The long hair and feminine features of the male models on the catwalk of the recent debut of the Saint Laurent Fall 2013 collection leaves the audience wondering which gender the collection is created for. The long, draping capes and the oversized sweaters match much of other French female designer’s collections, but is meant for men. This menswear presentation matches the idea of Parisian cool.
With the infusion of androgynous womenswear into this very manly line, Saint Laurent’s newest designer Hedi Slimane has taken the brand into a new direction. By infusing ripped jeans and striped scarves onto the runway, the symbolism of moving the French brand into the direction of modern society has taken the Parisian label into the next level.
Grungy Caped Runways
The Saint Laurent Fall 2013 Collection Tip-Toes on Gender Boundaries
Trend Themes
1. Androgynous Menswear - The trend of blurring the boundaries between traditional mens and womenswear creates new opportunities for innovative designers and retailers to cater to a broader audience.
2. Gender-fluid Fashion - The rise of gender-fluid fashion opens up new markets for designers and retailers who can cater to consumers seeking apparel that transcends traditional gender roles.
3. Parisian Streetwear - The blending of Parisian chic with streetwear aesthetics presents an opportunity to create a new aesthetic that appeals to fashion-forward consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion designers and retailers have an opportunity to re-imagine gender roles in fashion and to create clothing lines that cater to a broader range of consumers.
2. Retail - Retailers have an opportunity to create spaces that reflect the fluidity of gender in fashion, creating inclusive and innovative shopping experiences.
3. Marketing & Advertising - Marketers and Advertisers can create campaigns that showcase the possibilities of gender-fluid fashion and the emerging Parisian streetwear aesthetic.