VICTOR / VICTORIA

(Fashion Editorial for Edge Davao newspaper)
Words and styling by: Meghann Patricia Sta. Ines

Photographer: Paul Borromeo |LeadFoto Studios

Hair and Makeup Artists: Tiny Pinili and Melody Ross Tinoy

Model: Jovine Narajos

Clothes and shoes: Forever 21

I am borrowing the title from the 1982 musical film of Julie Andrews, where she portrayed the role of a female soprano who found a career in being a male female impersonator.

Nowadays, it seems like boundaries no longer exist in terms of what men can do that women can’t. History, time and again, has told us of powerful women taking over the throne of kings. Truth be told, women throughout history have been playing the role of men - in movies, in art, and in everyday life.
 

In the world of fashion, more and more designers have crossed the thin line which defines menswear from female clothing.  The industry has relaxed its attitude to gender, and became more accepting of diversities. In a way, androgyny has ignited the imagination of many fashion designers and photographers, and some designers would even feature a male model as their “female muse.”

While it may seem that androgynous dressing is only a hype of today’s world, the mixing of gender clothing and roles has always been around for centuries. For one, Joan of Arc in the 15th century dressed as a man to gain access to Charles VII.
 

Over the years, women’s fashion has taken a masculine turn and evolved into a large-scale trend. Unisex clothes have blurred the masculine-feminine boundaries and became a refreshing style in different settings. The gender bender trend is easily made up of key pieces such as pinstriped and plaid suits, tuxedo jackets, trench coats, slouchy wide legged pants, cigarette pants, baggy knitwear, waistcoats /vests, crisp collared white shirts, leather jackets, Oxford / spectator shoes, and neckties.

Women nowadays can just shuffle through their boyfriend’s closet to search for an outfit for the day. Male clothes on women not only come as functional and practical, they also create a sexy and provocative look. The boyfriend’s shirt (which is basically a man’s polo) is now considered a wardrobe staple for women. In most cases, they try to retain the “lady-like” edge by choosing form-fitting pieces and matching them with a stylish purse or bag.

 

Androgyny has always been a source of interest and intrigue. While it touches on culture and diversities, there is always something empowering and liberating in suiting up. It projects a sense of independence. It validates that women are of the same level of power and strength as the other kind, enjoying the best of both worlds in a stylish kind of way. We think this is one trend that will be enjoyed by women for many more centuries to come.

 

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Fashion editorial published in Edge Davao newspaper.
A1 and A4, INdulg section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol. 5 Issue 232, 25-26 January 2013.