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Gender In Fashion In The 21st Century - Chapter Three

  • Writer: Grace Waltham
    Grace Waltham
  • Apr 16
  • 5 min read

Chapter Three  

Upon exploring gender in the 21st century from a designer’s perspective, one’s opinion is formed based on the way in which they want to explore gender in their own work. For my personal approach as a designer, I believe in gender inclusive design and how it can contribute to a collective progressive outlook. With so many ways of utilising fashion as a form of self-expression and an influx of gender fluidity becoming more prevalent, it is more important than ever that as a collective the world continues to become increasingly accepting of individuals making their own decisions about fashion. Supporting gender fluidity as a tool for everyone to access, should they feel compelled to do so, means more garments and accessories need to be designed in a gender inclusive way with more than one gender or body type in mind (one is often associated with another, despite efforts to eradicate this way of thinking.) It is understandable that brands tend to have a target audience in mind when designing to establish a niche and really focus on providing products that they connect with within that community of people, but this still can build barriers instead of working to break them down, specifically regarding body shapes, types and sizes. For example, a plus size transgender woman wanting to wear a ‘womenswear’ brand may face difficulties in finding something suitable fit wise, because their body type is not considered when designing.

I think it could be important to establish a specific style for my brand but offer ranges of sizes and shapes that can fit a larger group of people – especially for collections released to the public. This could include boxier fits and non-restrictive features that are designed to enhance a specific form. A bespoke service could also be offered to help individuals bring their vision of their personal style to life. Guiding someone with creating their own garment(s) that become staples for their wardrobe not only builds a foundation for a capsule wardrobe but also promotes longevity. Tailoring garments to a person’s body is a way to ensure a client will keep their clothes for longer and contributes to a slower fashion model.



When thinking about general collections I would release, it could be interesting to use hyper feminine and hyper masculine features, perhaps in an ironic way. It is often difficult to distinguish some of these features, given they are more normalised for more genders, but perhaps the more obvious differentiators could have an interesting effect. 

  

Another consideration for my own work is marketing. To reflect the range of sizes I would offer, a range of models differing in dress size would be used. Models would also vary in gender identity, thus reflecting my brand identity and beliefs. Campaigns would be composed in the same way, and I wouldn’t bear gender in mind as a demographic to target. I would instead target people that enjoy a specific style or aesthetic in fashion. 


These considerations are focused on The Western society in which I have analysed, as this is (geographically speaking) where my consumer would be based. If I was to focus on a different consumer base geographically speaking, I would explore this further. 




Telfar Sweat Jeans and Jacket

(2025)



Overall, my mindset as a designer (and as a person) should eradicate previous pre-determined notions of gendered dress. I should continuously educate myself and improve my language to be inclusive of everyone. It is important to note that gender fluidity is not for everyone, and many feel secure in the gender they have been assigned since birth. Gender fluidity and inclusive design is not meant for derailing this sentiment or brands that cater to this form of gender expression but rather creating space for those who want to explore their gender identity more, and for improving the acceptance of this notion as a society. By encouraging and producing more inclusive and fluid design ideas, I hope to achieve more possibilities of fashion design and contribute to a future in which anybody feels comfortable to experiment with whatever fashion feels right to them.






  

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