Gender Non-conforming Fashion Shows Survey

Over the course of the last two years, the What is Butch? Movement has traveled the United States producing fashion shows tailored to gender non-conforming people. The show has featured both models and brands that are developing the image of this niche community. This comes at a time where YouTube shows such as The Androgynous Model, a show similar to America’s Next Top Model but for androgynous models and brands, have begun to take notice in media outlets and on blogs such as DapperQ.

Recent articles in the New York Times and Huffington Post, features articles about companies tailoring male suits for women, including brands such as Saint Harridan, Tomboy Tailors, HauteButch, Marimacho, and Wildfang. DapperQ also hosts an event during the New York Fashion Week to showcase the same community.  But are they ready for mainstream events or to Rip the Runway?

The current mission of the What is Butch? Movement, “is to spotlight those who are systematically overlooked by society at large.” According to their Facebook page, the What is Butch? Movement is “focused on educating, liberating, and redirecting misconceptions about this marginalized, yet vibrant community.”

The movement is a way of expressing and sharing a niche community, but should it be a part of mainstream fashion events like New York Fashion Week and walk the same runways as high fashion brands such as Vera Wang?

Do you think the Fashion industry is ready for gender non-conforming fashion and fashion shows? Please let me know by completing the survey below.

Thank you for your support!