In Tokyo, Fashion is Genderless

Certain Japanese designers showcase unisex pieces to break down the barriers of heteronormative fashion. These values are notably promoted by Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo in their collections, and indeed have been since the 1980s.

Today, western fashion has a tendency to twist archetypes, and in Tokyo, it has been genderless for several years now. In a report, I-D magazine asked young Tokyoites about their style and vision of fashion. All of those questioned were unanimous in their response: everyone is now free to dress as they wish. They also noted a rise in men adopting kawaii fashion with growing ease thanks to the increasing presence of feminine style in Japanese men’s fashion.

Japanese men are no longer afraid to wear skirts, skinny jeans and make-up and to mix up their colour palette. Women, meanwhile, wear suits, juxtapose different garments or wear much looser cuts which are often reserved for men. Some individuals may still observe this with a judgemental eye, but the fear of appearing vulgar is gradually fading. This eradication of gender leads young people in Japan to wear outfits that reflect their personality and that inspire their western counterparts.