I remember when I was little, my mom dressed up in my dad's tuxedo for Halloween, inspired by the movie Victor, Victoria with Julie Andrews. Every year they would go to a party with a big group of friends and have a costume contest... she may have even won that year! Now and again, the picture of her in bowtie and playful smile will unearthen from our big pile of family photos.
Fashion has always been influenced by the big screen, but some films don’t just set trends—they redefine the way we see gender, style, and self-expression. Today’s gender-fluid fashion, gender-neutral clothing, and androgynous fashion movements aren’t emerging from thin air; they owe a lot to the bold cinematic choices of the past. Let’s take a look at how some of the most iconic films have shaped modern gender-inclusive fashion trends.
1. Androgynous Elegance – Inspired by Orlando (1992)
Tilda Swinton’s mesmerizing performance in Orlando takes us on a journey through centuries of fashion, as her character transforms from male to female. The film’s costumes, rich in Victorian lace, sharp tailoring, and flowing fabrics, challenge rigid gender norms.
Designers like Gucci, Harris Reed, and Stella McCartney embrace this historic-meets-modern androgyny. Runway looks now feature structured suits softened by delicate fabrics, gender-inclusive fashion statements, and unisex clothing styles that blur the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics.
2. Avant-Garde Glam – Inspired by The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A cult classic that never fades, The Rocky Horror Picture Show brought fishnets, corsets, and bold makeup into the spotlight. Tim Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter remains an icon of unapologetic self-expression, celebrating fluidity in fashion and identity.
The bold, gender-nonconforming styles seen in drag culture, music icons like Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, and Sam Smith, and high fashion brands like Palomo Spain all owe a debt to Rocky Horror’s fearless aesthetic. Androgynous fashion trends continue to rise as more people embrace self-expression beyond the gender binary.
3. Dystopian Gender-Neutral Fashion – Inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Charlize Theron’s Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road is the ultimate gender-neutral warrior. Her shaved head, rugged clothing, and practical yet powerful look subvert traditional feminine costuming, making function just as important as form.
Gender-neutral streetwear and utility fashion—think combat boots, oversized fits, sustainable fashion, and earthy tones—have surged in popularity. Brands like Y/Project, Rick Owens, and Balenciaga take cues from this gritty, post-apocalyptic aesthetic, proving that unisex fashion can be both stylish and functional.
4. Luxury Gender Fluidity – Inspired by A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange is both disturbing and undeniably stylish. Its iconic costumes—white jumpsuits, bowler hats, and exaggerated lashes—create a tailored, theatrical, gender-subversive look that still influences designers today.
The mix of classic menswear with avant-garde, androgynous details can be seen in collections by Thom Browne, Maison Margiela, and Alexander McQueen. High-end fashion houses continue to challenge traditional men’s and women’s clothing categories by embracing gender-inclusive style.
5. Sleek Androgyny – Inspired by The Matrix (1999)
If there’s one film that gave gender-fluid fashion a futuristic edge, it’s The Matrix. With its long leather coats, minimalist black outfits, and sleek silhouettes, the film introduced a look that was neither overtly masculine nor feminine—it was just powerful.
Techwear, gender-neutral tailoring, sustainable streetwear, and monochrome styling have taken over fashion, with brands like Balenciaga, Fear of God, and Helmut Lang leaning into this sleek, cyberpunk aesthetic. The rise of futuristic, unisex fashion styles showcases how gender-inclusive design is shaping modern wardrobes.
The Future of Gender-Defying Fashion
The influence of these films proves that fashion and cinema go hand in hand when it comes to challenging norms. As gender-fluid, nonbinary, and androgynous styles continue to gain traction, we’ll likely see even more cinematic inspiration on the runway. Unisex clothing brands and gender-neutral fashion collections are no longer niche—they are becoming mainstream. After all, great fashion—like great films—tells a story.
