The Androgenius

MALE. FEMALE. ANDROGYNY. FASHION. IDENTITY.

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Get the Androgynous Look: Makeup Tips and Tutorials for both Ladies and Gents

The constructs of predetermined gender norms takes another knock, this time in the form of makeup trends. I’ve discovered two makeup tutorials, one for women and one (easily adapted) for men to achieve that highly sought after androgynous makeup look.

British Makeup Artist Lisa Eldridge to give us a simple, beautiful makeup tutorial for ladies looking to achieve a slightly masculine “pretty boy” look.

Here are 5 essential tips from Eldridge to help you look like a tomboy:

1.       Lower your brow arch – but not too much.

2.       Lightly contour and highlight your face, and pay special attention to blending it in.

3.       Use clear mascara, but if you only have black, apply it sparingly.

4.       Deepen the eye sockets with neutral browns and beige colors, and blend it.

5.       Use a nude or beige lip color, but avoid glossy or glittery finishes. Matte finish is best!

 On the other end of the spectrum is Makeup Artist Manny MUA, who also does a “natural glam” makeup tutorial perfect for guys who want to add a little femininity to their look.

Below are 5 tips from Manny to bring softness to a man’s face:

1.       Sharpen your brow shape, giving it a tapered tail and clean edges.

2.       Softly contour with bronzer, and don’t be afraid to add a shimmery highlight.

3.       Layer on the mascara to give the appearance of long, full, beautiful eyelashes.

4.       Use darker brown eye shadows on the outer eyes, and lighter colors at the inner eye.

5.       Find a natural beige or pink lip color, and add a layer of gloss to make it pop!

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Men in High Heels

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Heels -- no longer just for women. Britain’s Got Talent’s high-heel-wearing and gender-bending choreography semifinalist Yanis Marshall teams up with fellow choreographer Brian Friedman to deliver a sultry and sizzling dance routine appropriate for all dancers -- regardless of gender or footwear preference.

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Easing the Transition: How to Respect and Support Transitioning Individuals

So I have a friend – we’ll call her Reiko -- who I’ve been close with since my Undergraduate college days. As part of my own coming-out and gender fluid exploration phase a few years ago, I decided to hold a birthday celebration for a few of my closest friends. I called it “The Queen’s Jubilee”, and if that isn’t already an indication of the nature of the party, I’ll have you know it was beyond FABULOUS.

Without getting into too many details, I invited Reiko to the party. Some of the activities included doing makeup, wearing high heels, and a lip-sync competition. Well, Reiko didn’t win the competition, but it is my belief that all the exposure to this realm of femininity awakened within her the desire to become a woman. Reiko (pictured below) is now a MTF (male to female) trans gendered woman.

Through the process of trial-and-error and conversations with another close MTF trans gendered friend (We’ll call her Alexandra), I’ve become aware of the protocol and sensitivities regarding the process of transitioning. If you’re going through a similar situation with someone, or know someone who is transitioning, take into consideration these steps to help ease their transition and show your respect and support for their brave and life-changing decision:

1.       ASK QUESTIONS.

Asking questions is the first step towards understanding “the transition”. Ask why they decided to go through with the process… ask what triggered their decision, and ask what their plan is. This shows that you are genuinely interested in their decision and that you are supportive.

 2.       USE THE APPROPRIATE PRONOUNS.

This could be a tricky one. Ask what gender they identify as, and what their preferences are on pronouns. There are different levels of sensitivity to pronouns, so it’s best to ask right up front. Also, stick to what they want to be identified as – and if you slip, apologize. I’ve found that trans-individuals to be very forgiving people.

 3.       REAFFIRM. REINFORCE.

Take any opportunity to reaffirm your support and let the individual know that you support them. Reinforce their decision and give them the confidence to complete their journey towards discovering their true gender identity.

 4.       EDUCATE YOUR FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES.

If the opportunity presents, inform friends and acquaintances beforehand about the individuals decision to transition. I’ve found it extremely helpful to both parties – the friends, and the trans-individual—when there is clarity. Your friends will thank you for the heads up, and the trans-individual will feel a lot more comfortable. Educating your friends and acquaintances beforehand helps to avoid any awkwardness and/or embarrassment.

 5.       LISTEN. UNDERSTAND. SUPPORT.

Listen to them when they need someone to talk to. Empathize and show that you love and understand them. Be a shoulder to cry on. Be a strong part of their support system… they will need you.

Transitioning is an emotional roller coaster with many highs and lows that few of us will truly ever know. It is a mental, physical, and emotional metamorphosis that affects every aspect of the individual’s life. The journey is long, and the progression slow -- and while we can’t go through the process for them, we can be there every step of the way to show our love and appreciation.

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5 Androgynous Portmanteau’s We Absolutely Need in Our Everyday Vocabulary

Portmanteau’s – they’re fun, witty, and clever little literary inventions that make me smile and giggle. But if you’re not familiar with the term, a portmanteau i, is just a fancy word for when someone takes two words and blends them together into one word, to create a completely new and different word; for example, the word jegging is a portmanteau of the words “jeans” and “leggings”. Do you get it?

Sometimes in my spare time, I like to browse the new (unofficial) terminology over at Urban Dictionary, but beware; browse at your own risk, as Urban Dictionary is known to be highly addictive. I love to add new words and/or phrases to my already whacky vocabulary.

I’ve found 5 juicy portmanteaus relating to the ideas of gender that I hope you find equally as delectable as I did (Some definitions have been slightly reworded for clarity). Spread the word, make it FETCH!

ANDROGENIUS (androgyny + genius) - Any person clever and lucid enough to realize that androgyny and androgynous displays can impress certain equally clever and lucid people that you’ve become a form of genius on the matter.

(Note: This definition formed the entire foundation of this blog, so naturally, I wanted to highlight it!)

FEMMULINE (feminine + masculine) - an individual who obtains both feminine and masculine qualities and doesn't associate specifically with either one.

GENDERFLUX (gender + flux) - A person who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth, but may choose to be extremely one way "feminine" or "masculine" one day and not at all on the next; gender identity depending on intensity.

MASCUMINITY (masculinity + femininity) – A person carrying both male and female traits and characteristics that blends them together successfully.

TRANSTRENDER (transgender + trending) – A person who identifies as male and/or female but does not experience any gender dysphoria.

[theandrogenius]

When your Andro-game is STRONG -- Definitely over 9000.

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Palomo Spain F/W 2017 Collection Tells Gender to “Shove It”

Silks, chiffon, and feathers, OH MY! All eyes were glued to the runway at Palomo Spain’s NYFW F/W 2017 collection as beautifully androgynous male models sashayed down the catwalk. It was designer Alejandro Gomes Palomo’s debut men’s collection, and oh what a collection it was!

“I’m trying to bring couture back to the boys” says Palomo to Alex Badia of WWD, as he described the details of his decadently luxurious gender-fluid menswear collection after the show.

There were ruffles and bared shoulders, chiffon skirts and velvet peplums. Colorful floral prints and animal prints so-hideous-they-were-fabulous adorned thinly framed gentlemen, complete with smokey eyes and glossy lips. And there were heels. Almost all of the men were wearing heels! But beyond the beautifully constructed garments and ultra-expensive materials were also ideas of bondage and sexuality. Models also wore white leather garters and corsets, baring thighs and revealing thinly veiled naughty bits. “I’m exploring my most sexual self” says Palomo.

Has Palomo’s collection caused a cataclysmic shift in how society views gender? Probably not, but it’s a starting point. Gender – it’s so last season.

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Cara Taylor: Androgyny in the Spotlight

The name on everyone’s lips this season is Cara... but not the Cara (Delevigne) we all know and love, but the 15-year-old up-and-coming fashion model who’s walked for Loewe, Dior, and even opened the show for Karl Lagerfeld at the Chanel 2017 F/W fashion show this season (you know, the show everyone’s talking about; the one with the rocket ship). Introducing fashions hottest model of the moment, Cara Taylor.

But what makes Taylor so unique and desirable? According to an interview conducted this past January by Sara Zion of V Magazine, Taylor owes her discovery and success to Instagram. Since her discovery, Taylor has been compared to 90’s supermodels Kate Moss and Linda Evangelista, being praised for “her slightly upturned nose and high cheekbones… [and] strong jawline”. Her androgynous beauty was even likened to 1980’s icon Leslie Winer, who was described as “the first androgynous model” by legendary fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

In her relatively short six-month rise to fame, Taylor already boasts and impressive body of work, including photoshoots with photographers David Sims, Steven Meisel, and Patrick Demarchelier, and walking in runway shows for Alexander Wang, Valentino, Prada, and Versace.

But what comes next for Taylor? Midterms and a drivers permit perhaps – after all, she’s only a teenager.

[theandrogenius]

The Rule Benders: Underground Gender Non-Conformists, and Where to Buy Their Sh*t!

Gender fluidity is in, and gender conformity is out… well, at least it’s a few steps closer to the exit. Rampant on the runways this season are gender-blurring fashions of virtually interchangeable clothing. Designers Jeremy Scott, Raf Simons (for Calvin Klein), and Public School led the non-binary front this year at the New York Fashion Week A/W 2017 shows.

But who can actually afford these clothes? What makes them so expensive?

If you’ve ever conducted your own research on gender-neutral clothing, you’ll see that it’s a niche market, and sources are few and far between; unfortunately, not many designers are at the forefront of the androgynous movement yet. But, that’s not to say there aren’t resources out there. I’ve gone through the long and arduous task of locating a few resources for you (you’re welcome)!

Enter now, five designers who are paving the way to the (hopefully) more gender-fluid future of fashion.

1.       One DNA - https://www.onedna.us/shop

One DNA – based in New York City – is a minimalist unisex clothing brand that focuses on color and design, not gender. One DNA specializes in hoodies and tops.

2.       Sharpe Suiting - https://sharpesuiting.com/

Proudly sporting their tagline “Don’t Fit In|We Fit You”, Sharpe Suiting stands by their idea of custom-constructed luxury clothing for all body types and identities. Sharpe Suiting challenges the idea of boxy oversized gender-neutral clothing by tailoring your clothing around your body type, not your gender. If you haven’t already guessed, Sharpe Suiting specializes in SUITING. 

3.       FLAVNT - http://www.flavnt.com/

“FLAVNT Streetwear is an Austin based independent clothing brand for men, women, and everybody in between”. FLAVNT Streetwear aims to create clothes that inspire confidence and style, especially within the LGBTQ community. Specialties include t-shirts, sweaters, and accessories. They have the cutest pins and stickers! 

4.       TOOGOOD - http://t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com/

TOOGOOD is a bold unisex outerwear brand created by sisters Faye and Eric Toogood – “One [sister] a tinker, the other a tailor”. While beautiful and bleak, TOOGOOD fashions are spellbindingly hard to get ahold of. 

5.       Notequal - http://www.notequal.co/

NotEqual coins itself a genderless brand. Led by designers Fabio Costa and Rebecca Diele, NotEqual celebrates individuality and pushes the boundaries of fashion and gender through rational fashion.

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What is gender? What is sex? What is androgyny? Why should we care?

Gender – it is a social/cultural construct of predetermined roles, characteristics, behaviors, and associations that society has built to identify people as masculine or feminine. But realize please that gender is not to be confused with sex. 

Sex refers to a persons biological differences, inclusive of chromosomes, hormones, and both internal and external sex organs. 

But lets put the biology and psychology lessons aside and talk about the heart of this blog: Androgyny. 

(The following photos are from my Drag Persona’s Instagram Account -- @theavantgardenia, more on this later.)

I was born a biological male, and I also identify as one. However, I have always been intrigued by the ideas of masculinity and femininity.  From this idea I developed an affinity for fashion, modeling, and makeup -- characteristics that are arguably female. 

As curiosity grew to interest, and interest grew to concept, I developed a drag persona and gave her a name: Gardenia Avant. Since her creation back in October of 2013, I’ve expanded my knowledge and understanding of sex and gender and learned to embrace both the masculine and feminine aspects of my being. 

Naturally, the next step for me as a Fashion Journalist was to write about it; And thus, The Androgenius was born. Through the lens of fashion and lifestyle, The Androgenius will explore the ideas of sex, gender, and the combinations therein that make for interesting and exciting content.  

“Androgyny is not trying to manage the relationship between the opposites; it is simply flowing between them.”  -- June Singer