With the awareness of Pride Month, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and COVID-19 and the upcoming 2020 Election Year, a person should be able to value the concept of education and learning. For example, each of these things a person is able to be educated on in order to spread awareness. This is a monumental time not only for this generation but for generations in the future that will hopefully have an understanding of how we educate ourselves in order to spread awareness for each community in the world. It simply just takes time. However, If the year 2020 has taught me and others anything it is to educate yourself on an issue, movement, or on an unknown topic.
With that being said, I am going to talk about and research what it means to be gender-neutral and where someone can find gender-neutral fashion brands. Gender neutrality is a part of the gender-neutral movement. This movement spreads awareness of the idea that language, gender roles, or gender identity should not be according to people’s sex. Meaning gender neutrality is both acceptable and common for female and male sexes; no certain roles for women or men. Also, colors are not assigned gender or sex which means that each gender is not going to have that one color associated with it. For example, blue is often for boys and pink is for girls. This idea does not serve a purpose here. Colors are welcomed and worn by anyone.
Now that there is a simple understanding of what being gender-neutral is, let us look at a couple of gender-neutral fashion brands.
First up - NICOPANDA! This brand describes itself as “the personal brand of style icon Nicola Formichetti known for his unparalleled creativity and jaw-dropping collaborations. Launched in 2015, The New York based street-brand is best known for its edgy and playful approach to ready-to-wear and accessories.” NICOPANDA has even collaborated with Ariana Grande on her Sweeter Merch. Though NICOPANDA does not have any available pieces for sale at this moment, a buyer can get a feel for his style by looking at NICOPANDA's social media:
Second up - Eckhaus Latta! This brand is a bi-coastal American fashion brand, who was founded by Zoe Latta and Mike Eckhaus in 2011. Eckhaus Latta is a label that can not only be recognized in fashion but also in the entertainment and arts industries. Mike Eckhaus once said that “we relate to gender identity a little less aggressively. It’s less binary and I think that’s something we have always felt attuned to.” This proves effective when going to their website with no categories or sections labeled women or men, just simply types of clothes. Eckhaus Latta has bold prints and simple wear for anyone. Check out their website: https://eckhauslatta.com/
Third up-Wildfang! Founded in 2013 by Emma Mcilroy and Julia Parsley, both executives for NIKE at the time. However, the pair agreed that there were not as many flattering pieces for women as for men, thus Wildfang was born. While mainly targeted for women, they are known for their male-inspired pieces. The range is extensive for this brand. For example, they have workout wear, suits, T-shirts, and more! Plus these pieces come in an endless amount of colors. You can take a look for yourself here on their website: https://www.wildfang.com/
Fourth up - Telfar! Telfar Clemens, the founder and creator of Telfar, started his genderless and unisex clothing brand as early as 2005. According to Office Magainze, “Before genderless garmentry was truly topical, a teenage designer in Queens named Telfar Clemens had already quietly launched his uniquely unisex line.” Telfar Clemens has been in the fashion world for years but people are now noticing him for his unisex fashion. Telfar sells apparel along with shopping bags, hats, belts, and other accessories. You can check out Telfar here: http://www.telfar.net/
Last up - Big Bud Press! The cool thing about Big Bud Press is, not only does this brand consider themselves to be gender-neutral, but they are also size-inclusive too. Their website states, “Big Bud Press is a fast-growing Los Angeles based label specializing in size inclusive, unisex everyday goods. We pride ourselves on our ethical and local manufacturing practices.” Who doesn't like supporting a brand that helps multiple areas of a community? The fashion line has tops and jackets, pants, jumpsuits, bags, and even accessories. Their style differs from outfit to outfit but incorporates loads of color and stripes. You can check them out here: https://bigbudpress.com/