The effect of gender models on genderless fashion photography

Abstract

This research aims to explore how gender models affect consumers’ perceptions in order to benefit genderless fashion photography, which could provide alternative body image envisioning in a media landscape dominated by gender understandings. The fashion photography’s most straightforward goal is to enhance the garments’ presentation to potential consumers by associating the fashion design with the personal desires of suitable models. From Unisex to Genderless, the progressive issue proposes advanced concepts to eliminate the gender silhouette, resulting in a contradiction between concepts and images in genderless fashion photography. The research proposed ambivalent fashion photography and genderless fashion complex by reviewing genderless fashion, gender in photography, consumer imagination, and genderless fashion photography cases. It uncovered the concept of eliminating gender and solicited public opinion in support. The results of the survey comparing visible and invisible gender models in genderless fashion images indicate that the choice of models has a moderate impact on how the garments are perceived, but it has no effect on how the design is understood. Notably, employing invisible gender models to prioritize the garments themselves can create a space for gender neutrality and the designer’s vision. By focusing on the garments and experimenting with various photography styles, fashion brands can create a more inclusive and diverse representation of gender, exceeding customers’ preconceived notions. Beyond being a passing trend, genderless fashion reflects the desire of individuals to express their unique identities. The research highlights the potential for fashion photography to embrace genderless concepts in garment design and brand marketing, thereby contributing to more thorough investigations into fashion and gender inclusivity and fostering inclusivity in the fashion and gender spheres.