Fashion is an integral part of modern life, and it has evolved from just being about clothing to include accessories such as shoes, jewelry, makeup, and hairstyles. The way people dress can reveal their personalities, beliefs, and social statuses. It also serves as a means of communication, allowing individuals to express themselves through their choices.
Someone who chooses to wear black clothes may be considered mysterious and moody while someone who wears bright colors may be seen as happy and friendly.
Fashion can also convey much more than that. How do visual codes in fashion shape societal understandings of gender, sexuality, and identity?
Fashion has always been used to communicate messages about gender roles and expectations. Throughout history, women have been expected to dress feminine while men have dressed masculine. This has created a binary system where gender is understood as either male or female, which can lead to discrimination against those who don't fit into these categories.
Transgender individuals face significant challenges when they are perceived as violating socially accepted norms of dressing according to their assigned sex at birth. Visual cues such as high heels, skirts, pink clothing, and long hair are often associated with femininity, while pantsuits, ties, suits, and short haircuts are linked to masculinity. These visual codes help create a society where gender stereotypes become the norm.
Some designers challenge these expectations by creating fashion that breaks down these binaries.
Rick Owens designed an entire collection for men in 2019 consisting only of skirts and dresses, redefining what it means to be masculine.
Sexuality is another aspect of identity that is shaped by fashion. Clothes that emphasize certain body parts or reveal skin can suggest sexual availability or desirability. The use of color, fabric, and cut also contribute to how people interpret someone's sexual orientation.
Tight-fitting clothes that expose the hips and chest may be considered sexy, making them more appealing to potential partners.
Certain fabrics like leather can symbolize dominance, power, or submission, depending on how they are worn. Fashion designers have used this knowledge to create erotic pieces meant to excite the wearer and their partner. Some designs can even make the wearer feel confident and powerful, which has been shown to increase their self-esteem and attractiveness. On the other hand, restrictive clothing styles can limit someone's sense of freedom and agency. This is why some individuals choose to dress in comfortable, practical outfits instead of ones that conform to societal expectations.
Identity is a complex concept that encompasses many aspects of personality, such as race, ethnicity, age, religion, and social class. Fashion plays a role in defining these identities through visual codes that communicate status, wealth, and affiliation. Luxury brands often use logos and patterns that evoke feelings of prestige and exclusivity. These visual cues can create a culture of luxury consumption where only certain groups of people are seen as worthy of high-end products. At the same time, streetwear brands often feature graffiti or graphics that express belonging to specific subcultures or communities. This can lead to exclusion for those who don't identify with these groups.
Fashion can also be used to challenge social norms by creating new styles that push boundaries.
Designer Jean Paul Gaultier created gender-neutral clothing collections that defy binary notions of masculinity and femininity. He did this by using symbols like bows and ruffles on men's clothes, breaking down traditional gender roles.
Visual codes in fashion play an important role in shaping societal understandings of gender, sexuality, and identity. They help reinforce existing binaries while also allowing designers to experiment with new ideas. By understanding how fashion works to shape our perceptions, we can start to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote inclusivity. The fashion industry has the power to change cultural attitudes about what is considered normal or desirable. Through creative expression and innovation, it can create a more just and equitable society where everyone feels seen and valued.
How do visual codes in fashion shape societal understandings of gender, sexuality, and identity?
Visual codes are symbols that convey certain meanings within an image. In the context of fashion, they are used to signify different genders, sexualities, and identities through clothing choices, colors, hairstyles, makeup, accessories, etc. Through these visual codes, individuals can express their personal preferences and values as well as connect with others who share similar ideals.