Grad Thesis - Girls, Girls, Girls

STYLE HAS NO BOUNDARIES
It’s not what you wear, but why you wear it. I have always been a very energetic and strong minded
person. I grew up being the middle child to two brothers and I’ve always been determined to keep up
with (or do better than) them in everything. I’ve never allowed my gender to determine my capabilities
or limit my potential.
I carry this mentality into my style. My style ranges from tube tops and mini skirts to oversized jackets
and men’s pants. I believe wearing a tight, low cut dress should not allow others to question my self
respect or intelligence and label me as too slutty. Similarly, wearing men’s Nike’s and my dad’s old jean
jacket should not encourage others to question my femininity. I’ve grown to ignore comments like
these. I don’t feel someone else should tell me how to feel based on the clothes I am wearing. I try not
to follow rules which govern the way I dress, because my style is very fluid and changes from day to
day based on my mood. I believe that I should be able to wear what I want, and what I feel confident
and comfortable in, no matter who the tag says it is for.
Because I don’t have any sisters, I find myself stealing clothes from my brothers’ closets, and even
on occasion, from my dad’s and uncle’s. It is through my brothers’ influence that I have developed my
style to include traditionally masculine pieces. Their interest in street brands like Supreme, HUF and
Palace has inspired me to incorporate these styles into my own clothing.
I look everywhere for style inspiration – to the people that surround me, places I love and things I enjoy
doing. While my personal style is greatly influenced by my boyish personality and friends that inspire
me, inspiration for others can come from anywhere. Some people are influenced by their gender
identity, political situations, career goals, the list goes on. This book aims to capture these inspirations
and serve as a visual representation of how individuals come to develop their own personal style. It’s
a unique approach, which encourages a raw look into the world of a twenty-something girl.
Through introducing these alternative expressions of femininity, this book challenges the preconceived
notions of what it means to be feminine today.
KATE CLARKE