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August 29, 2023 by Viktor Nikolovski Leave a Comment — In a rapidly evolving fashion landscape, the traditional distinction between men’s and women’s clothing is fading. Modern fashion brands

August 29, 2023 by Viktor Nikolovski Leave a Comment

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In a rapidly evolving fashion landscape, the traditional distinction between men’s and women’s clothing is fading. Modern fashion brands challenge conventional norms, crafting garments that transcend traditional gender boundaries. This article delves into the transformation of fashion, tracing its journey from rigid gender-specific styles to the fluidity of unisex fashion.

The austerity and practicality of menswear is a relatively recent phenomenon. Before the 19th century, European men flaunted a diverse and vivid wardrobe that attracted women’s attention. The 17th century witnessed women emulating men’s styles, adopting hairstyles, country clothing, and even pipe smoking. This trend extended to the adoption of heels, once a staple of men’s fashion. Women wanted to dress like men, to embrace masculinity. But as the 19th century dawned, fashion trends shifted.

Men’s fashion has become more simplistic and practical. Jewellery and elaborate attire gave way to understated, minimalist clothing, while vivid colors, embellishments, and even fashion-consciousness became synonymous with femininity. This division was further intensified through the 20th century until iconic figures like Coco Chanel ignited a revolution.

Inspired by sailor attire, she introduced “sail pants” for women, a precursor to the wide-legged pants that are now a modern fashion staple. Yves Saint Laurent further challenged conventions by introducing the women’s tuxedo, defying societal norms and granting women a sense of empowerment. And if women can wear pantsuits, why can’t men wear skirts? This question was the catalyst for a new fashion transformation.

The 1990s witnessed a further evolution of unisex fashion, obliterating the rigid dichotomy between men’s and women’s wardrobes. In this era, size was the only factor distinguishing garments.

Gender-neutral clothing is once again a topic of discussion in the fashion industry. It started with JW Anderson, boldly defying gender norms by introducing gender-neutral collections on the prestigious London runway. Initially met with skepticism, Anderson’s unisex bow blouses left the public perplexed. Yet the visionary couturier continued pushing boundaries, ushering unisex fashion into the mainstream and winning over a growing fanbase.

The influence of this trend was soon amplified by other notable designers, further solidifying its place in the industry. Riccardo Tisci, the visionary creative director of Givenchy at that time, embraced the movement by introducing knitted trouser-style skirts on the runway. This audacious step blurred traditional lines and demonstrated the seamless compatibility of various clothing elements, regardless of their historically assigned gender.

The wave of unisex fashion didn’t stop there. Miuccia Prada, a venerable name in the fashion world, threw her weight behind the movement. She boldly declared her intention to dismantle gender boundaries, showcasing ensembles that effortlessly combined men’s clothing with women’s shoes. This proclamation resonated strongly, serving as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of unisex fashion.

Recently, the blurring of gender distinctions in fashion has become an entrenched norm. Crossover shows, where models from both sexes strut the runway adorned in similar attire, have become emblematic of this paradigm shift. Alessandro Michele, the creative force behind Gucci, encapsulates this sentiment succinctly, asserting that the fusion of women’s and men’s fashion feels innately organic, and unisex fashion is not a passing phase but a movement that will change the fashion industry forever.

Unisex fashion has transcended its origins on luxury runways, extending its influence across all market segments. This transformative movement has found a home not only in premium brands like Gucci, Rick Owens, and Rad Hourani but also in the mass market domain, with H&M and Zara championing gender-neutral attire. The unisex wave has even surged into children’s fashion, significantly departing from traditional norms.

John Lewis, a prominent player in the retail landscape, has made a resounding declaration of change. The company has opted to eliminate gender-based divisions within its children’s collections. This pioneering move toward unisex kid’s clothing reflects a progressive ethos, where labels will embrace more inclusive descriptors than “girls and boys”. Such steps indicate an industry evolution that seeks to break free from traditional pigeonholes and foster a more open and diverse environment.

In recent years, more and more brands have embraced gender-neutral clothing, further fueling the movement’s trajectory toward mainstream acceptance. As the fashion industry undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, it is clear that the unisex revolution is not only redefining wardrobes but also reshaping perceptions and challenging conventional norms.

In 2015, Tokyo Girls, a Japanese brand, embarked on a bold path, mirroring the innovative strides of Western fashion houses. Their runway presentation showcased a mix of men’s and women’s clothing, featuring male models in bow-adorned blouses, lace-trimmed overalls, and even striking wedding dresses.

This show left an indelible mark on Japanese fashion sensibilities, sparking the emergence of an entirely new subculture – Genderless Kei, an asexual style that defies traditional gender norms. Within this movement, male celebs proudly embrace vibrant, feminine ensembles complemented by painted nails, artistic makeup, and captivating coloured contact lenses.

However, the phenomenon of men wearing skirts and dresses goes beyond mere novelty. Icons from various fields have confidently sported these garments, exemplifying a paradigm shift in the perception of fashion and gender. Legends like Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have unapologetically graced stages in daring magazine dresses. Similarly, rap luminaries Kanye West and Diddy have boldly taken to kilts during their performances. This trend extends to diverse artists, including Robbie Williams, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, Jonathan Davis of Korn, and Jared Leto, who consistently challenges conventional attire by embracing skirts and dresses as part of his signature style.

Among these trailblazers, Young Thug stands apart by seamlessly integrating women’s clothing into his everyday wardrobe. This self-assured rapper has embraced this unique style since the age of twelve, firmly asserting that unconventional clothing doesn’t diminish his masculinity but enhances his identity as a man.

The resounding success and widespread acceptance of unisex fashion mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of style and culture. As fashion continues to evolve, gender-specific store sections may become irrelevant, ushering in an era of boundless sartorial freedom. With forward-thinking designers at the forefront, championing a world where clothing transcends prescribed gender roles, unisex fashion not only reshapes the industry but also mirrors a profound societal transformation towards a more inclusive and accepting future.

Photo provided by the author.

Filed Under: Everyday Life Tagged With: fashion, gender norms, modern fashion, titleys.com.au