2PM

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this design is to explore the relationship between gender stereotypes, gender expression, and gender identity within clothing. This garment, 2pm, is the first female garment of the collection, ANDROGYNE. The name 2pm represents a metaphor between gender and the cyclical nature of time. The “feminine†embodies the PM and the “masculine†embodies the AM. Both of these fluidly run into one another as time passes; each share the same positions on a clock. This metaphor attempts to step away from the idea of a gender binary. This is a piece that heavily borrows from male figure stereotypes and the shape of body builders. The garment plays on the idea of the hyper-muscular male and attempts to borrow this silhouette and force it upon a woman. The use of neoprene, a synthetic rubber material often found in wetsuits adds to the bulk and overall athletic visual.</p>