CROSS - DRESSING

FASHION SUB-CULTUREBy Divya Manivannan

MFM/14/301 – SEM 1

Masters In Fashion Management

Mainstream Fashion

• Mainstream is what’s the new trend is.

• When one "style" gets old, a new one reborn.

• A mainstream person - jumps from trend to trend - fit in -

rest of the crowd

• Mainstream is being what society thinks you should be,

and look like.

Sub-Culture

• Human beings have always used appearances as personal

advertising

• As the world grows ever more complex –INDIVIDUALITY

appears, where the STYLE originates, which creates the

importance of AUTHENTICITY -similar minded people.

• A subculture is a group of people with a culture which

differentiates them from the larger culture to which they belong

• Study of symbolism attached to clothing, music and other

visible affectations by members of subcultures

• Subcultures bring together like-minded individuals who feel

neglected by societal standards and allow them to develop a

sense of identity.

“Why would men want to wear clothing of the

opposite sex?, Are these men perverted, or

crazy?, Are they gay?”

Introduction to Cross - DressingThousands of men worldwide are putting on dresses, makeup, and high heels

trying to look as pretty and as feminine as they can.

They are neither perverted nor crazy

• The sight of a grown man wearing a

dress, in many societies is considered

odd, or unusual, and is ridiculed.

• Is most often done in private or as a

secret that is hidden from others

• But now, more and more men are

"coming out" and dressing

"en femme."

• Conventions where males of different

ages and backgrounds, get together

to enjoy the freedom of dressing

and socializing as females

Introduction to Cross - Dressing

Conventions where males of different ages and backgrounds, get

together to enjoy the freedom of dressing and socializing as females

Self-identified cross-dressers generally do not have fetishistic

intentions, but are instead men who wear female clothing and often

both admire and imitate women.

When does it all begin?

• It is believed that cross dressing

desires can be recognized at a

very young age

• Pre-adolescent years

• Painting fingernails, dressing in

female clothing's and trying on

high heeled shoes are all the

acts

• Pulled in two different

directions causes much

confusion in the mind of a

youngster.

• Whilst the teenager can see physical changes that confirm his

masculinity, his feminine desires are likely to raise many

questions.

• The vast majority of cross dressers don't fully acknowledge

their cross dressing desires until later on in life.

• Remember, cross dressers are happy with their masculine

traits. The only thing that makes them different to any other

man is that they like to express the female side of their

personality by dressing as a woman

When does it all begin?

Why would men do this, you might ask?

Why would men do this, you might ask?

Psychology behind Cross-Dressing

• Want to feel free to express the feminine side of their personality

• Boys cannot portray feminine traits; can't cry, appear weak, or be

soft

• Males who dress in female clothing often feel liberated to express

their emotions

• This makes them feel comfortable

• Second reason for cross-dressing is to feel and experience the

"power of a woman” What power is this?

• It is to be able to turn the heads of all the men as she enters the

room. It is the power to choose who will get their attention.

• see themselves as having a male side and a female side

• Unfortunately, in many societies cross-dressing, especially male to

female, is often still a taboo.

Fashion Cycle of Cross - Dressing

Ideology behind Cross - Dressing

• Young

• Feminine

• Individualism

• Stylish

• Aesthetic

• Enjoyment

Male Dominance in Cross - Dressing

Male Dominance in Cross - Dressing

• Subcultures can be perceived as negative- nature of criticism to the

dominant societal standard. Brings together like-minded

individuals who feel neglected by societal standards. This develops

a sense of identity.

• The act of cross-dressing was a challenge to the status quo,

destabilizing the gender norms so central to cultural hierarchies

• It is done behind closed for fear of being caught and ridiculed

• A 'macho' image. Society is generally unsympathetic to issues such

as gender identity

• Little choice but to fit the mold until he has the confidence to do

something about it.

• Like any other subculture society criticized for cross dressing as

well. In fact the criticism is much more because it shook the

ethical morals of the society and blurred the line between

feminism and masculinity

Role of Society in Cross - Dressing

THANK YOU