Fashion

The Future of Retail Is Genderless

Retail has long been segregated into binary men’s and women’s sections, a system that is both outdated and exclusionary. As we move into 2021, shopping must embrace the full spectrum of gender. These retailers, designers, and shoppers have some ideas of…

The image of Harry Styles in a Gucci dress on Vogue’s December cover proved so controversial that it became international news—and not for the obvious reason that it’s Harry f**king Styles and he looks amazing! Even politicians weighed in on the Tyler Mitchell–lensed photoshoot in which Styles, who is far from the first, or even the most provocative gent to slip into a dress, wears several frocks by Gucci, Chopova Lowena, Wales Bonner, and Harris Reed. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for the record, thought Styles looked “bomb,” but at its core, the dress debate highlighted an issue that plagues much of the fashion world and the world at large: the gender binary.

Let’s state the obvious: A piece of fabric, a textile, or a garment has no gender. This is an indisputable fact! But for as long as fashion has existed as a codified set of seasons, fashion shows, and trends, it has worked under the assumption that gender exists in a binary. Every aspect of the fashion system is beholden to the segregated ideas of menswear and womenswear: universities, fashion weeks, retail floors, e-commerce websites, modeling agency boards, and even creative directorships are divided down gender lines. Many within the industry have begun to remedy this fractured system, but the industry at large must ask itself: How can we represent the spectrum of gender in a more inclusive and realistic way?

One place to begin is retail. Beyond a capitalist pursuit, shopping is a means to self-realization and self-expression. From our earliest moments, clothes define us. As we grow older, the search for the “perfect” black boot, shearling coat, or high-rise jean becomes less about finding the trendiest or most coveted item and more about the one that best agrees with our own set of aesthetic codes.

Yet to even begin shopping for new jeans, we are commonly asked to assign ourselves to one of two fashion genders: men’s or women’s. This happens at brick-and-mortar stores, which divide up menswear and womenswear into separate areas, floors, and sometimes even buildings. It happens online, too, where many of the most popular luxury e-commerce sites divide their offerings with little crossover.

“We recognize that [style] can be fluid and flexible—meaning that one day, you may identify with and choose to express greater degrees of femininity than you might on a different day,” says Ssense’s Brigitte Chartrand, the vice president of womenswear buying. “[but] we also recognize that the average consumer at this moment, and despite our collective, growing consciousness about gender identities and continuums, still has a mental model that they use when buying clothing. In other words, when browsing through our assortment of over 50,000 items and 600 brands, there’s a simplicity and ease in organizing clothing by men’s and womenswear departments because it aligns with how people think of clothes and navigate online and brick and mortar stores.”

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Artist Spotlight

Ice Spice Stuns in Paris Fashion Week Photo Dump, Fans Celebrate Her Iconic Looks and Natural Glow

Ice Spice is showing that she’s not only a rising star in rap but also a true fashion icon. Recently, while in Milan, she brushed aside rumors about her dating football player Sauce Gardner and then took Paris Fashion Week by storm, leaving her fans in awe. In her latest series of Instagram photos, captioned “princess in paris,” she displayed an amazing mix of high-fashion styles, proving that she knows how to set trends. She flaunted various looks, from chic and cool to gracefully glamorous. Whether she was sporting wavy hair in a sheer dress or sleek and stylish in leather with straight hair, Ice Spice radiated confidence and creativity.

Some photos even featured her with fellow artists PinkPantheress and Chappell Roan, showing how well she blends music, culture, and fashion. Fans couldn’t help but shower her with compliments, celebrating her bold changes in style and her undeniable star quality. However, there was some chatter about her body along with the fashion talk. Some fans pointed out that Ice Spice seemed to have gained some weight, which reminded them of her earlier look, playfully nicknamed “Old Spice” by her followers.

While it’s easy for social media to focus on how celebrities change over time, it’s essential to remember that body image is a personal journey. As always, Ice Spice carries herself confidently, promoting self-acceptance and self-expression. No matter what others think, she embraces her individuality, balancing her artistry with a refreshing honesty that keeps fans engaged. Her time at Paris Fashion Week was a strong message. Ice Spice is determined to set her own. Whether she’s front row at the hottest fashion shows or casually sharing snapshots, the world is paying attention, and she’s making the most of every moment.

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Artist Spotlight

Adin Ross Blindsided by Kanye West’s Controversial Gift, A Swastika Shirt With His Name

Adin Ross is a well known streamer in the hip-hop community, famous for showcasing some of the biggest artists in the genre. He has hosted viral interviews and has helped amplify the work of music giants like Drake, earning a reputation as a connector between artists and their fans. However, things took a shocking turn with Kanye West, and the relationship may be irreparable. In the past, Ross has expressed his admiration for West and even tried to collaborate with him on his stream. Recently, West made a bizarre attempt to reach out to Ross by gifting him a custom t-shirt with a Swastika and Ross’s name. This left Ross, who is Jewish, feeling horrified and betrayed.

The awkward moment unfolded during a FaceTime call that Ross recorded and shared with his followers. What started as a friendly chat quickly turned shocking when West unveiled the offensive t-shirt. Ross was visibly stunned, exclaiming, “What the f*ck?!” as he processed what he had just seen. He paused the video and turned to his audience to express his disbelief. “He has a shirt with a Swastika with my name on it,” he said, clearly disappointed and in shock. His viewers reacted with outrage and support for Ross, flooding the chat with their messages.

Throughout the call, Ross tried to keep his cool and handled the situation carefully. He later explained that some fans might have expected him to confront West more aggressively, but he felt the entire situation was just too absurd. “I know y’all are gonna say I didn’t stand up to him,” he noted, emphasizing that his calm reaction didn’t mean he supported West’s actions. This incident is just another episode in Kanye West’s ongoing controversies, but for Adin Ross, it feels like a personal betrayal.

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