Often chastised for being bold, independent, and opinionated, women have reclaimed their power from the patriarchal mindset and moved on to conquer their legacy. Yet, it seems we have scaled only half the mountain. Being well of in the 21st century, gender roles still passively dictate most of our choices and ideas.
IWD (International Women’s Day) has acknowledged the elephant in the room. Every year on the 8th of March, it gives women-centric causes the limelight. It has also highlighted the need to conversate around the bias that arises from these stereotypes.
Hence, this year, we are all about #BreakingTheBias!
Art and fashion have always been the front-runners in accelerating change. Even in this space, women have yet to achieve unobstructed access to express their true selves. The structured forms, patented silhouettes, and fixed color palettes feed into the gender norms. This promotes the archetypes which stuff women into the patriarchal roles of demure and domesticated beings.
Thankfully, we have badass women in Indian fashion who understand this sentiment. They are innovative & strong, and embody Lizzo’s words, “If I’m shining, everybody gonna shine!”
Joining forces with all those who wish to challenge the patriarchy, here are women who’re paving the way for us to look the part as we break out of the conformist mold.
Papa Don’t Preach By Shubhika
Women are often reprimanded for speaking out loud about their choices and being opinionated. Shubhika of Papa Don’t Preach sweeps in with her bold, brave, and vibrant tones to grab attention to what women have to say. Her designs are often adorned with oversized embellishments, enabling them to shine in the limelight.
Shubhika’s vision through her label is to design clothes for those who are constantly redefining their fashion boundaries. And, her range of lehengas reflects this. Traditionally, meant to be modest, Papa Don’t Preach designs a range of midi lehengas that go against the grain. Apart from the length, bold cuts can be seen in every outfit designed by the label, signifying her challenge to the redundant ideas of patriarchy.
Each piece donned in lively colors and thriving embroidery calls out to women to be unapologetically themselves.
Masaba
Gone are the days when women were forced into corsets or uncomfortable trends; Masaba brings a sophisticated range of comfortable silhouettes that empower women to take the bull by its horns and scream Olé with poise.
Breaking stereotypes is second nature to the coveted designer. Most of her collections focus on challenging the fashion police by experimenting with rebellious details, colors, and edgy prints, anointing her as the Queen of Prints and Lady of Modern Silhouettes. Masaba’s ensembles reclaim the ideas of femininity from society’s rigid hands and craft them into a unique aesthetic. Through their designs, Masaba’s pieces urge women to metamorphose into their true, quirky selves.
Flowerchild by Shaheen Abbas
Like fingerprints, women too are unique. Flowerchild understands this fundamental truth. Shaheen Abbas crafts statement jewelry pieces that celebrate the rarity of a woman, be it her shape, size, or complexion.
The rustic finishing highlights the raw nature of femininity, embodying a different attribute and curve. The unrefined textures convey what it means to be flawed, and imperfectly beautiful!
‘Oro Crudo,’ her recent collection, is an ode to women living unfiltered lives, and we are all for that #nofilter.
Women embrace their inner lioness as they reclaim their power, and looking the part is essential. Fashion entrepreneurs help smoothen this challenging terrain by giving inclusivity a space in their design and vision, enabling women to conquer the world as they feel comfortable in their skin.
Written by Khushveen Anand
