There were people both rooting and totally against Jaden Smith becoming the face of the Louis Vuitton women’s collection. Love it or hate it, we were all left with little choice but to respect his decision to be himself, even when it doesn’t always conform to our social definition of gender roles, or acceptance. That is the best part about it. The fact that it goes against the grain and destroys every expectation we associate with gender roles.

I think Will Smith first introduced me to the idea of wearing clothes there were associated with women or considered to be feminine, or even less masculine. This was back in the early 90’s when athletic men everywhere were seen with crop tops. I just so happened to catch it an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Since then, by the way, the return of men in crop tops is definitely upon us.  Even still, greater than having a man be the face of a women’s campaign is a line of clothing thats intentionally designed to be ambiguous.

Fashion has always had a semblance of freedom about it. As it continues to move in that direction its not uncommon to see shows, lines, and accessories that have no gender assignment. Moreover, lines that come without any label for men or women.

“Losing the labels is what it’s about,” says Lucas Ossendrijver, creative director of Lanvin Homme. “This isn’t about a man wearing a skirt; it’s about a changing mind-set with men—their eye for fashion has changed. Men aren’t so concerned about their masculinity anymore.”

That was in an article in GQ and it really speaks the expression of fashion. Ultimately, fashion knows no barriers, it can’t be constrained or boxed in by any particular persons ideas or limits. It is free flowing and at its very best, it can in no way shape, or form be confined to ones own gender. So, live a little. The next time your shopping feel free to take a little in other sections, get into the clothes that speak to you. Just don’t be ashamed to try them on.