Masculine versus Feminine

 

 Men it seems are undecided on which they prefer. After posing this notion to a group of male friends, it seems that a more feminine style is preferred; “I like a woman to look like a woman, in the work place a suit is fine, but out of work it should be a different story,” commented one friend. Only one had any positive comments on masculine styling for females, describing it as “powerful and sexy” but in a dominatrix way “I wouldn’t mind if a woman wanted to take charge of me.”

 

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 Here is where Dolce and Gabbana always seem to get the balance right between the masculine razor sharp lines, and feminine oozing sex appeal. Talking about their latest Autumn/Winter collection Stefano told Grazia’s Melanie Rickey: “It’s all about a woman who’s so powerful, she doesn’t need anyone,” and this notion was also echoed in Marc Jacobs latest collection. This time he chose a much more conservative look containing a subtle, yet still powerful level of masculinity throughout.

 

 

 In complete contrast you will always have designers which feel empowering women can be achieved through a sheer romanticised feminine style such as Roksanda Ilincic and Sonia Rykiel who prefer to extenuate a woman’s curves through softer shapes. This softer side to fashion is always the less threatening one of the two trends, but can still have that head turning effect. Even a Louis Vuitton floral headband can mute the harshness of sharp lines while keeping the male pride look in tow.

 

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 Maybe our fascination of the masculine look is the androgyny it provides. From behind it can be hard to tell if the person in front of you is a male or female, often because only one body shape can truly pull off strict lines. “It’s a look that actually is hard, because in one way you need to be the right shape, which I think is quite boyish. But if you are that shape it’s the most wonderful look,” comments Lucinda Chambers, Fashion Director of Vogue.

 

 

 Whenever you spot a woman in a more masculine style, you are somewhat attracted the connotations she, be it purposely, or innocently portrays. Bold, powerful, and in control, without the tackiness of Girl Power or the use of fetish is what true masculine tailors achieve, and is something gender holds no boundaries on.

 

 

By Amelia Sullivan

babymiacat@hotmail.com