So
In a survey contacting 60000 respondents with Elle Magazine and NMBC , 61 percent of women said they thought men judged them on their looks, followed by work ethic (54 percent) and accomplishments (49 percent). On the other hand, men feel that their female colleagues judge them on work ethic first (43 percent), accomplishments second (40 percent), and then looks (32 percent).
Will we as women perpetuate these expectations? The Tibi runway show styled by Swedish fashion blogger Elin Kling seems to say no. This opportunist blogger has always been proud of her business sense, which has led her to not only style this show, but also be the first blogger to design a collection for H&M, and is slated to style Tibi’s Spring campaign. Despite being in an industry based on looks, she seems to be insisting that we redefine our sexuality through our actions rather than our physical assets by keeping the styling minimal in the collection.
The models’ hair is pulled back. The makeup is bare. No earrings, bracelets, or necklaces are to be found. Many of them look like young boys. The woman’s hourglass shape is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the waist is consistently dropped to the hip bone. The sleeve lengths widely hover an inch or two above the elbow like a man’s t-shirt. They are often used in conjunction with a slit neckline reminding me of medical scrubs, a uniform longtime used to de-sex professionals.
The skirts generally drop right below the knee and straight down from the hip. Boots that rise above the ankle truncate any chance to flatter the remaining leg. Turtle necks are a staple of this woman’s wardrobe who wears them alone or under any top that mildly dips below the pit of the neck.
Tibi even managed to use the trending vinyl and patent leather to maintain the a sexual vibe of this show whereas other designers used it to keep women seductive during the colder seasons. The fabric is stiff not revealing a curve and appears like car metal. She pairs it with similarly modest tops and bottoms.
The closest thing to sexy is the length of some of the dresses and skirts which are cut at mini length. However, those are always tempered with oversized jackets, high necklines, and the previously mentioned stub-ifying boots. Honestly, these looks are my favorite, which strategically shows off one body part. This is coming from a chick who personally is comfortable with her femininity but doesn’t lead with her body.
Nonetheless, I know the runway often demonstrates the extreme to make a point. However, I believe the transition of how women will redefine professional dress will still maintain some femininity as men also are able to express themselves more freely through fashion.
If one looks at the Tibi street style on their website, you’ll see other bloggers rocking Tibi. This includes The Glamourai, UK’s Wonderland Magazine editor and photographer favorite, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Hanelli, and The Blond Salad who style Tibi frocks, pants, and accessories in a way that is fun, creative, and lively. As much as a runway show should tell a story, it should also be engaging. Realistically, I’m surprised Kling decided to style the show so seriously. I’d rather watch her Tibi street fashion.