Intro to Fashion Studies: Intersectionality

 

Intersectionality is hard to currently define. Used as buzz word, it has lost a lot of its potency and significance, yet it is still a powerful concept to analyze. Intersectionality means the integration of two of more aspects of life in an individuals experience. It represents the the both subtle and obvious intertwining of social calls, status, and perspective. Intersectionality is a result of both genetics and environment, and manifests as a result of an individuals unique journey through life. Additionally, it is the fusing of subject positions that creates subjectivity in a person. Some subjects are variable, and determined while others given and rigid.

The subject positions I selected were ethnicity which is heavily dependent on my religion, religion which then is interlaced with gender and lastly education which intersects with place and class. To begin with ethnicity, I believe it is the most prominent and visual significance in my individuality. For instance, my ethnicity is so strikingly apparent that is asked about whenever I am introduced to a new person. Moreover, ethnicity informs a lot of my fashion design practice as I employ cultural elements in all my work. Religion neatly ties into my ethnicity as it impacts my moral and thus dress values. As a muslim female, I am urged to dress conservatively and although this conflicts with my place, I still retain a sense of modesty in my personal style. Furthermore, gender plays a significant role in both my religion, place, and ethnicity. Females of my religion and ethnicity are often socially pressured by their place to dress more provocatively, especially in an environment as liberal as New York City. Although I appreciate the freedom of dress, I still maintain an equal balance of what is expected and what I personally prefer. Susan Kaiser iterates, “Because individuals do not accomplish this exploration completely by themselves—because they think about others as they get dressed, and because they rely on feedback from others— style-fashion-dress is a social process.” (Susan Kaiser, page30). I believe this is a powerful statement, as most people whether conscious about it or not take into the account the perspective of others. Dressing ones self is a constant reflection of the world around them. Lastly, my class directly informs my education. Going to Parsons, a private institution can only be a result of my class. This leads into the fact that my peers are all of similar class and thus, through privilege and opportunity I can recognize, be inspired and compete with those who are passionate about dress as well. For example, if I observe my peer who dresses similar to me, I can then transform it and elevate to my personal taste.

Fashion is a metamorphic process, it prompts constant change and breakthroughs both on a personal and global scale. For example, I often dye my hair different colors according to the aesthetic and style I am intrigued by the moment, mostly all influenced by the personal relationships I form with others.