Fashion Has No Gender
photo courtesy of @bananarepublic Instagram
If there is one valuable style lesson to learn in 2019, it’s that people can wear whatever the fuck they want. The lines are blurring between traditional menswear and womenswear as popularity in gender neutral fashion grows. With the rise in demand for gender inclusive clothing, Banana Republic is one of the first major brands to release a gender neutral collection for “everyone,” in their words. Now that it is trendy for brands to be “woke,” it is important to question companies who have a history of exemplifying stereotypical gender roles. Thus, here is our review of the new UNIversal Collection from Banana Republic, where we evaluate if the line is actually inclusive, or if it is tokenism in disguise.
The breakdown of the UNIversal Collection consists of several sweaters, flannel pants, cotton tees, jackets and hats. Most items begin at an XS and are available up to an XXL. The line maintains the classic Banana Republic business casual look. The Heritage Coat is a double-breasted, plaid coat that can be dressed up or down. The jacket epitomizes the iconic Banana Republic effortlessly sophisticated look. Most of the garments are staples, such as the Long Cardigan Sweater, which can be worn by anyone and matches with almost anything. The pieces are also perfect to wear in both the office or for casual wear. Although the versatility of these garments in the UNIversal collection are definitely a step in the right direction, we have a few concerns.
Our major criticism for the UNIversal Collection is the lack of gender inclusivity and diversity of the models for the shoot on their website. The models in almost every photo wearing each garment are the same white, cisgender man and white, cisgender woman. For a line that dares to be for “everyone,” we are disappointed that the shoot lacks any transgender or non-binary models. Where are the plus sized models? People of color? Sorry Banana Republic but white, cisgender, straight size couples aren’t the only people to exist in the “modern world.”
Even with Banana Republic’s massive flop concerning diversity, the UNIversal Collection still represents a step towards a more inclusive fashion industry. Even if Banana Republic just released this line to bandwagon on the “woke” trend, the publicity the line has received opens up the conversation for more gender inclusivity in the fashion world.
There will always be room for brands to improve and represent all communities and hopefully, the UNIversal Line inspires other companies to release a line of their own and learn from Banana Republic’s mistakes. Fashion has no gender and it is up to us as consumers to pressure brands to continue to make clothing for people who aren’t always represented.
After all, everyone deserves to look like a baddie.