Fashion for Everyone
Gender-Neutral Fashion Throughout Each Region
Our group explored the different contexts in which fashion related to gender in the respective regions. With regards to Asia, The Daily Nightmare of Women in Asian Fast Fashion Factories showcases how bad the work conditions are for the factory workers in eastern cultures. The fast-paced fashion industry has caused gender abuse in international companies such as Gap and H&M. The article discusses how this industry is disempowering women and that the conditions they are facing are similar to the conditions that their ancestors fought against. The Hanfu movement also in Asia was reported by a paper from the University of Macau. This movement revolved around the desire to bring back old remnants of ancient China through fashion and coincided with China’s ratification of UNESCO’s safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, an intentional fight for those pieces of fashion. In Africa, there are many brands that are creating gender-neutral Fashion. Nigerian designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal is challenging the stereotypes around masculinity with his brand Orange Culture. He designed his brand to deconstruct the concept of gender. In the United States, gender-neutral clothing is on the rise throughout the country. Influencers and fashion retailers have joined forces to emulate the gender-neutral fashion movement. Campaigns such as the Phuild Project and &Together create an atmosphere of inclusivity for all people whether cis, trans, or non-binary. The U.S. fashion industry is beginning to tackle these issues and provoke dialogue that will lead to a cultural change. Law professor Laurie Morin at the University of District Columbia uses her platform and education to advocate rights for women and LGBTQ+ people. Laurie Morin started this Gender Justice Project on her campus to advocate for underrepresented groups. Her project has gained lots of support and advocacy on her campus and in the law.