The influence of music and musicians on fashion has always been undeniable. From The Rolling Stones in floral shirts and tight hip-huggers to the Beatles embracing Eastern cultures with their maharishi and caftans, the connection between music and style has been strong. Today, the concept of unisex dressing, now referred to as androgynous, continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
In the world of music, androgynous fashion is at its most striking. Artists like Culture Club’s Boy George and Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox have embraced bold and gender-bending looks. Tank tops, slidey sweatshirts, T-shirts, and black leather are all staples in this trend. The Japanese-inspired oversized shapes favored by Duran Duran add a unique twist to the androgynous style, further blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion.
On the streets of cities like New York and London, unisex dressing is becoming more prevalent. Boys and girls, men and women, all browse through the same clothing racks in the hottest boutiques. Tweedy overcoats, black berets, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and neon anklets are just some of the items that are popular among both genders. The influence of Middle Eastern fashion, with its gargantuan tasseled scarves and bold patterns, adds an exotic touch to the androgynous look.
In a more classic vein, women are turning to men’s departments for high-quality pieces like Shetland sweaters and polo shirts. The expert tailoring, attention to detail, and durability of men’s clothing make it an attractive choice for women looking for well-made, timeless pieces. Many men’s manufacturers have even started women’s lines to cater to the demand for “investment dressing” – clothes that stand the test of time.
The rise in popularity of menswear can also be attributed to economic factors. In times of financial uncertainty, clothing tends to become more somber and subdued, mirroring the simplicity of men’s fashion. The current recession-prone climate has seen a resurgence of the no-fuss, simple-lined greyed suit that was popular during the Depression of the 1930s and the WW II years of the 1940s.
Overall, the influence of music on fashion, particularly in the realm of androgynous dressing, continues to shape the way we dress and express ourselves. Whether it’s through bold, gender-bending looks or classic, high-quality pieces, the merging of masculine and feminine styles is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down.
