By Vanessa Shipley
When we think of the Runway Models, we often think of the traditional ‘feminine’ thin, conventionally beautiful people with high cheekbones and smooth hair. However, as the visibility of genderqueer and non-binary fashion is on the rise, and this trend is seen all over the runway. ‘Androgyny’ in fashion refers to a style that combines both traditionally masculine and feminine characteristics. This past New York Fashion Week, the Los Angeles based designer Marco Morante put on a show with 34 models, all of who were either non-binary or transgender. Marco is a strident LGBTQ+ rights supporter, whose goal is “to create a space to celebrate trans bodies,” and “reinforce that trans is beautiful.” Marco Morante’s show marked the first time in the history of Fashion Week where genderqueer styles were highlighted and appreciated as high fashion. Since then, the brand has been worn by celebrities Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj. A few other modeling agencies have branched out from the traditional categorizations of either male or female.
In conjunction with strides on the runway to be more inclusive of the gender spectrum, many gender-neutral labels are working towards inclusivity through their businesses. Fall 2018 ushered in the launch of gender neutrals clothing lines in stores such as ASOS and Zara. Other companies embracing intersectionality through the use of genderless silhouettes are high-end brands such as Eckhaus Latta, Vaquera, Telfar, and Art School London. Though this nonbinary trend is on the rise, the fashion industry has a long ascent towards total inclusivity ahead of them. Many gender neutral brands have been ridiculed for masculinizing their clothing by only offering more casual athletic wear. Regardless, with more intersectionality on the runway, inclusivity on the runway is looking fair.
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