GENDER FLUIDITY IN CONTEMPORARY MENSWEAR: A DELEUZIAN ANALYSIS OF SOUL EQUILIBRIUM FASHION COLLECTION AND GEN Z PERCEPTION

Dewa Made Weda Githapradana

Authors

Dewa Made Weda Githapradana Universitas Ciputra Surabaya

Keywords:

gender-fluid fashion, menswear, deleuzian theory, gender performativity

Abstract

The market identity for menswear is transforming significantly towards a more diverse and inclusive offering due to the introduction of gender-fluid fashion. Research shows that menswear is changing to provide more gender-fluid and diverse clothing options for the average male consumer in order to reflect the transformation in fashion consumption and expressions of masculinity. The adoption of gender-flexible fashion and the rejection of toxic masculinity among generation Z (Gen Z) men are the other significant trends reshaping fashion landscape. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the trend of gender fluidity in contemporary menswear through Deleuzian perception. The process focused on applying the theory of sensory and the concept of 'becoming' through the philosophical work of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari to analyze fashion design work titled ‘Soul Equilibrium’ used as the case study. Deleuzian theory was applied to dissect the relationship between trend fluidity and changes in gender performativity represented through fashion works. This research was conducted through qualitative data collected using observation, interviews, and literature study. Furthermore, respondents consisting of experts and hyper-users were determined through purposive sampling. The results showed that the intersection between gender-fluid fashion and performativity led to the dynamic relationship between fashion, identity, and societal norms. Gender-fluid fashion was identified as a significant indicator of the changes in gender performativity in society. The concept of gender performativity, as explored in cultural studies and sociology, showed how individuals actively constructed gender identity through behavior and expression.

Dimensions

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