Wardrobe Liberation: Exploring Gender Fluidity

Youth who identify as gender non-conforming may face difficulties due to societal expectations of "normal". They may face prejudice and discrimination because of their changing gender identity and expression, which may run counter to cultural expectations of a fixed gender development. Not only may certain members of the cisgender community discriminate against transgender people, but some members of the transgender community may not completely accept their gender fluidity because they believe they are not “truly” transgender.

For those who have rigid notions about gender, the fluidity of a young person's gender expression—such as dressed femininely one day and masculinely the next—may be confusing or disturbing. The uncertainty or danger that comes with a shifting gender identity could fuel more prejudice or miscommunication among different groups.

Carla Hernando, a 26-year-old who discovered their non-binary identity during the solitude of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, embarked on a transformative journey during Pride Month. This exploration led to a profound resonance with concepts like non-binary and gender fluidity, reshaping their understanding of identity from conventional gender norms to a more fluid and flexible outlook.

"One day I wake up and feel more feminine, and maybe I want to wear a crop top and put earrings on," Carla shares. Fashion allows Carla to express themselves in such a way.

Gender fluidity for Carla represents a non-labeling descriptor, enabling them to uniquely express themselves each day by embracing both feminine and masculine presentations interchangeably. However, societal expectations and environments sometimes challenge their desired expression of gender fluidity, influencing how they present themselves.

Initially feeling different from typical gender identities, Carla struggled to find an appropriate label. As a gender-fluid individual, they now find freedom in rejecting societal gender norms, expressing their identity authentically, and communicating their preferred pronouns to others. However, challenges persist, such as explaining non-gendered pronouns to family and encountering invasive questions from friends.

Despite obstacles, embracing their gender fluidity has empowered Carla to set clearer boundaries in relationships and prioritize personal comfort

Experts note the rise in young people expressing gender fluidity, reflecting a broader societal trend toward recognizing diverse gender identities. This growing awareness is facilitated by accessible information and online communities.

The evolution of gender fluid fashion is rooted in history across various cultures and timeframes as a mode of self-expression for non-conforming individuals. In the West, traditional gender divides emerged with the transition to market economies. Men's and women's fashion experienced shifts over time, with moments of rebellion against traditional gender norms. Icons like Mick Jagger, Aaliyah, and Missy Elliot blurred the lines between masculine and feminine elements, shaping popular trends seen today, such as cargo pants and oversized clothing for women. 

The current visibility of gender non-conforming individuals, partly attributed to Gen Z, signifies a reality rather than just a trend throughout history. As society and fashion become more accepting, it's crucial for brands to continue embracing gender-fluid self-expression.

Gender-neutral clothing emerges as a symbol of societal progression, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity. It represents a shift away from associating specific clothing with genders, emphasizing individual comfort and happiness over societal expectations. Individuals can find solace in being true to themselves, no longer seeking external validation to establish their identity.

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References:

Morgan McMichaels

Thomas White accidentally fell into drag in 2001, but soon realized how much of an impact it had on the LGBTQ community. Inspired by the transforming potential of drag, Thomas created Morgan McMichaels, Thomas' alter persona.

In the Southern California drag scene, Morgan has gained recognition for her captivating stage presence and extraordinary ability to play a variety of characters, including Pink, Joan Collins, and David Bowie.

Although Morgan did not win any of the seasons she competed in on RuPaul's Drag Race or All Stars, her talent, competitive spirit, sass, and real honesty won her a lot of respect from fans. Her consistent work ethic has brought her several opportunities, including the chance to perform with industry legends such as Lady Gaga.

Morgan McMichaels appears in this unique promo moment from Season 2 and radiates a powerful aura. She has a strong presence while being completely covered in black, save for the white item that is interwoven with white ribbon underneath her black outfit. She is dressed in a chic, short black dress that skillfully straddles the boundaries between conventional gender-based fashion standards. She boldly wears tall, striking black high-heeled boots that go well with this bold outfit, enhancing her stature and self-assurance.

Accentuating her fierce ensemble, Morgan accessorizes her powerful suit with statement earrings that dangle and swing with every deliberate movement, giving the entire look an extra dose of intensity. Her makeup is amazing; it draws attention to her eyes with a seductive black smoky eye that makes her gaze stronger and gives off an air of strength and determination. Every aspect of her look comes together to produce a powerful portrayal that defies gender norms and highlights Morgan McMichaels' daring style.

2. Delta Work

"You are not Delta Burke, you are Delta Work!"

Gabriel A. Villarreal, better known by the stage name Delta Work, is a well-known American drag performer who gained notoriety for participating in RuPaul's Drag Race Season 3. Among her many achievements is the Primetime Emmy Award she received for Outstanding Hairstyling for the program. Prior to taking over as host of Very Delta, she co-hosted the podcast Very That.

After meeting Miss Coco Peru and starting her drag career, Delta took on her character while playing Delta Burke, getting the nickname "Delta Work." Although Delta finished seventh in the competition following a memorable lip sync with Manila Luzon, she continued to participate in the following seasons as a guest, audience member, and even as RuPaul's personal wig stylist.

"Very Delta," a podcast hosted by Delta that has been a mainstay in the drag world for more than 20 years, debuted in 2022 and features LGBTQ+ guests discussing major subjects. Acclaimed for her captivating demeanor, adept lip-sync skills, and remarkable live performances, continues to contribute to the Drag Race culture, leaving an an enduring impression. 

This stunning "Best Assets" runway ensemble from Season 3 by Delta Work amazes audiences with a brilliantly designed appearance. Delta purposefully draws attention to her silhouette by embracing and accentuating her curves. 

Dressed in a stunning black mermaid tail gown, the material shimmers gently beneath the runway lights, highlighting Delta's "Best Assets" with irresistible charm. Her contours are perfectly hugged by the gown, creating a stunning experience. Her bold, long, sparkly earrings, which hang gently and give even more glitz to her costume, perfectly match her outfit.

Although her deliberate attention to highlighting her figure may go against popular belief, Delta unapologetically displays her attractiveness and confidence through drag. Her onstage presence pushes boundaries, demonstrating drag's ability to reimagine beauty standards and captivate audiences with its unique talent. Delta Work shines with beauty, and she utilizes drag to show the world.

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“In April 2019, Parker Van Noord, the son of one of the most famous faces of menswear in the '90s, Andre van Noord, told Vogue Paris that he felt sexiest when wearing a crop top,” (Verheyen, 2023).

Men can embrace crop tops as a means to affirm their bodies and actively confront societal stigmas surrounding their bodies in public settings.

Crop tops are a little far from being a new trend. While the use of crop tops has been limited within the general public, it has still been present since the 1980s. “Just think: Prince wore a crop top on stage, Dennis Rodman wore a crop top on the red carpet, and Mark Wahlberg wore a crop top in an advertisement for Calvin Klein,” (Verheyen, 2023).

David Mendoza from New York shares his experience wearing crop tops in this New York Times article:

“Mr. Mendoza started wearing crop tops about two years ago, he said, after noticing that some male fitness influencers he followed on Instagram wore them to exercise. ‘I was like, wow, they look really good, and it looks so normal,’ he said,” (Grillo, 2023).

Experiencing a moment of self-doubt in his crop top, Mendoza decided to challenge norms by posting a picture on Instagram, confidently captioned, "Let's normalize crop tops in the gym." To his surprise, this simple act sparked a ripple effect as more of his friends began sharing photos of themselves in crop tops, tagging Mendoza in a collective celebration of this newfound expression.

This narrative reflects a broader societal shift, wherein people are increasingly encouraged to break away from conventional fashion norms and define their own sense of style. The normalization of crop tops in this context becomes a symbol of the ongoing journey toward more inclusive and fluid expressions of identity through fashion.

While it was recently deleted from his feed, rapper Bad Bunny has embraced gender-fluid fashion by sharing an Instagram image of himself wearing a cropped sweater, signaling his endorsement of the crop top trend.

Likewise, rapper Lil Nas X has also continuously shown his support for the unisex crop top movement. He has attended several award shows, performances, guest appearances, and even runways, with a crop top. Lil Nas X has faced public backlash over his choice of clothing; the public continuously reveals its homophobia by their deep discomfort in seeing the rapper wear clothing that shows his skin in “feminine” ways.

Nonetheless, Lil Nas X still wears his outfits fiercely, and unapologetically. This is something that many individuals admire and may feel more comfortable wearing crop tops in public after seeing Lil Nas’ outfits on social media.

Social media platforms have proven instrumental in empowering individuals to embrace and express themselves authentically. For Mendoza and others, this expression took the form of crop tops, a style traditionally associated with different gender norms. The evolving landscape of fashion trends, coupled with the influence of social media, has played a crucial role in paving the way for more gender-fluid clothing choices.

Communities of content creators who support gender-fluid clothing have been initiated across all social media platforms. Creators have taken to TikTok to post their videos either showing they wear a crop top or how to make one yourself. This serves as another catalyst for change, in trying to modernize and develop society's standards on clothing.

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References:

1. JACQ takes an unapologetic stance when challenging traditional gender rules in clothing. At the heart of its motto, JACQ exclaims the celebration of creative self-representation. "JACQ offers something unique yet subtly understated, perfectly suited for everyday wear. Everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves with style, unburdened by the constraints of gender" (JACQ, 2023).

In practical terms, this philosophy manifests through the company's innovative approach to categorizing their clothing pieces, Rather than conforming to traditional gendered classifications, JACQ has chosen a path of inclusivity and acceptance. Every item in their collection is intentionally designed to be gender-less. This decision underscores their commitment to creating a fashion environment where individuals are free to express themselves authentically, regardless of societal expectations related to gender.

JACQ's commitment to offering gender-neutral clothing challenges the status quo and promotes a more inclusive and diverse perspective in the industry. By recognizing that style knows no gender boundaries, JACQ empowers people to explore their unique identities and foster a sense of self-expression that transcends conventional norms. In a world that is increasingly embracing diversity, JACQ stands as a beacon of change, encouraging everyone to embrace their individuality through fashion.

2. Senna Case is a brand that truly embodies inclusivity, breaking down age barriers by offering their clothing for both children and adults. This unique approach to fashion reflects a commitment to accommodating a diverse range of customers. In their efforts to make shopping more straightforward and accessible, Senna Case employs a clear and concise labeling system that simplifies the shopping experience.

When it comes to categorizing their clothing, Senna Case takes a straightforward approach by using only two labels: "Adult" and "Child." This separation makes it easy for customers to identify and select the right pieces, depending on their age and preferences. It streamlines the shopping process and eliminates the confusion that can sometimes arise from complex categorizations. Within these categories, Senna Case offers a well-organized selection of clothing items, further enhancing the shopping experience. Shoppers can choose from various subcategories such as "New Drop," "Tops," "Bottoms," "Sets," and "Accessories." This organization ensures that customers can quickly find the specific type of clothing they're looking for, whether it's a trendy new arrival, a stylish top, a comfortable bottom, or a set.

One of Senna Case's standout features is its ability to create a beautiful connection between adults and children through fashion. By making their adult clothing available in smaller sizes for children, they enable families to experience delightful "twin moments" where parents and kids can wear matching or coordinated outfits. This not only fosters a sense of unity within the family but also adds a fun and heartwarming element to the company's brand.

Senna Case's dedication to inclusivity, clear categorization, and the promotion of family bonding through fashion exemplify their commitment to providing a diverse and enjoyable shopping experience for customers of all ages. This approach not only begins to set them apart in the fashion industry but also speaks to the brand's values of unity, style, and accessibility.

3. Big Bud Press stands firm in its commitment to ethical and independent values, which is evident in the brand's dedication to being sweatshop-free and actively involved in the manufacturing process of its pieces. This hands-on approach ensures that the highest standards are maintained throughout production.

Embracing inclusivity, Big Bud Press showcases a diverse range of models on its website, breaking away from conventional beauty standards. The brand takes pride in featuring individuals who do not conform to the stereotypical expectations of a model, celebrating diversity and authenticity.

At the core of Big Bud Press's philosophy is the creation of unisex pieces, reflecting a commitment to breaking gender norms. The organization of their product categories, such as "Tops," "Bottoms," "Jumpsuits," "Many Colors," and "Bags + More," deliberately avoids gender classifications. Instead, the subcategories delve into specific styles, ensuring that the offerings cater to a broad and diverse audience.

This approach aligns with Big Bud Press's values and promotes a more inclusive and progressive representation in the fashion industry. The brand's dedication to ethical practices, diversity, and unisex designs collectively contributes to a unique and positive impact in the world of everyday fashion.

Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent.

Androgynonyous can be used to describe this show.

During the recent Paris Fashion Week, the designer, presented their latest collection, which showcases a unique direction: “to make no gender-based distinctions,” (Brewer, 2023). This collection effectively combines the iconic 1980s power suit and oversized blazers with a modern twist. A standout ensemble from the collection featured a sleek black suit with pronounced broad shoulders and tailored, slim trousers, accompanied by a sheer black cape. This reimagining of a timeless style presented a compelling new viewpoint. Ultimately, Saint Laurent achieved a fusion of feminine and masculine elements in their fashion, blurring traditional boundaries.

"'For our generation, everyone can wear a dress or jeans -- it's about expressing yourself,' says Florentin Glemarec, one half of the young design duo Egon Lab..." (Hirschmiller, 2023).

Creative Director Ludovic de Saint Sernin for Ann Demeulemeester.

This particular look for the designer's latest collection at PFW 2023, challenges multiple traditional fashion gender norms. The cropped jacket, embellished with fringe-like fur on the sleeves and along the jacket's opening, stands out as a statement piece that defies conventional expectations.

This dress challenges societal norms that dictate gender and clothing choices. There's often discomfort when someone who doesn't fit the typical female image chooses to wear a dress. Ludovic de Saint Sernin boldly defies these stereotypes and expectations by making the dress transparent, pushing boundaries further. This transparency adds a layer of vulnerability to the designer's captivating creations, offering an inclusive perspective that welcomes anyone to embrace wearing a dress.

Creative Directors Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik for GmbH.

In their latest showcase at PFW 2023, Huseby and Isik celebrated the rich heritage of South Asian and Arab cultures. He achieved this by incorporating the classic style of a kaftan. Huseby and Isik's selection of a light blue mini kaftan notably challenges conventional gender clothing norms. By blending a garment as traditional and timeless as the kaftan with contemporary and more progressive elements, Huseby and Isik take a bold step. Opting for a shorter, mini kaftan explicitly promotes gender fluidity. What's more, the deep V-cut neckline and the pairing of the kaftan with long white boots align perfectly with Huseby and Isik's signature boundary-breaking style.

Despite these elements often associated with "feminine" fashion, Huseby and Isik embrace and normalize this style for men, defying stereotypical gender clothing rules. Huseby and Isik elegantly create a unique blend of traditional and progressive elements.

Paris Fashion Week 2023 served as a platform where designers boldly challenged traditional gender norms, presenting collections that epitomized the fluidity of gender on the runway. Figures like Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, Ludovic de Saint Sernin representing Ann Demeulemeester, and the innovative duo Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Isik of GmbH showcased collections that seamlessly intertwined masculine and feminine elements. These displays of gender fluidity redefined the boundaries of clothing and identity. Whether it was Saint Laurent's fusion of masculine tailoring with feminine accents, Ludovic de Saint Sernin's transparent dress challenging gender stereotypes, or Huseby and Isik's modern interpretation of heritage garments, each designer's creations embodied a spectrum of gender expressions. This collective effort among visionary designers represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and diverse fashion landscape, celebrating fashion as a vehicle for personal expression beyond traditional gender constructs.

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