Femininity, Fashion and Feminism: Krown Kouture Probes

Feminism, a misunderstood and misrepresented concept! Fashion, a world full of delusions!

Femininity, still defining the attributes that characterize a woman! A world where an example in Oxford dictionary still reads, “She managed to become a CEO without sacrificing her femininity.” Shocking!

Since centuries, clothing has been considered as a badge of cultural identity. And the women are trapped. Since the Victorian times, women have to look, dress and behave a particular way. To start with is the historical relationship between a woman’s outward appearance and her essential womanhood. Second, western society promotes fashion as a worthy pursuit for women. In fact, drawing them into a world of sham.

However, current clothing modes and styles have been radically affected. The affect is by changes in women’s status, employment, and social mobility. Also, in recent years, feminism has challenged long-held assumptions. The assumptions that women and their apparel have a low role in society.

Faults of Fashion

As horrifying it gets! Most of the brands promote a particular image of a woman. Brands like Spanx focus on making people look thinner. But why? Why do we need a brand that says thin is beautiful? In a world where big is beautiful as well! Why does fashion have to always promote this image of being slender and thin. In fact, they are fathoming the issues of body shaming.

Consequently, marketers will often do anything that they can to sell a product. And anything can be sold if it appeals to our sense of beauty. And this is a problem when the media produce such unattainable images for women.

Additionally, there is a “thin-ideal” media. It refers to media images, shows and films that contain very thin female leads. This highlights the idea that thinness is a good and desirable thing to be. Even if it is to a level that is damages a person’s health.

Why so? What happened to being fit versus beautiful? And what about the beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder?

What’s New?

There are brands like Lululemon. They are not fitting you into a size but fitting a size for you. Today, France’s two leading luxury unions, Kering and LVMH, announced they are taking things one step further. In fact, the move is to ban size 0 models from being cast in shows and campaigns. They also stand to protect models against mistreatment and abuse. They hope “to inspire the entire industry.”

Interestingly, while these two giant companies have the ability to make a serious impact on the fashion world. Nevertheless, discriminating against women who wear a size 0 is decidedly not the answer.

There is a need to promote healthy and a fit body type. Instead of banning a size 0 or a bulky body. How about promoting a healthy body image? A body image that inspires everyone to be comfortable in their own skin. Ensuring that every color and fit is perfect. Let’s not label anything. How about that?

Krown Kouture’s Dogma

Although, the definition of a word might seem like a trivial issue. However, the real issues lie deeper. It is how casual sexism works in our society. It is surprising how sexism is present in every single aspect of our culture, yet frequently goes unnoticed. Be it a corporate workplace or a fashion industry!

Women are so much more than that. The recent Nike ‘crazy’ campaign is an aid to the argument. Additionally, not to forget Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe! Who gave fashion some curves!

Moreover, the problem might seem niche, however it affects a big realm. But, But! We believe small changes would change perspectives and course of actions. We need to reframe the way we think and talk about women.

Henceforth, our definition of femininity and fashion is courage, strength, confidence and intelligence. How about that?