G E N E R A T I O N

- W H Y - N O T ?

N O R M S

T H E B O O TG E N D E R  

G I V E

My object for this brief was ankle boots, which I developed into my own concept of ankle boots as gender

neutral. My project developed throughout from my in-depth research into ankle boots, particularly

discussions with my peers from a lecture on gender and fashion, using the internet, books and a wide range

of magazines. Another key development in my project was the experimental deconstruction of my own ankle

boots. At the beginning of my project I began my initial research by looking through a wide variety of

magazines, ranging from 2012 to 2017.

From this I collected all the visual

research I could find on ankle boots,

which was by a large majority worn by

female models and very few male. Due to

this my initial idea was to build a concept

on feminism female empowerment as

many of the images portrayed to me

strong female figures, the heeled boots

giving the model height and power.

Instead I decided to move my focus on to

how many few male models I coud find in

these magazines wearing ankle boots,

expect those designed for work. I focused

my concept on making heeled ankle boots

a genderless form of fashion, socially

acceptable for both genders. This concept

proved challenging as I was unable to

find a pair of heeled shoes/ankle boots

that would be large enough to fit a male

model for a photoshoot. To adapt to this

challenge I created my own pair of boots

using pieces from my deconstruction. I

also looked for male models with a ‘below

average’ shoe size. Upon reflection I would

have liked to have made a more attractive

pair of DIY ankle boots, but given the

materials available to me I think it was

still a success. Once I had created a pair of

ankle boots for my selected male model, I

planned my photoshoot. I chose to use both

female and male models in my shoot to

portray that gender is irrelevant to the

ankle boots and should be open. Location

wise I decided to photograph on the streets

to show that men can wear the boots out

and about in normal day to day life.

On shoot however, I am sad to admit we did receive some negative

looks and comments from passers by which shows how closed minded the

public can be to the concept. Using photoshop I edited my photographs

into black and white as I enjoyed the aesthetic this created combined

with the ambience created from the street backgrounds. To create my

final feauture I used InDesign and created a small zine designed to

have a front cover, double spread and back cover. If the project had a

larger time aspect and we were allowed more pages I would have liked to

create another two pages for this to make it a proper zine.

In future projects I could improve by making a brand

and social media campaign to accompany my work.

Overall I am very pleased with my final outcome from

this project and think it successfully conveys my ideas

and concept. To view my blog please follow the

link: http://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/libertyfashion/.