Daniel Saynt Asks : Should Men Be Allowed on a Womans Runway?

Before you read too much into this post and begin labeling me a “homophobe”, let me pre-fence this post by stating my view. I believe that every man and woman has the right to choose the way they want to live, as long as the way they live does not impose on the rights of others.  Sexuality is more than a choice, it is a right that each of us deserve.

Now on to the juicy bits…

This fashion season was strung full of the type of shows you’d only normally see at a very special night at The Cock (NYC nightclub for those not in the know).  Men paraded around in womans underwear as the line between androgyny and sexuality were crossed to produce a metaphoric smorgasbord of shock and awe over the sillohettes of masculintity taking over the long delicate curves of the female staple, the dress. It was seen at Marcos Hall (his invitation feature Andre J wearing one of his signature looks) and at New York Couture (a show we sponsored and fully supported). Whether is be drag queen or cross dresser, tranny or something altogether different, it seemed like amongst the indie designers, it was finally okay to be “a boy in a dress”.  

But was it really “okay”?  Did the looks that came clogging down the runway in size 14 heels really appeal to the end user, the woman who would eventually wear the dress?  I’m still looking for answers on this one, but it seems that the few women I spoke to displayed a general disinterest or disconnect when a man is rocking a look that was made for her body.

Andre J walking Marcos Hall 

Andre J, the bearded, “not a tranny, not a drag queen” model, has been getting a ton of attention for his over the top persona.  Running with a crew that includes Amanda Lepore, the Heatherette and David LaChapelle darling, who lost her “twig and berries” years ago, Andre J seems to be a rising star in the game, making the cover of French Vogue and recently landing on Confessions of a Casting Directors Top 25 of 2007 list.  

But in an industry where the attitude is “the less you see of a model the better”, will a 6 foot tall man with a beard really help sell a dress or will he just distract from the real purpose of a fashion show? 

 I guess the real question comes down to where or not the looks are “spectacle” or “spectacular”. If a designer creates a collection that is truly amazing, does it really mater how it’s presented on the runway?  Or should a designer play it safe and stick with the classic mantra, “let boys be boys, and girls be girls” to keep the runway free from confusion?  Weigh in and discuss indies cause personally I feel that with Heatherette down and out, it may be a very long time before a boy makes it back onto the runways of Bryant Park. Are you for or against men in dresses on the fashion runways?  

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