Articles tagged with "Androgynous"

UK Newspaper Daily Mail reports on the "unusual" relationship of Maren Butler (@marenn.x) and James Carrington (@jxcx3). The pair met on TikTok, James a feminine presenting man and Maren, a masculine presenting woman. Challenging many social and gender norms in the process the pair have formed a long-lasting relationship.

From the article:

"Maren said: 'I remember seeing James' video and thinking he was so cool.

'It was his confidence and his androgynous look that was so appealing to me.

'I left a comment on his video thinking he wouldn't respond but in less than an hour he replied and we started chatting.

'Before James, I'd only dated girls but I've always been attracted to fem-men because I love the combination of confidence and femininity.

'He has a pretty face and pretty smile, what's not to love! It's an unusual pairing but we're so happy.' "

Original URL: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-11481251/Masculine-woman-feminine-boyfriend-discuss-unusual-relationship.html

Posted: 20 March 2023


Josh Sims writing for Sphere magazine explores the topic of gender and how it's re-shaping the fashion industry as we once knew it.

From the article:

"Recent years have seen the progressive fashion world look to break away from the age-old binary paradigm of clothing for men and clothing for women, one which shapes how clothing is designed, made, marketed and sold, and which in turn can shape how people think about themselves."

"The shift, of course, has come in parallel with an often-controversial discussion in the wider culture about gender identity."

"in seeking to deconstruct the gender bias of its products, the fashion industry is also following in the footsteps of other huge industries: toys, bedding and cosmetics, for example. It’s an ethical, intellectual and, perhaps above all, an experimental exercise: just why do we continue to define certain products by gender? Should clothing be without gender, or, conversely, even seek to cater to a multiplicity of genders?"

Original URL: https://www.spherelife.com/gender-fluid-fashion-brands-uk

Posted: 6 January 2023


Lillian Stone (@originalspinstr) writes for Mel Magazine on the rise of men in heels on social media and how some women are falling in love with the growing trend.

From the article:

"Mesmerized by their confidence and how their heeled shoes make their ass look like marble, women are falling head over heels for guys who dare to don a pair of pumps"

"Wearers are posting their videos to Instagram and, increasingly, TikTok, where videos with the hashtag #meninheels currently have more than 82 million views. Someone’s grandfather even went viral for pairing masculine silhouettes with a tasteful pump.".

"Seeing a man wear heels without a hint of irony confirms what we’ve always known, if only subconsciously — that heeled footwear is sexy, no matter the wearer’s gender. It speaks to a simple truth: If you find a pair of shoes that make your ass look like it’s made of steel, you should wear those shoes."

Men appearing to have more confidence comes across as one of the key attractions to women. Having greater confidence is often a reason stated by women as to why they wear high heels, but it's still interesting to see this coming across when the roles are reversed.

Original URL: https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/men-wearing-high-heels

Posted: 29 September 2022


The Vou takes stock of where we are at in the heels for men arena and highlights 38 selections from what's on offer with options to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. There has clearly been a great deal of research put into this piece by Aiden Russell, and if they are anything like me, probably one or two personal purchases along the way!

From the article:

"the number of men reclaiming their space in the high heel fashion world by making profound statements of confidence and style is on the rise."

"Inspired by top fashion brands such as Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Tom Ford, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Maison Margiela, Celine, Amina Muaddi, YSL, Manolo Blahnik, Versace, and Bottega Veneta, these heels for men will make anyone look stunning, regardless of gender, style, or taste."

Original URL: https://thevou.com/fashion/mens-high-heels/

Posted: 2 August 2022



Footwear News reports on Harry Styles (@HarryStyles) appearance at the Sony Brit Awards in 2020 in a "Women's" Suit and heels "for men". Setting aside the gendering of the clothing items, it's a positive thing that we're seeing these red carpet events publicised like they are, but surely it's just a suit and heels? After all, we wouldn't say "Dua Lipa appeared in Men's trousers and heels for women" would we?!

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2020/fashion/celebrity-style/harry-styles-marc-jacobs-womens-suit-mens-heels-1202928555/

Posted: 28 April 2022



From 2018, Quartz magazine delves into the history of the high heel through the research of Elizabeth Semmelhack (@elizabeth_semmelhack) at the Bata Shoe Museum, recounting how women borrowed heels from the male wardrobe to look more masculine. Enlightenment put an end to men wearing heels at the end of the 17th century. Though as Elizabeth says “Heels are just things. They can be given any meaning we decide they have”. When asked, “So could men start wearing heels once more?” she concluded... “anything’s possible.”

Four years on and it seems it’s not only possible, but happening at a pace!

Original URL: https://qz.com/quartzy/1317090/its-enlightenment-philosophys-fault-that-women-wear-high-heels-instead-of-men/

Posted: 4 April 2022


This article from Fashion United reports on the results of a panel discussion organised by the Hetrick-Martin Institute and how the fashion industry needs to adapt to accommodate a rapidly growing demand by the gender non-conforming demographic. How can the shopping experience be enhanced and growth managed in a sustainable way? The article explores the options.

Original URL: https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/the-future-of-gender-non-conforming-fashion/2019032742414

Posted: 4 December 2021


British newspaper The Independent reports on changing time and how Vogue magazine has decreed that heels for men and now in vogue, literally. @KanyeWest, @HarryStyles and @JustinBieber are leading the way with small heels, but the trend is definitely towards higher heels specifically for men. Gender lines are blurring and men in heels are now a sign of the times.

Original URL: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/heels-for-men-back-in-fashion-harry-styles-kanye-west-justin-bieber-russell-brand-marco-rubio-a7794591.html

Posted: 28 October 2021



Footwear News highlights the trend in rising heel heights for mens footwear. Led by top fashion houses, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, this article from a few years ago underlines the fact that this is a trend that won’t be going away any time soon.

Original URL: https://footwearnews.com/2016/fashion/designers/mens-heels-boots-spring-2016-shoes-trends-218704/

Posted: 22 September 2021


Vogue magazine reflects on the changes in the fashion world towards more gender specific dressing. Now, more than ever, it seems that gendered clothing is sharing the main stage with gender neutral clothing collections and that societal stigmas related to staples such as dresses and heels could finally get broken down.

Original URL: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/genderless-fashion

Posted: 11 September 2021


From the early days of men wearing women's jeans to get a skinny fit, how Women's fashion trickles down to the mens section and how mainstream music artists like American Rapper, Young Thug, Pharrell and Kanye West all wear clothes originally intended for women, this article explores how gender labels are being ignored in favour of achieving an individual style away from the boring stereotypes found in the mens section.

Original URL: https://www.complex.com/style/2015/10/men-in-womenswear-is-a-thing-and-thats-cool

Posted: 10 August 2021