Yes, you read it right. Fashion and feminism are indeed related. Feminism is an ideal which supports equal rights for both men and women. Unfortunately, it is often mistaken as a notion declaring women as the superior race.
Historically, “corsets” were worn by women to create an “ideal” female shape from shoulder to thigh. After the French Revolution in the 1800s, some women gave up wearing corsets for looser outfits which symbolised new ideas of freedom. Women with smaller waists were desired by the society which led to the return of corsets. Corsets led to tight compression of the waist to produce an “hourglass” figure. It affected women’s health adversely; leading to tuberculosis, liver disease and even cancer. The fight against corsets gathered intensity by the 1900s. Manufacturers of corsets now began using scientific and medical techniques so that corsets did not lead to health issues. Also, fashionable clothing became looser.
In the present scenario, the “#Ku Too” movement in Japan is the best example of protests against restriction on the freedom of women. Under this movement, Japanese women are protesting against the mandatory dress code of wearing high heels to workplace. On a contrary note, men in Japan are not subjected to wearing high heels to workplace. It is surprising how such inequality exists in Japan which was ranked 110th in the latest World Economic Forum ranking on gender equality.
On a concluding note, I would like to suggest that the modern world is not modern enough to not objectify women. Also, for some irrational reason, women are often associated with notions of beauty and are viewed as “eyecandies”. However, it will be wrong to conclude on a pessimistic note as protests against inequality are prevalent in our society. As long as we raise our voice against injustice and inequality, our society will continue to grow.
Fashion Freedom 