’s allowed them to feel comfortable wearing the highly androgynous looks they sport for the photo shoot.
Androgynous fashion isn’t anything new, but marketing aside, it is also important to let the product speak for itself instead of turning it into a contemporary hook. However, the marked differences between now and then are the new generational values and social openness towards gender fluidity in general. Although far from perfect, people are able to dress how they want with far less judgment than ever before. On a personal level, I’ve been wearing man-dresses for quite some time and in general, jeans have long been a sought after pan-gender staple for sometime now. There are “boyfriend” styles targeted specifically for women, but actually wearing the denim designed “for him” is just fine, too. I’m also a big fan of skinny jeans designed for women, but worn by guys. Sizing up and choosing something with a bit of stretch gives a trendy, fitted look that won’t get baggy as the day goes on.
With that said, it’s ultimately up to us, the consumers and the public to help bring this more progressive mindset into the mainstream. When we continue to abide by the rigid roles we’re used to, then that is precisely what we’ll be offered. Step outside the box today, and everyday, in an attempt to catalyse this open mindedness and acceptance for all.
