The age of millennial relevance is quickly being eclipsed by the early 2000s babies who are working their way up as the primary consumer demographic. This generation is becoming known for their individuality, and activism toward diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
You would sooner find a Gen Z-er perusing the selection in a thrift store or scouring the internet for brands that align with their political beliefs than purchasing clothing from a fast-fashion retailer. It is no surprise that their involvement in tackling today’s social norms bleeds into the fashion industry.
Inspiration is All Around
The standards of size, race, and gender are being challenged by the fashion icons of younger generations. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Lil Nas X are all taking steps to inspire the world: one look at a time.
Body Positivity
For decades the “ideal” body type in fashion was a tall and slim size zero. In recent years, however, celebrities like rapper Lizzo and model, Barbie Ferreira, have changed the game in fashion inclusivity.
Lizzo has always been vocal about her push for body positivity in both her music and social influence but it wasn’t until the 2020 October issue of Vogue magazine that her message started breaking ground in the high fashion industry. She appeared on the cover of the iconic magazine as the first “big black woman” to grace its pages.
In an industry that has lacked diverse representation for so long, her presence on the front page was a groundbreaking and welcome change.
Be a Barbie Girl
Another celeb breaking the mold in fashion is model and actress Barbie Ferreira, who has worked for popular retail brands like Forever 21, Aerie, and H&M. With her social media following and influence on younger generations, she continues to pave the way for size equality in the industry.
Challenging Gender Norms
A hot and polarizing topic that has stirred conversation for the past couple of years is the definition of gender identity. Because of Gen Z’s upbringing in the digital age, they have consistently been exposed to social issues that have been available to them through the internet and social media, which has contributed to their involvement in the political sphere.
Because many of them are not of voting age, they find other ways to voice their opinions on such matters – fashion being one of their primary influences.
Raising the Bar and Breaking the Ceiling
A push for gender-neutrality and fighting gender norms in popular clothing has been supported by celebrities like Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles.
Lil Nas X draws influence from musical legends like Prince and adds a contemporary twist to fit the current culture. Billie Eilish made a name for herself as the antithesis of the typical sexualized feminine icon by sporting baggy and gender-neutral pieces that forced the media to focus on her music instead of her body. Harry Styles made headlines when he rocked a dress on the cover of Vogue, which began a push toward redefining masculinity.
Ending Fur Farming
Billie Eilish has also had a significant influence in the fur trade. At the 2021 Met Gala Eilish attended wearing a gorgeous peach Oscar de la Renta ball gown that paid homage to an icon of Hollywood glamour, Marilyn Monroe. As breathtaking as the ensemble was, it came with some conditions for the designer: going forward the fashion house must be fur-free.
Fur farming has been a common practice for the fashion industry for generations and it was not until the late 80s that consumers began to vocalize their concerns for this brutal operation. Thanks to the voices of younger generations and famous influencers like Billie Eilish, within the last few decades most fashion brands have abandoned the use of fur in their products and have adopted sustainable and humane alternatives.
Wear What Makes You Happy
If there is a unified message among these fashion icons, it’s that we have the right to define our style for ourselves. We are entering an age where freedom of expression is at the highest its ever been, and the desire to fit into a mold is rapidly dwindling. What these celebs are teaching us is that there will always be people who are ready to judge and dismiss you, no matter what you wear – so why not wear whatever you want?
The new “normal” is no normal. Fashion should reflect the individuality and uniqueness that makes us human, and Gen Z is paving the way toward that goal. Eilish spoke with British Vogue stating, “I’m the only person that needs to like me… what I wear, who I am and what I say.” This is the ideology that encompasses the Gen Z fashion culture. No matter your size, race, or gender, live your best life in your best clothes!
No Comments