Masculine While Feminine
French womenswear designer Simon Porte Jacquemus has ventured outside of his comfort zone by branching out to men's fashion. Not only will he be designing clothing for a different gender, but he will also be diverting from the more extravagant styles that defined his female garments. Jacquemus understands that menswear prioritizes utility above fashionability, as exemplified by his own wardrobe. Dating back to his humble beginnings as a farm boy in southeastern France, his own everyday wear has since often consisted of casual articles of clothing like ragged hoodies, unbuttoned shirts, and baggy shorts. Now, he has translated his personal style into a menswear line dominated by rolled-up shirts and cozy hoodies.
Jacquemus added one more personalized touch to his new male fashion: his own gayness. Despite the emphasis on durability, he has been rather liberal with his use of floral patterns and bright colors for his clothes. These design choices are simultaneously reflective Jacquemus’s own tastes while, intentional or not, defiant of toxic masculinity. This new line has the potential to set a trend, as it is respondent to men’s typical shopping habits while tacitly encouraging consumers to embrace their femininity. Better yet, Jacquemus’s menswear may prove that masculinity can be colorful and flowery.
Photo credit:
https://hypebeast.com/2020/7/jacquemus-menswear-collection-masculinity-design
Report: Nia Hunt
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.