Although gender-neutral fashion is not a new phenomenon, it has made a strong comeback in recent years. Influenced by celebrities and the media, this fashion above all reflects societal changes concerning gender and identity.
The 1980s saw the first wave of gender-neutral fashion. But it is only more recently that it has taken on a new dimension. The need for individuals to break free from traditional norms and enjoy greater freedom of expression has led to more inclusive and diverse fashion.
The late 20th century, precursor of gender-neutral fashion
The counter-culture movement of the last 30 years of the 20th century was a major inspiration for today’s gender-neutral fashion. During this period, social norms and established conventions were rejected by young people. And it was partly through new dress codes that opposition was expressed.
This was the period that saw the emergence of Punk, which had the audacity to mix feminine and masculine clothing. The New Wave style, too, popularised by music groups such as Depeche Mode, combined elements of dress designed to blur the traditional lines of gendered fashion.
Many artists became icons of genderless fashion at this time. Boy George, leader of the group Culture Club, made a significant impact with his daring androgynous style. David Bowie also brilliantly blurred the boundaries between the genders with his extravagant and androgynous costume choices.
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Gender-neutral fashion as a political and social message
Nowadays, gender-neutral fashion has evolved to link up with a section of society that is fighting to express and gain recognition for gender identity. We see more and more individuals having a personal perception of their own gender, i.e. being a man, a woman, both or neither.
These people express their identity ideals not only through their behaviour, but primarily through their clothing styles. By adopting non-gendered fashion, people make their gender identity more visible and recognisable, thereby facilitating social understanding and acceptance.
Non-gendered fashion is therefore associated with messages of diversity, inclusion and the fight against gender stereotypes. All the more so as it is now strongly supported by social movements and LGBTQ+ communities who see this trend as a way of expressing themselves and asserting their identity.
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Gender-neutral fashion takes centre stage
There’s no longer any room for doubt: the era of gender-neutral fashion is now firmly established, and has found support in many fields. The media, celebrities and designers have embraced the trend to make their voices heard, as well as the voices of those who are not in the public eye.
Artists, influencers and other celebrities are playing a crucial role in popularising genderless fashion. Many are wearing unisex clothing and defending gender fluidity. The likes of Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Jaden Smith spring to mind.
On the designer side, we’ve seen the emergence of brands that have made a name for themselves by creating gender-neutral collections. These include the highly committed Phluid Project and Telfar. Other well-known designers, such as Harris Reed, have not hesitated to explore the concept of gender fluidity in their creations.
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