According to Harvard Health, “gender fluidity refers to change over time in a person’s gender expression or gender identity, or both. That change might be in expression, but not identity, or in identity, but not expression.” As we continue to embark on an uprise of body-positive brands that are embracing gender fluidity, we are continuing to move closer to further diversifying an inclusive fashion industry. Though we still have ways to go when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and social reform in this country, these BIPOC body-positive brands are helping to bring us forward with their gender-fluid garments.
1. No Sesso
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No Sesso‘s founder Pierre Davies made his debut as the first trans designer to showcase at New York Fashion Week. No Sesso stands for “no gender” in Italian and is helping to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen, heard and appreciated. The brand is combating conventional narratives that often portray fashion in a black and white light through unconventional concepts of contemporary fashion, art and design.
2. Telfar
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Founded in 2005, Telfar is one of the most cult-followed brands that is still garnering an insurmountable amount of attention. Founder Telfar Clemens won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2017 and has since gained more traction as a gender-fluid designer. Best known for its high-fashion shopping bags, Telfar’s open accessibility has made the brand the ultimate must-cop for fashion consumers.
3. Phlemuns
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In 2013, designer James Flemons introduced the scope of intentional design within the world of fashion by creating an approach that’s accessible to the average consumer. The genderless brand is helping to bring elevated high-end fashion to everyday communities around the world. Phlemuns‘ garments bring a unisex feel within the ready-to-wear silhouettes that have landed on the likes of Lil Nas X and Solange, to name a few.
4. Nicole ZiZi
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Intersectionality meets sustainable streetwear with a twist with Nicole Zizi. This brand is helping bring forth a more inclusive industry for the community and the world with eco-friendly designs. The ethically-made garments are genderless and help combat traditional fashion trends.
5. Coco and Breezy Eyewear
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Coco and Breezy Eyewear gets up close and personal. With the mantra of “eyewear is the outfit and your clothing is the accessory,” the twin designers came up with the idea of mixing optical and sunglass lenses in one frame, so you no longer have to sacrifice comfort over fashion.
6. Kenneth Nicholson
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Kenneth Nicholson is the must-have luxury men’s label you need for your everyday wardrobe. The designer founded his eponymous brand in 2016 and emphasizes strong silhouettes, innovative techniques and constructed designs that move with your every move. Though this is technically a menswear brand, it can and has been worn by anyone.
7. Stuzo Clothing
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Stuzo Clothing is an LGBTQ+ powerhouse that transcends gender fluidity with powerful statement designs. Ranging from a wide range of t-shirts with different gender labels to multi-colored overalls that highlight LGBTQ+ pride, this genderless clothing brand is testing the limits by going against traditional conventional fashion statements.
No matter what race, ethnicity or cultural background you identify with, these BIPOC brands are helping to reshape limiting societal stereotypes against LGBTQ+ culture and helping to take up space in an industry that did not want them to succeed.
