Tourdrobe

It seems that every several years, someone fresh pops onto the scene who has the androgyny thing down pat. I certainly appreciate the skill it takes to wear androgyny well. It appears as though in 2010, more people are trying it on for size. Is it just me or is androgyny the new black?

It used to be: David Bowie and Grace Jones (1970’s & early 1980’s). Annie Lennox (mid-1980’s). Madonna (late-1980’s). These artists either were known for their androgyny (aside from other obvious qualities) or had exceptional instances reflecting androgyny (note: watch the video for Madonna’s Express Yourself). They were also known as expressive artists and there were very few who obtained levels of success they had reached.

Now we have  Iris Strubegger. Adam Lambert. Agyness Deyn. Elly Jackson. Bill Kaulitz (Who, you ask?! He’s the lead singer of Tokio Hotel who I happen to crush on).

Bill Kaulitz, Tokio Hotel

So, you haven’t heard many of these names – that’s ok – but these are the people who are epitomizing the androgenous movement of the new decade. They’re models, actors, singers, performers, artists, and regular people, too.

Elly Jackson, La Roux

Agyness Deyn, Photo: Imaxtree

Granted, some people may mistake “cross-dressing” with “androgyny” but I do not agree – to me, androgyny is all in the eyes. It’s the way you carry yourself, not just how you wear your clothes. As much as we want to believe it, we all care about how other people perceive us when we are applying our eyeliner or picking out which shoes go best with skinny jeans. The people listed above are at a distinct disadvantage because, at any given time, they could be photographed by the paparazzi and labeled as something they aren’t. Or are. We’re lucky – we don’t have that kind of pressure on us.

So how is it possible for me to feel just as comfortable in a strapless bubble-skirt dress and stilettos as I do in boyfriend jeans (more to the point, MY boyfriend’s jeans), a men’s button down vest (any man will do), and a fedora (only on a poor faux-hawk day)? Because I dress how I feel. In my opinion, this is the best piece of advice anyone could give someone else. If we care so much about what other people think about us, we will never feel comfortable in any of our clothing, regardless of what we are trying to wear.

Bottom line, my friends, is regardless of who wears loads of eyeliner or a fabulous Dolce & Gabbana suit (men’s cut), if you’re not comfortable with yourself, it won’t look good on you. Nothing looks better on you than you!

Try it out and see how you like it – if not, it’s ok, but remember – it’s your life, live it on tour! <3, MK