From androgynous tailoring to voluminous gender-defying dresses, these young talents make garments worth wearing.
Meet 5 Young Designers Working Outside the Gender Binary
It's 2021—are gender-specific collections really relevant anymore? With the fall 2021 virtual shows awash with co-ed offerings, a whole host of up-and-coming talents have caught our attention with their genderless designs.
From Ella Boucht’s trademark sleek suiting and Anchovi’s retro-inspired soft dressing to Luis De Javier’s leather, sculpted tops, there are ample designs to enthrall any fashion enthusiast. Plus, as society awaits post-pandemic normality (whatever that means), with it comes a refreshed attitude and newfound desire for authentic self-expression through clothes.
Here, Vogue spotlights five boundary-breaking designers who need to be on your radar now.
Bloke by Faith Oluwajimi, Lagos, Nigeria
Oluwajimi, 25, bridges contemporary design with a handcrafted approach. Working closely with artisans in his native country, the designer—who recently showed at Milan Fashion Week—locally sources materials to execute androgynous creations.
What is the ethos behind your designs?
We continually explore the possibilities for the creation of ethically made garments with impeccable attention to textiles and craftsmanship. I believe garments should not be limited to gender as a scale for its purpose as an object. I enjoy dressing both genders and breaking down stereotypes surrounding gender and identity.
This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Alex Kessler,Eni Subair
