Beginning the research process

NOTE: This posting will be repeatedly updated throughout the pre-production process as I gather more research and information.

I have decided to start looking up new concepts and trends toward gender non-conformity in regards to the way we express ourselves as a society in order to: firstly, understand whether or not there is even a case to be made and avenues to explore in regards to the topic; and secondly, if there is a case to be made, then to start gathering information on the subject in order to have a better understanding and deeper knowledge of what I’m going to be working with as well as start building my case. Here’s a documentation of what I’ve come up with:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/14/childrens-clothing-and-toy-retailer-gender-leave-the-stone-age-costumes

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/early-learning-centre-costumes-gender-stereotypes_uk_58a1bb4fe4b094a129ecf7d6

http://lettoysbetoys.org.uk/

A children’s retail/toy company named Early Learning Centre came under fire for a mailout they put out that portrayed females as “passive princesses” while males are portrayed

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/aug/11/-sp-the-rise-of-gender-neutral-fashion

A fantastic article on the rise of the phenomenon of “gender neutral fashion,” including: an untitled documentary under development by Lena Dunham’s production company Casual Romance Productions that’s “set to chart the growth in gender-nonconforming fashion”; “unisex” models that model for both mens- and womenswear; fashion designer Craig Green, who is embracing cultural diversity in clothing and was inspired by unisex models for his womenswear collection (and plans to expand this inspiration into his menswear collection as well); and renowned hairstylist/hair product company owner Charles Worthington embracing and showcasing gender-neutral hairstyles such as the “strob” and “boy bowl.”

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/gender-in-fashion-is-dead-these-designers-killed-it

http://kirrinfinch.com/

https://sharpesuiting.com/

http://rebirthgarments.com/#rebirthgarments

An article about how nonconformity within the LGBT+/queer community is expanding and growing. It delves into several clothing designers that have created brands that fit traditionally more masculine clothes for individuals with biologically female bodies, and vice versa.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/style/sc-cons-0728-less-gendered-clothing-20160727-story.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/30/lands-end-science-tees-for-girls_n_5635375.html

http://www.zara.com/us/en/trf/ungendered-c816001.html#

http://www.target.com/c/unisex-baby-clothing/-/N-4y6lb

Delves into the stereotypes and conventions of children’s clothing in particular, as well as mentions brands that are challenging these conventions (i.e. Land’s End, Zara, Target, etc.). Also talks about the psychological repercussions of these conventions (the negativity of stereotypes, examples of bullying, etc.) and why generational divides inhibit mass progress from being made.

http://www.npr.org/2017/02/05/513591475/at-new-york-fashion-week-ungendered-clothes-make-appearance-on-runway

Audio news segment transcript that describes the concept of “ungendered” or “gender-blurring” clothing (especially in relation to the concept of androgyny) .