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Bound by Binary: Experimental Textile Practice That Challenges Current Binary Gender Fashion Norms

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Thesis(181.97 MB)

Date

2021

Authors

Supervisor

Cleveland, Donna
Eklund, Tof

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Creative Technologies

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Binary gender as a design model in the fashion industry, places limitations on gender expression. Gender is not as simple as the binary system that Western society endorses. Gender and gender expression need room for movement, change and diversity.  Since gender is fluid and because a bi-model view of gender restricts this, it can have detrimental side effects on a person’s mental health. This research project undertakes an exploration of textile making processes to develop an alternative and imaginative approach to textile design for fashion garments, where the outcomes offer new possibilities for gender fluidity. Even though fashion is a tool for self-expression, current traditional fashion and fashion retail processes tend to enhance and re-enforce binary gender values in society. Shapeshifting textiles offer a potential to drive change. This practice-based research approach results in a textile collection and fashion garment that isn’t confined by binary gender limitations. It starts a conversation where people’s relationship with gender in New Zealand, and society, in general, can change. 

Description

Keywords

Gender, Gender expression, Textiles, Knitwear, Gender fluidity, Self expression, Experimental textile practice, Fashion

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Permanent link

https://hdl.handle.net/10292/14612

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Masters Theses