Decoding Fall/Winter 24 Menswear & Gender Neutrality
Here are our takeaways from Men’s Fashion Week in Milano and Paris. Let’s decipher the latest shows and presentations in the evolving landscape of men’s fashion and genderless designs.
No age boundaries with mixed-age models
Finally, the myth of eternal youth and perfection is questioned, and the idea of making fashion accessible to all ages conquers the runways. In fact, those who appreciate concepts like quality or tailoring aren’t typically young people. While the youth are too immersed in showcasing brands, some middle-aged individuals with unique styles value niche fashion over a big logo. Addressing independent thinkers directly through fashion shows gets straight to the point.
White for winter
Trousers, blazers, coats, knitwear or shirts in candid, pure, soothing white. Not only in wool but also in cotton. A kind of spiritual take. Specifically, the juxtaposition of white cotton garments with wool blazers emerged as a modern and effortlessly cool style. Although we know it’s not easy to sell, we adore it.
Punk fusion
Punk aesthetics took centre stage with elements such as zippers, leather garments, checks, stripes, and shoes featuring chunky soles. The revival of punk style, when blended with tailored clothes, creates a sublime and edgy fusion. It seems like punk never dies!
Genderless fashion & fluid identities
Silhouettes and styles are undeniably more fluid; identities on the runways are less defined. Moreover, men’s and women’s designs coexisted seamlessly in the same shows. The sense of sharing clothes is ingrained in our DNA, and we appreciate this style. However, despite embracing genderless fashion, the question arises: why maintain separate men’s and women’s fashion weeks? The potential for unification, discussed during the challenges posed by Covid-19, seems to have dissipated. Some, like Sacai, clarified their stance by naming the show: “Men’s Autumn/Winter 24 & Women’s Autumn 24.” But what’s the point of a double women’s show for an industry that strives for sustainability? Clearly, the industry’s commitment to sustainability remains inconsistent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in light of our takeaways from Men’s Fashion, it is clear that the industry is grappling with a paradox: actions don’t align with principles. In fact, the industry talks about timeless fashion while being a sales-driven system. Promotes genderless fashion but maintains separate shows. Ultimately, it discusses sustainability but cannot stop revealing its inconsistency. To move forward, the fashion industry needs a more coherent and progressive approach.