The fashion industry has long been known for its focus on specific gender norms. However, a new wave of transgender designers is challenging these limitations and creating clothing and accessories that celebrate self-expression and cater to a broader range of identities.
Why Transgender Designers Matter
Transgender designers bring a unique perspective to the fashion world. They understand firsthand the challenges of finding clothes that fit and flatter a non-conforming body. Their designs often prioritize comfort, adaptability, and a wider range of sizes to ensure everyone feels confident and stylish.
More importantly, trans designers are creating a space for greater visibility and representation within the fashion industry. They are challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, and their work empowers the trans community to express themselves authentically through fashion.
5 Trans Designers Making a Difference
Pierre Davis (No Sesso): This visionary designer, who uses they/them pronouns, made history in 2019 as the first Black trans person to showcase at New York Fashion Week. Their brand, No Sesso (Italian for “no sex”), champions gender-fluid clothing that celebrates individuality.
“We want to create a space where people can express themselves however they feel most comfortable, however they feel most seen. [No Sesso] is about defying those classifications and wearing what makes you feel good.”
Pierre Davis
Fey Hagenaars (HAAGS): Dutch designer Fey Hagenaars utilizes her background in sculpture to create innovative and architectural garments through her label HAAGS. Her designs are known for their clean lines, bold colors, and functionality, often incorporating convertibility to cater to diverse body types.
“Fashion is a way to express yourself, to show the world who you are. Through clothing, you can play with your identity and challenge beauty standards.”
Fey Hagenaars
Adrian Cowan (Xo Adrian): This London-based designer creates show-stopping, gender-fluid evening wear through his label Xo Adrian. Cowan’s designs are inspired by drag culture and historical garments, often featuring dramatic silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.
“I want to erase the lines between menswear and womenswear. My clothes are for whoever wants to wear them, regardless of gender identity.”
Adrian Cowan
KT져 (KTZ): Korean-American designer KT Thayer creates futuristic and genderless garments under the label KTZ. Their collections often incorporate unconventional materials and feature a dark, edgy aesthetic.
“Growing up non-binary, I never felt like I find clothes that reflect their true selves, regardless of gender.”
KT져
Shahd Khorshid (Shood): This Brooklyn-based designer uses her label Shood to create playful and colorful garments that challenge traditional ideas of femininity. Khorshid incorporates Middle Eastern design influences and often features bold prints and comfortable silhouettes.
“I want to make clothes that celebrate the female form, but in a way that feels inclusive and empowering. Trans women are women, and our clothing should reflect that.”
Shahd Khorshid
Ethical Practices and Social Impact: A Closer Look
Life on Mars: Community Building and Ethical Responsibility
Life on Mars prioritizes ethical practices through the responsible sourcing of materials and ensuring fair labor practices in their production. Every piece of art that founder Mars Wright creates not only embodies a tool of personal connection but also represents a commitment to ethical manufacturing. The brand supports small-scale artisans and prioritizes transparency in their operations, making a significant social impact by fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
FLAVNT Streetwear: Empowerment Through Inclusivity
FLAVNT Streetwear takes a strong stance on social impact by aiding LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Their dedication extends beyond clothing design into active community engagement. FLAVNT partners with organizations and initiates fundraisers to support transgender individuals, aiding in critical areas like gender-affirming surgeries. Emphasizing the origin of the garments, FLAVNT ensures that their clothing is produced ethically, reinforcing their commitment to equity and fairness in the workplace.
TomboyX: Sustainability and Community Support
TomboyX combines sustainable practices with a focus on social responsibility, targeting issues such as size inclusivity and gender identity discrimination. Founders Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez ensure the brand uses eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes. Beyond products, TomboyX extends support to various community projects and leads initiatives to uplift and empower marginalized groups, making impactful strides in both environmental and social arenas.
HauteButch: Redefining Norms and Empowering Diversity
HauteButch stands out for its commitment to challenging fashion norms and advocating for the butch community and others who defy traditional gender roles. With a focus on creating clothing that suits diverse body types without sacrificing style, the brand maintains strict standards for ethical production and sources only from suppliers who adhere to their values of fairness and equality. As a queer, black-owned business, HaudeButch also emphasizes the empowerment of underrepresented demographics, promoting not only inclusivity but also economic support within these communities.
Through these initiatives, each brand distinctively demonstrates that fashion can be a powerful platform for positive change, advocating for inclusivity, ethical practices, and a greater social impact.
The Future of Fashion
The rise of transgender designers is a positive step towards a more inclusive and representative fashion industry. These designers are not only creating stylish clothes, but also advocating for a more accepting and diverse fashion landscape.
As the influence of transgender designers continues to grow, we can expect to see a wider range of styles, sizes, and silhouettes available to everyone. This shift will not only benefit the trans community but will also empower individuals of all genders to express themselves authentically through fashion.
