Fashion is one of the most notable and capitalized art forms in the world, but where would it be without the influence of the queer community? Designers such as Alexander Mcqueen with his statements on technology and influence in streetwear or Vivienne Westwood’s expression of political values and imagination created a new realm of possibility and creativity for designers, models, and consumers around the world.
Not only does the LGBT community continue to influence and push the boundaries of fashion as an art form, but they also created strides in the political presence of the fashion world. Yves Saint Laurent was one of the first designers to put on a show with models from different races, religions, and cultural backgrounds. Before his multicultural show in the 1970’s, high fashion runway models consisted of slim white people who fit the societal normality of beauty. Along with his diverse models, Saint Laurent also was one of the first to make androgynous designs, that he would show modeled on both men and women.
Calvin Klein was the first designer to portray men as sex objects with his underwear campaign in the 1980s. Women were used constantly as objects when modeling almost anything, and Klein decided to level the field. When he launched his campaign for Calvin Klein mens underwear he used attractive, typically already famous, male models and posed them in ways that the world hadn’t seen before. He sent a message to men that they can also be seen in sexual ways, and he got men who hadn’t thought about fashion to become more aware.
Hana Holquiest is a queer designer from New York who created huge influence within the drag community. She’s known for creating hyper-feminine designs that have been showcased on shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, and worn by influencers like Poppy. She also makes sure to note that her designs would not be possible without the influence of New York’s gay nightlife scene as well as the influence of other gay designers like Alexander Mcqueen and his gothic streetwear designs and Christian Dior’s silhouettes.
The effect of queer designers in fashion is vast, and without them people would not see things even as basic as boxers as they do today. It is important that fashion stays political and that it continues to be supported. Support incoming designers, and continue to encourage them to follow their path. Look at the names on your clothing tags and research those designers, they could have made a much larger impact than you know.