But the word ‘fashion’ also means something popular or in style, something ‘of the moment’ – a zeitgeist. What’s ‘in fashion’ at any one moment speaks to wider trends in society, politics, and the arts. Trend forecasters like WGSN and others look at what’s happening in culture, to whether or not countries are becoming more nationalistic, or fluctuations in the economy, and relate that quite directly to the length of skirt hems and the silhouettes of garments. The clothes we wear represent who we are and, more importantly, who we want to be
Fashion speaks for us. It’s almost like a language. Rae Tutera, now a clothier and partner at Bindle & Keep, a bespoke suiting company based in New York City, knows this more than most. His job now sees him working with the LGBTQ community to create suits for his trans clients that help them mirror on the outside who they are on the inside. These visual cues not only provide self-affirmation and a confidence boost for the wearer, but provide visual cues to others as to how to approach and identify them. Having gone through the experience himself as a trans man, Tutera, who is one of the subjects of the 2016 documentary Suited, feels a certain connection with his clients.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of fashion and its intricate ties to societal dynamics, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject. My exploration spans the intersections of fashion with culture, politics, and the arts, allowing me to decipher the nuanced language that clothing speaks in our society.
The article you provided delves into the multifaceted nature of fashion, emphasizing its role as a reflection of wider trends in society, politics, and the arts. Trend forecasters, such as WGSN, analyze cultural phenomena, economic fluctuations, and nationalistic sentiments to discern the ever-evolving landscape of fashion. This demonstrates the intricate connection between our clothing choices and the broader context of our lives.
The piece introduces Rae Tutera, a clothier and partner at Bindle & Keep, a bespoke suiting company in New York City. Tutera's work is particularly poignant as he collaborates with the LGBTQ community, specifically with trans clients, to craft suits that authentically mirror their identities. Having experienced the transformative journey himself as a trans man, Tutera brings a unique and empathetic perspective to his role.
The significance of fashion goes beyond mere aesthetics; it becomes a language through which individuals express their identities. For Tutera's clients, these bespoke suits serve as visual affirmations, fostering self-confidence and offering cues to others on how to approach and identify them. This narrative highlights the power of clothing not only as a means of self-expression but also as a tool for fostering understanding and connection in our diverse society.
