GENDER FLUID FASHION

I am writing this from my point of view as a gay cis male who has never had any hang-ups about gender identity. I have worked in the theatre world, the drag world, and the fashion world. All these communities have always been open to gender nonconformity. In covering fashion shows over the past years gender fluid fashion has become more prominent.

 Gender-fluid fashion has always been present throughout various cultures and periods, as individuals who defy traditional norms have sought unique avenues to express themselves through clothing. It is crucial to recognize that this is not merely a passing trend but rather a long-overdue acknowledgment of the most influential factions within the fashion industry.

MENSWEAR GENDER FLUID LOOKS S/S 2024

The menswear collections for the coming S/S 2024 season showed many pieces that had a gender-fluid feel. In my opinion, this movement in menswear mirrors society, but also is groundbreaking and forward-thinking. The fashion industry is going through a big change toward gender-neutral fashion. More and more people are wearing clothes that don't conform to any single gender.

Some of my favorites from the recent "menswear" collections included full metallic trousers shown by Will Chavarria in New York. The label GMBH showed some white clothes playing with traditional silhouettes in Paris. S.S Dailey played with his take on the English upper-class queer culture, researching early to mid 20th Century photographs and staging his collection in an artist's home/studio. Dior Men had cardigans studded with jewels and high-skirted tailoring. Tweedy jackets and leopard print awed in the Dior Men collection. A peach tweed coat is a favorite. Gender, was a playful pull between masculine and feminine at the New York show of Palomo Spain. While the clothes were shown on men, they could be worn by anyone. Saint Laurent's menswear collection juxtaposed masculine and feminine with suiting and non-traditional fabrics like chiffon.

Of course these are only a few examples of the diversity that the S/S 2024 collections had to offer. However they show how the gender norms of the past are being challenged.

GENDER FLUID FASHION AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY

As both fashion and society progressively embrace non-binary and gender-fluid self-expression, it becomes imperative for brands and prominent figures in the fashion world to sustain this momentum. This entails actively supporting and promoting inclusivity, ensuring all individuals feel empowered to express their true selves through fashion.

By embracing gender fluidity in fashion, brands and fashion leaders have the opportunity to not only tap into a growing market, but to make a profound impact on society. This movement represents a powerful shift toward a more inclusive and accepting world where individuals are free to explore and celebrate their unique identities.

To maintain this momentum, it is essential for brands to actively engage with and listen to the voices of gender-fluid individuals. By collaborating with diverse designers and models, fashion can become a platform for empowerment and self-expression, breaking down the barriers that have long confined individuals to rigid gender norms.

Furthermore, it is crucial for fashion brands to educate themselves and their consumers about the significance of gender fluidity. By fostering understanding and awareness, they can dismantle harmful stereotypes and create a more inclusive fashion landscape.

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, gender-fluid fashion is not a fad but a powerful movement that demands attention and support. Brands and players in the fashion industry must seize this opportunity to champion inclusivity, empower individuals, and contribute to a more accepting society. Let us embrace this bold and transformative journey towards a fashion world that celebrates the beauty of diversity.

CIA FOR NOW J.ANDREW