While we talk about fashion it is considered to be one of the most efficacious means of communication and while communication is all about who you are, what notions you choose to stand still with and insight into the unseen aspects of a mental set of attitudes, there is the significance of these terms ( Fashion and Feminism) comes into being. When we talk about the intimate relationship between fashion and feminism, both fashion and the feminist movements have evolved over time and have exercised concrete influence on the shift in women and their mental, emotional and physical and altogether personal attitudes. Fashion is not restricted to only what kind of clothes are pursued over time, it is also shaped by the inclusion of accessories and anything which one wears or highlights, which includes tattoos, makeup and colours picked up in order to give a statement.
SHIFTS IN THE ERA AND CODE OF COMFORT (COC)
COMFORT IS THE NEW TREND
In present times, we see feminist-specific apparel winning hearts and are a code of comfort (COC) at even workplaces. The acceptance and adaptation of ideas dear to mental health and individual sense of identity and expression is visible in changing fashion trends.
But when we dive deep into the history of how women fashion has emerged and how it was was being pursued by women, there's no such thing even close to comfort. The idea of women being of ideal shape and size and wearing apparel next to the skin ( tight corsets and petticoats) in which breathing seemed like a task and accentuated dressing to fit the pursuit of getting eye-catching looks which hindered their movement tells us about the lines and rounds of restrictions and what was considered to be attractive and appealing at those times. It depicts that all the discomforts due to dressing were being reinforced psychologically into the minds of women causing them to be physically, mentally and emotionally tenuous. Howeve, these definitions have changed over time marked by the beginning of adopting trousers at workplaces, redefining ways to wear a saree ( in India) and acceptance of crossdresser undergarments which has a lot to say about evolving perceptions around what is believed to be attractive and appealing. No doubt androgynous fashion is being appreciated on big platforms and is endorsed by well-known faces as well.
FEMINISM and it's spark was seen way before when in the 19th century, when an American Suffragette named "AMELIA BLOOMER" introduced the " BLOOMER COSTUME" indicating the feminist reform.
This type of apparel was comfortable and didn't cost women's health. It gave a sense of relief from the tight accentuated dress code imposed on women and also came to be known as the "FREEDOM DRESS".
Another example in the row is of the 20th century designer "COCO CHANEL"and her " YACHTING PANTS" which represented freedom of movement and a symbol of first foot into the shifts pertaining to comfort and style.
THE RISE OF PLUS-SIZE FASHION
We see an increased sense of self expression and a potent wave of body positivity flooding the world. And so Plus Size Fashion is another influence with which Fashion and Feminism are tied together. From "Ashley Graham","Kate Wasley" ( in the West) to "Sakshi Sindwani" here in India have been admired tremendously for promoting body positivity. The idea of Plus Size Fashion is brimmed with the significance of how comfort is above any degrading view kept in accordance to beauty and didn't only challenge but also condemned regressive beauty standards as well. It has worked as a catalyst in current wave of feminism where there are increased rounds of talks regarding what is to be considered authentic fashion. Well, authentic fashion is the one which suits one's well being and is not restrictive through any course of its following, marked by the current changes we see in the fashion industry.
The relationship with oneself defines the relationship with one's fashion choices. And it's all within the belief is open ended with no restrictions to fit any kind of authenticity or relevance.
GENDER-FLUID FASHION AND SOCIETY
We are lucky to see the rise of gender fluid fashion being in existence. Men wearing and promoting skirts and women wearing men's suits and trousers and so other types of so understood gender specific apparels are a prove that we have come far in understanding feminism and fashion approaches.However there's undoubtedly a biases in views regarding GFF ( Gender Fluid Fashion) and so there's not a big market for gender fluid apparels such as tailored skirts wore by men in several big events ( MET GALA) and platforms internationally like Pete Davidson and Lewis Hamilton. Also, while women get applauds almost every time they wear suits, men have faced brutal trolling and homophobic comments on the way they choose to dress. We have seen enough men bullied for wearing makeup.There's considerably less acceptance of men choosing to wear in accordance to their interests , the colours ,the makeup , tattoos on skin and even the ways they accessorize outfits are open to widespread hatred and homophobic views.
TATTOOS AND FEMINISM
Just like clothing, tattoos , makeup and accessories too are a form of self expression.
Since ages Tattooing in the form of trade or Tattoo Industry is prominently dominated by men. However, examples of women who were among the first tattoo artists and have shaped tattoo history include "Maud Wagner", "Millie Hull" also known as the "The Queen of the Bowery" and "Betty Broadbent", a feminist figure and a woman who got the most photographed after being tattooed in the 20th Century.
Even after all delebrate feminist movements, women who get inked or have got piercings are either slut shamed and also made to feel like a shame for pursuing the right on their bodies and opting to express themselves. Not only that, women are objectified and are put under male gaze. It has been recorded that women like to get inked because in some way it boosts their confidence to a new level and brings positivity into their daily lives. But the amount of mental,verbal and sometimes physical harassment takes it all. Though there's been an overall increase regarding ink representation, tattooed women are still condemned through different filters.
IT ALL COMES THROUGH SELF ACCEPTANCE.
Society is evolving, and so is the fashion status and everytime there's a shift in ideology, there's a shift in fashion too.
Let that be comfort being in trend or cross-dressing attached to it, it's the individual well-being which should sustain to its best. Irrespective of what state the society is in, individual expression or well-being shouldn't be dependent on anything outside, rather it's a process of internal attitude which refines itself through a greater acceptance of the self. Once you accept all of your parts ( flawed or polished) you are good to go. To embark on a new journey, self-acceptance is a must with each growing individual, not only it will boost the movement but also different spheres of health. Personal choices and social disapproval are inseparable from one another as long as we can think and so waiting for social approval costs everything but gains nothing. The journey within the self is the most indispensable attribute for flaunting individual fashion understanding.
You might also be interested in reading Movements started by women against gender violence.
Comments