While most part of the older generation is still struggling with the mere notion of gender fluidity, in this very moment, out there, countless millennial and Z generation shoppers are searching for inspiration, buying clothes that can freely and creatively express a newly defined – or undefined – sexual identity. For these open-minded new generations who don’t fit in a box, gender fluidity is a very clear concept that is becoming a key factor even for the fashion sector. Both designers and retailers are starting to take this into account, in order to be able to respond to a demand that comes from an increasingly diverse clientele. But how would one define a gender fluid style? The concept goes well beyond the idea of subverting the fashion clichés so deeply rooted in our culture. Blue is for boys and pink for girls, we were thought, but just changing the rules is not sufficient now.
And it is not about creating or selling unisex clothing either, in the sense of neutral clothes that uniform and minimise sexuality. We could say that
while unisex collections are an understatement of gender and sexuality, levelling male and female designs under rather anonymous clothing, on the contrary gender fluid fashion is a fierce statement about the freedom to exhibit a very personal style, an unexpected self-portrait that disregards all gender norms and celebrates diversity. It’s about the right to represent everyone’s own sexual identity, beyond all ancient boundaries, taking in the fact that the perspective may change at any time. The results may be surprising some times at first sight, but they are often amazing in terms of style, innovation, creativity and expressiveness.
Obviously, the softening of the borders that divide genders is becoming a new source of inspiration, and fashion brands are increasingly proposing fluid atmospheres, designing garments that can appeal to both the feminine and the masculine, seeking an interpretation that is not binary, where a personal style, creative and unique – from the gender point of view as well – can take shape.
Italian fashion, as a world leader in terms of forward-thinking and creativity, is not going to step behind in the acknowledgment of the new gender perception. In Italy, the gender fluid fashion was anticipated, years back, by Italian designer, Giorgio Armani. The most peculiar trait of Armani, in fact,
has always been a fluid inspiration, capable of moving graciously from the female to the male universe and back, claiming and merging, for both genders indistinctively, sweetness and empowerment. Already at the beginning of the 80s’ Armani deconstructed the male ⁹ in order to adapt it elegantly to the feminine body, and started making male garments with soft fabrics, gifting the masculine wardrobe with effortlessly sophisticated pieces that, before then, belonged only to women.
At the beginning of FW 21/22 season, Italian luxury brand Gucci has launched MX, a gender fluid collection with its own dedicated section even on the official website. Presenting the collection, the Italian world-wide famous brand has clearly stated its intention, which is to celebrate self-expression in the name of gender equality, and to emphasize the dissolving lines of the gender divide, portraying the masculine and the feminine as very ephemeral and relative concepts. This dynamic and pioneering starting point will surely reflect on future collections by other brands, both Italian and international, be it high-end collections, or ready-to-wear productions, encouraging designers to take similar assertive steps towards inclusiveness. Let’s take note, as this is certainly not just a trend, but rather the evidence of a new cultural behaviour that is here to stay.
Sofashion 