Gender-Defying Fashion

Since it's New Zealand Fashion Week, we wanted to highlight Fashion that breaks gender norms because at Groovy Moo we believe fashion is an art of self-expression, not something that should come with rules and boundaries. Growing up, I remember being the kid who wore bright colours and glitter, but as I got older, societal comments made me lose that whimsy. Now I'm 21, with Butterfly clips in my hair and glitter on my eyelids, and I wish I had known earlier that it was okay just to be myself!

Something important to consider is: How do different cultures approach gender in fashion? For example, in Japan, the kimono was traditionally worn by all genders, with patterns, colours, and sash-tying methods reflecting different roles or ages. In Scotland, kilts have been a staple of men's fashion for centuries even though they are thought to technically be skirts. This was a dialogue we saw during the Everyone's a Star tour, where some people praised Calum Hood for wearing kilts and embracing his cultural background. Others decided that “Calum wearing a skirt means it's okay to make comments about his ass.” It makes you think: if a man putting on a skirt instantly sees him getting sexualised, what are women facing daily? The answer is unfortunately not pretty.

Social media has helped bring this conversation forward, especially when the dialogue went viral surrounding Harry Styles' Vogue cover. When Harry appeared in a dress on the cover, it sparked worldwide discussion. Many people praised his boldness and celebrated the cover as a step toward more freedom and acceptance for everyone, while others reacted strongly and negatively. This mix of opinions made gendered fashion more visible than ever, encouraging even more people to challenge traditional ideas and share their own stories.

It's also worth considering the role the music industry plays in this. Record labels and industry managers sometimes encourage artists to push style boundaries as part of their unique image or brand, realising that bold fashion choices catch public attention. At the same time, the music industry can be cautious, supporting artists when it brings positive buzz but sometimes pressuring them to tone things down if backlash threatens the artist's marketability. These behind-the-scenes decisions shape not just individual looks but also help set new trends and challenge old expectations within the industry. Media representation can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, seeing celebrities and influencers break boundaries helps normalise diverse styles and can give people the confidence to express themselves. On the other hand, social media can also spread harmful stereotypes or attract backlash, making some people feel unsafe about dressing or presenting themselves outside of traditional norms. By looking at both sides, we can think more critically about how the media shapes our perceptions of gender and fashion.

How have artists progressed this conversation? Elton John has always pushed boundaries with his extravagant stage costumes, colourful glasses, and sequin-filled suits, proving that fashion is about self-expression rather than gender rules. Billy Porter is known for wearing show-stopping gowns and tuxedo dresses on red carpets, challenging expectations of what men "should" wear and inspiring more people to embrace their personal style. Zendaya often rocks sharp suits and tuxedos on the red carpet, demonstrating that women can look powerful and stylish in traditionally masculine clothes. Michael Urie made a statement at the 2019 Met Gala by wearing a half-gown, half-tuxedo outfit that visually blended gendered fashion and sparked conversations about how we define style. David Bowie completely blurred gender lines with his androgynous looks and iconic Ziggy Stardust persona, making gender-fluid fashion a global phenomenon. Kristen Stewart regularly wears suits and mixes masculine and feminine pieces, showing that fashion can be bold and authentic, no matter your gender. Kurt Cobain wore dresses and skirts as a statement against mainstream masculine expectations, influencing a generation that believed clothing has no gender. Annie Lennox is famous for her androgynous looks and suits, proving that powerful style can be both bold and gender-bending. Luke Hemmings' makeup is another example of how fans can express themselves freely. I myself didn't fully feel comfortable even trying, but when I saw that my favourite artists were exploring how to express themselves, I realised I don’t need to look perfect; I need to look authentic to me and have since been able to recreate their looks as well as find my own signature makeup look.

Drag fashion and makeup are also powerful forms of self-expression that have given the queer community a space to embrace individuality and creativity. Through bold and creative looks, drag artists have challenged traditional ideas about gender and beauty, inspiring others to break free from rigid norms. It is also important to recognise how drag intersects with different aspects of identity, such as race, class, and sexuality. For example, drag scenes in different cultures reflect unique styles and experiences, and many performers draw on their backgrounds to tell stories not always represented in mainstream drag. These overlapping identities often shape how people experience drag, as well as the opportunities and challenges they face within the community. Drag culture fosters community, pride, and belonging, offering visibility and celebration to those who have often felt on the margins. This impact goes far beyond performance; drag fashion helps people feel seen, empowered, and confident to express themselves authentically.