What Does it Mean to Be a Woman?

For the past few weeks I have been following the reality series, "I am Cait". It follows the journey of former Olympian, Bruce Jenner, and his drastic transformation from man, to a fashion loving "woman". 

As I watched this series, I couldn't help but question to myself, "What does it mean to be a woman?" Is it the pretty clothes, bouncy hair, perfect make up and augmented breasts that make you a real woman? Does this trump actual gender?  It was rather disappointing to watch Cait focus so much attention on looking like a "Kardashian" and less on the mental state of what a female mind in a man's body is like. From watching the series, one may think, shopping, slumber parties, and gossiping is all "we" women do. The show would have been much more effective if she would have opened up on a deeper, psychological level and given us a taste of what it may feel like to be transgender.

However, the show did get me thinking about the definition of what a "woman" is. I always identified it to be a strictly biological label, distinguishing the difference between male and female parts. However, transgender redefines that term by establishing the mind as separate from the actual body.  

I try to imagine, what it might have been like if I was born in a man's body with my current "female" brain. Would I have acted more "male" while still feeling quite female? How hard it must be to live in a body that does not feel like your own, and yet to be so strongly identified by it.

After much thought, I believe the definition of a woman is completely personal. For me, I feel very lucky to be a woman. Of the two genders, a woman can create another life in her body, and this gives her the closest bond to another life for 9 months.  I know every woman cannot have a baby, but in my opinion,  the qualities and characteristics of being a "mother" should be celebrated in all woman. For example, a nurturer, a lover, a kind heart, intelligent, femininity, fragility, and yet such a massive strength. 

As much as I do love fashion, and expressing myself artistically and individually through clothes,  I do not believe it has anything to do with being a woman. A woman without clothes, make up, or perfectly quaffed hair is still a woman if she understands the privilege, honor and beauty that comes from within our female identity.

Fashion, Transgender, and the Crap We Believe

As you may have all heard, former Olympic Gold Medalist, Bruce Jenner, has recently admitted to his transgender ways, and declared himself as a woman. Currently, as a "trending" topic, I find myself intrigued by how uncomfortable people get when identity, fashion and gender do not match up to the social stigmas they were born believing. 

As depicted on the doors of universal toilets, a boy wears pants and a girl wears a skirt, try switching things around and all hell breaks loose. People enjoy labels and categories, because it is convenient and easy. Unfortunately, such conveniences, creates a society based on identities predestined by gender orientation and physical appearance. The question of who are you, remains insignificant to the idea, what are you?

For example, the whole concept of creating the word "transgender", is a mistake in itself. It's like having two main teams and putting the odd balls in the corner with another useless label. The point should remain on who you choose to be. Identity is a choice, and something you create, free of any stigmas.  Life often mimics high school and it is time we realize there are no rules in creating who you are. Social groups, and finding your spot is a waste of time, and emphasis should be made in creating your own way, and persona. The term, "male" or female is strictly a "biological" one and it should not restrain your thoughts, preference, or ways of self expresssion. 

 Fashion in all ways, should be the first to adopt the new mind set, of "no rules". The idea of " to be a women is..." or " to be a man is..." should be abolished and corrected to finding what it means "to be (insert your name)..." 

You, like the fingerprints and DNA you were born with, are completely, and unexplainably unique. You are far more valuable than any label could ever begin to understand or describe. Do not cheapen your existence by defining your life based on social pressures. 

Fashion is Freedom.

xo,

Maya

PS. sorry, about the very late post on my "Sakura" dress. New posts coming soon!

Unisex is the Future of Fashion

Unisex or no gender is the direction of Fashion, and it is about time.

As children we are brainwashed to believe a girl dresses one way and a boy another. Two completely separate teams, there is no denying we label gender based upon what we wear. Just take the universal bathroom sign of a woman in a dress verses men in pants. The idea is so deeply embedded in our psyche we forget to realize what we wear does not determine our gender. After all a girl who wears pants is still a girl, just as a boy who wears a skirt is still a boy.

Fashion is fashion, and should not hold restrictions created by "social" standards. Placing gender restrictions on fashion is sexist. The movement into "unisex" will allow people to think, and wear what they desire, and release the stigma attached to "clothes making the person". Clothes are made to represent the person you are, and has no real power to change your gender nor the person inside.

People are starting to realize these flaws, and currently several designers, and brands are now popping up with unisex capsule collections. As much as it excites me, most of it disappoints me. Currently, the whole of idea of "unisex" is limited to existing within the previous stereotypes of the ultra feminine verses the ultra masculine. This leads to a style completely genderless, with a monochromatic color palette, tight fitted straight lines, and geometric lines. 

The point of unisex should not be to kill gender, but to have the freedom to choose the degree of masculinity or femininity any gender may choose to be. For example, men's shirts created in soft pastel colors, and neckties adorning florals, and blush pinks allow the option for a mixture of the ultra masculine and the ultra feminine. Similarly for women, YSL and Chanel collections have both celebrated the swapping of genders, with such silhouettes as the man's tuxedo. Clothes have a distinct level of "power" and "softness" and everyone should feel free to chose from whichever.

Unbar useless stigmas created by society, and start dressing in what your heart desires.