Genderless Fashion: How Fashion Is Redefining Gender Boundaries

Fashion has always been a reflection of societal change, constantly reinventing itself over the decades. In recent years, genderless fashion has gained significant momentum, radically challenging traditional ideas of gender roles and clothing. It’s more than just a trend – it’s a movement that has firmly rooted itself in the fashion world.

Trousers Are for Men?

Fashion used to be strictly divided by gender. Men wore suits, while women donned skirts and dresses. The corset epitomised femininity, while sturdy fabrics and sharp cuts dominated masculine aesthetics. Yet, as early as the 20th century, a few trailblazers began to challenge these norms.

One of the most renowned was Coco Chanel, celebrated as a pioneer for dressing women in trousers and incorporating masculine elements into women’s fashion. Her iconic tweed suit revolutionised the fashion world, at least partially breaking down rigid gender barriers. Remarkably, some international luxury hotels still enforced a ban on women wearing trousers as late as the 1970s.

The First Steps Towards Genderless Fashion

In the 1980s, Jean-Paul Gaultier made waves with his iconic men’s skirts. He was one of the first designers to deliberately break away from gender-specific clothing, posing the question: Why should skirts be reserved exclusively for women? Likewise, Vivienne Westwood challenged the norms by presenting provocative, punk-inspired fashion that defied simple categorisation into male and female.

Another milestone came in the 1990s with the work of Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo. Their avant-garde designs shattered the boundaries of gender and form, creating voluminous, flowing silhouettes that prioritised individuality over gender distinction.

Genderless Fashion Today

Today, numerous brands have embraced the concept of gender-neutral fashion and are firmly establishing it within the fashion world.

Gucci (Alessandro Michele): Since 2015, Michele has championed androgynous fashion, challenging traditional gender stereotypes. His collections feature flowing dresses for men and bold suits for women, seamlessly establishing gender fluidity on the runway.

Telfar Clemens: With his eponymous brand, Telfar offers exclusively unisex designs. The iconic Telfar Bag, known as the “Bag for Everyone,” symbolises inclusivity and diversity.

Collina Strada: Hillary Taymour, the creative force behind the label, designs gender-neutral collections that are both sustainable and expressive. Her fashion represents self-expression and a conscious approach to resources.

Some prominent personalities have firmly established genderless fashion on the big stage, significantly shaping societal acceptance. One of the most notable names is Sam Smith. The British singer, who identifies as non-binary, openly expresses this through fashion. Whether performing or walking the red carpet, Smith chooses outfits that consciously break traditional gender roles. One of the most talked-about moments was at the Brit Awards 2023, where Smith stunned in a sensational, inflatable latex suit by Harri.

Another leading figure in genderless fashion is actor Ezra Miller, known for films like Fantastic Beasts and Justice League. Miller regularly captivates on the red carpet with extravagant, non-binary looks. One of his most iconic outfits was at the Met Gala 2019: an intricately embroidered Burberry suit paired with surreal makeup and multiple painted eyes. This look not only sparked conversations about fashion but also about gender identity and expression.

When Harry Styles graced the cover of Vogue in 2020 wearing a dress, he shattered conventions and ignited global debates. Equally provocative was Billy Porter’s appearance on the Oscars red carpet in a custom-made tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano – a striking fashion statement proving that elegance knows no gender.