Androgyny has taken over the runway, but what about society?

Gender specific clothing no longer matters in fashion. However, it makes one wonder if Androgyny will move past the runway and fashion. If society is all about diversity, free spirits, and open-minds why does it take so long to adjust to change? It’s almost 2017 and society still hasn't fully accepted androgyny fashion. Women can get away with men’s clothing, a man in women’s clothing is a double standard. Have we become accustomed to what society tells us what is right and wrong? Clothing is just clothes at the end of the day, so why take it so seriously.

Photo: GQ Fashion in the 17th century, King Louis XIV

Whether we realize it or not, gender is in fashion. To be honest, how far have we come in fashion? The world is finally opening their eyes to the possibilities of gender that go beyond the categories of male and female. Designers are tired of this stigma, and many are taking strides to blur the lines in gender clothing. Designers, such as Alessandro Michele for Gucci, have taken the necessary steps to combine their men's and women's fashion week. Times are changing, and it’s evident in the way the younger generation is engaging with today’s fashion. The switch to androgyny fashion by designers is way to embrace the cultural shift in attitudes towards gender.
​
Is the evolution of fashion to blame for the norms we have become accustomed to? It seems as though decades ago, finding a man wearing a skirt was rather normal. Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs wore wrap skirts, which were similar to modern day kilts. It wasn’t until the early Victorian period that we noticed male dress being dominated by suits, shirts and ties. Or could it simply be that Western culture, just isn’t with the program? Outside the western culture male clothing does include skirts, and other skirt like garments; areas such as: Africa, Asia, India and Sri Lanka.

David Beckham, 1998

It has been decades, and men’s fashion is just now growing. Is society saying women can be fashionable, but not men? Trends change every day, but the clothing found in the men’s department seems to be the same clothing. Men don’t have many options, just the typical shirts, dress shirts, jeans, dress pants, and that seems pretty much it. Think about it like this, when jeans came back in the limelight there was skinny, boot- legged, and low risers, etc. But, what about for men? Even when it comes to sizes offered women have more options. So, why are we giving guys such a hard time for shopping in the women’s department? If Bruce Jenner feels comfortable coming out as Caitlyn, and celebrities such as Kanye West and David Beckham have worn skirts paired with sweatpants or jeans, then why can’t society jump on board.

David Bowie, 1971

Jaden Smith, 2016

Who are we to make a judgement on a man’s sexulity if he chooses to go outside the norm? Young aspiring Jaden Smith, has fallen victim to this scrutiny. Jaden has become known for his eccentric, genderless fashion, but at what cost? Individual’s question his style, sexuality, and even his parents. We state that fashion is all about new ideas, and conventions and pushing boundaries. But, when we have fashion leaders like Jaden Smith pushing the norm why does society have to question it. When did fashion become a stigma, and that either something can be right or wrong. Fashion never cared about what anyone thinks, as long as it could provoke individuals to think. Smith is stepping outside the norm, and refuses to conform to the gender roles. Now the face of Louis Vuitton womenswear, Smith is shifting the gender norms in not only fashion, but advertising. He’s pushing back, who can dictate who can or can’t express themselves through clothing.  

Young Thug, 2016

One might say masculinity is being challenged which the gender neutral dressing. But, it’s dominating fashion shows, fashion labels and brands. It isn’t about a man wearing a skirt, it’s about changing the mindset. Men use to buy clothes they needed, now they are trying new things. We all know Mick Jagger was the first, wearing a Mr. Fish “man dress” in 1969. This season Acne Studios left the internet buzzing about the 12- year old boy wearing giant shades, heels, and a memorable mauve wool coat. This isn’t about people wanting to break boundaries, but about changing society’s perception on fashion. Until fashion can acknowledge the gender privilege women, androgyny will only be a fad.

Society needs to get with the program, and adjust to change. Androgyny is more than a fad, and is moving past the runway. It is the innovators and early adopters, that challenge the way society views fashion. Gender no longs play a major role in fashion, the line that once separated mens and womens fashion is nonexistent. Are you on board?

Course Name: FSH 617 01: MS: Introduction to Fashion Journalism
Instructor: Stephan Rabimov

May 12, 2015