Although I didn't meet with my Race, Gender & Mass Media class this week because of the labor day holiday, I could not help but continue my search about how gender roles are shaping up in the last decade. Yesterday, on September 6, the Nation celebrated Fashion's Night Out! At work we celebrated the our love for fashion and allowed our customers to see an exclusive first look at one of our local designers, Three Bishops, new fall collection. In conjunction with the world's most iconic fashion extravaganza, I found an article from one of my favorite blogs, CollegeFashion. The article focused on how gender roles are being challenged in the 21st century in the world of Fashion & Modeling. The main point of the article was to show the timeline and progression of gender stereotypes in fashion and how companies are using models to change these roles.
Writer Carrie, explains how designers have always searched for avant-garde and unconventional looks compared to the time period. Fashion is known for continuously changing and this evolution would not be present without designers looking to constantly change the norms. Back in the 50's this meant finding models who weren't exactly "beautiful" according to society's standards. However recently this means finding models who cross a fair line between feminine and masculine. I've noticed that before 1990's models were always distinctly female with very feminine traits like long eyelashes, curvy silhouette and dolled up faces. However more recently women with masculine traits have been used in runway shows to keep the audience "on their toes." Messy hair, elongated faces and strong jawlines have been present. The most radical change is happening now in the fashion world though. Today transsexual models are being used to match the innovative and unpredictable personality of the fashion industry. I am personally thrilled at the industry's acceptance of all people and their push for social change. Regardless of gender identity, designers and top fashion houses are stepping outside of the gender stereotype boundaries. I do know that no matter how innovative these runway shows are with models, it will take a drastic amount of time for the world to be "gender/color blind." However, fashion is a powerful influence over how the world views what exactly is considered "normal" and "standard" for that time period.
 |
| Masculine Models |
 |
| Short Hair and Strong Jawline |
Accepting change and originality is exactly what Fashion's Night Out is about. It's celebrating fashion's influence on the creative arts and for men and women all over the world to express their passion for being unique.
Here's an interesting website that shows famous transgender models, including Lea T and Claudia Charriez.
 |
| Model Claudia Charriez |
 |
| Model Lea T |
No comments:
Post a Comment