Why do urban young women dress the way they do? Is it only their business?

 

The inspiration for young women is largely the fashion industry, one does see models on the ramps and actresses at social dos dressed in what may be considered outrageous garments. For impressionable teenagers and young women, clothing is a critical element of self-expression and independence - they do not see anything wrong in ‘wearing what they want’.

This is despite the all prevalent male gaze, which research and personal experience shows is quite different form the female gaze. Advertising has numerous examples of the male gaze: the elegant outline of a car’s form is compared to the curves of a woman. (I have elaborated the point here.)

The ‘Me-too’ movement threw up narratives of women being at the receiving end of inappropriate behaviour. The oft-cited excuses have been the ‘provocative’ garb of women.

In contrast to the ‘body objectivising’ that happens when a man is in the picture, is the sheer body positivity that young women feel, which springs from within. There is a certain innate energy of sexuality, that these youngsters are impelled to express in their clothing. (This video of mine explains more about this aspect.)

A case in point – a few years ago, a client’s daughter wanted Umbara to make an outfit for her eighteenth birthday celebration. Her ask gave me pause. I urged her to examine the perception that the outfit would create, among those attending the celebration - was that in line with the real ‘her’? Perhaps it would be wise to wait a few years until she had the emotional and psychological maturity to handle the outcomes of wearing such a daring outfit?

I see that most youngsters do not stop to think about the stark difference in circumstances between them and the Bollywood divas and supermodels – the security personnel who accompany them to events vis a vis the inexperienced (with life!) friends that they go out with, the chauffeurs who deliver the celebrities to the safe confines of their homes in the wee hours versus the lonely public transport and absence of safe last mile options that are at their disposal…..the list of contrasts is long.  

What we need to understand is that commenting on an individual’s choices borders on interference. For example, many times people make questionable food choices that impact their health. However, we do not express an opinion as it impinges on an individual’s rights. Young people will come around to understand that a pair shorts and an unshaven face is alright for a techie when he works from home, but will not be appropriate when he makes a presentation in a formal setting to potential funders. While our youngsters figure out what is permissive and what is appropriate when it comes to clothing, all we can do for them is to hold space and facilitate their safe exploration of clothing.

-      -  Rama