Not too long ago, a man in a pussy-bow blouse could only have got the shirt from his grandmother’s closet. It would have been considered subversive – even if the man was David Bowie.
Today, that tale has been completely transformed. Not only are men wearing cardigans, sarongs and bows (okay, bow ties), women are stealing from their lovers and/or grandpas and wearing their clothes to work – monogram pyjama tops, anyone? Fashion has become less cut and dried; the line between black and white has blurred, and the grey area has become representative of a brand new gender neutrality.
The proof is in the clothing – Gucci’s autumn 2015 menswear runway show featured both male and female models in ladylike chiff on blouses, tight sweaters and slacks, a marked departure from its hitherto flamboyant, but nowhere near feminine, aesthetic. The gender divide was also fuzzy over at Prada, which showed its autumn 2015 menswear collection together with its women’s pre-autumn collection, with models strutting down the runway in standard-issue shortsleeved shirts and black lab coats.
We’re not advocating that you run out and buy a lace blouse (unless you so fancy). Gender neutrality is ultimately not about fey; it’s about function. Famously gender-neutral labels like Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons have amassed numerous fans with their avant-garde pieces for years.
Earlier this year, London high-end department store Selfridges launched a multi-label pop-up concept space called Agender, selling genderless fashion, accessories and beauty products. Its aim is to remove notions of “his” and “hers”, and to allow shoppers “to find (their) most desired item by colour, fit and style”.
A genius idea if you ask us – after all, a gender-neutral shopping experience means that there’s just as much in it for you as for your partner. And you both get to wear the pants.
