A Study on the Feminism through Contemporary Fashion

Abstract

• The essence of Feminism is establishing women's subjecthood, emerging from fixed ideas about women in an androcentric society.

• Various stages of feminism influence fashion, including:

  • Homogeneous theory: Emphasizes similarity between men and women.

  • Heterogeneous theory: Highlights differences, emphasizing unique qualities of womanhood.

  • Androgynous theory: Proposes commonality between sexes since the 1980s.

I. Introduction

1. Research Significance and Purpose

• Clothing reflects societal conditions and ideas within a cultural context.

• After the French Revolution in the 18th century, feminism emerged where women became aware of their position and rights.

• Feminism works to break stereotypes about women and establish their subjectivity to enhance political, social, and economic status.

• This research focuses on how feminism influences women's fashion and speculates on women’s fashion in the 21st century.

2. Research Methods and Content

• Based on historical and contemporary literature, this study explores the intersection between feminism and fashion, particularly from the late 1960s onward.

• The findings cover:

  • The background leading to the emergence of feminism.

  • Representation of feminism in late 20th-century fashion.

  • A conclusion proposing directions for contemporary women's fashion influenced by current feminist thought.

II. Theoretical Background of Feminism

1. Concept and Development of Feminism

• Feminism, derived from Latin "femina" (woman), encompasses political, social, and cultural meanings.

• Women started recognizing their rights in modern times, advocating for gender equality and fighting oppression through various feminist movements:

  1. Liberal Feminism: Emphasizes equality based on education and legal rights, asserting women deserve the same opportunities as men.

  2. Radical Feminism: Focuses on the origins of women's oppression through physiological traits and gender roles.

  3. Existentialist Feminism: Ties women's oppression to social constructs, highlighting the importance of self-identity.

  4. Postmodern Feminism: Challenges the binary view of genders and promotes androgyny, merging masculine and feminine traits.

2. Women’s Liberation Movement and Clothing Reform

• Women’s liberation has evolved into two significant movements, focusing on political participation and addressing societal standards through clothing.

• The movements include early rights advocating meetings, such as the Seneca Falls Convention in the 1840s and impactful reform initiatives led by individuals like Amelia Bloomer in the 1850s.|

• The 1960s and 1970s saw renewed feminist efforts to redefine gender roles through clothing, showcasing a rebellion against traditional male-female attire discrepancies, such as the mini skirt.

III. Feminism Expressed in Modern Fashion

1. Mannish Look

• Resulting from early feminist ideals of equality which led to women adopting men’s styles for comfort and functionality.

• Notable historical points include:

  • The introduction of pants for women, notably popularized by Amelia Bloomer in the 1850s, pushing against gender norms.

  • 1960s trends further emphasized the blurring of gender lines with women actively wearing tailored suits and pants.

2. Glamor Look

• Aimed at celebrating femininity by accentuating the female form through clothing.

• Developed in reaction to the earlier feminist dismissals of sexuality, promoting women's bodies as sources of pride.

• The Glamor Look reflects a shift to enjoying beauty in a self-referential way rather than for male gaze appreciation.

3. Fetish Look

• Defines a growing visibility of sexuality, embracing materials traditionally deemed risqué and rekindling fetishistic fashion from the mid-20th century onwards.

• Explores clothing items symbolizing power dynamics, emphasizing diverse methods of expressing sexuality.

4. Androgynous Look

• Reflects postmodern feminist thought, blending masculine and feminine traits into clothing styles.

• Represents a departure from rigid gender binaries towards a representation of fluidity in identity.

• Incorporates commongender fashion choices while expressing traits of both genders in contemporary design.

Conclusion

• The ongoing pursuit of true women's liberation seeks to blend traditional roles with modern societal needs.

• Fashion has historically transformed due to feminist movements, particularly since the 1960s, giving rise to diverse forms of women's expression through clothing like Mannish, Glamor, Fetish, and Androgynous Looks.

• Future fashion trends are poised to further dissolve gender dichotomies, with functionality and self-expression at the forefront.