Korean Genderless Fashion Consumers' Self-image and Identification

Abstract

The “genderless fashion” style adopted by 20 to 30-year-olds in Korea cannot be ignored in the consumer fashion code. This study investigated self-images of Korean genderless fashion consumers through in-depth interviews. Interview analyses confirmed that Korean genderless fashion consumers express their self-image through clothing. As the theoretical framework, this study used Lacan''s concept of desire to classify the types of self-image consumers want to express. The results are classified into three subject types: those who pursue self-fulfillment, those who pursue fulfillment from others, and those who pursue endless fulfillment through a self-image. This reflects various factors and the subjects'' desires. Further, a subject''s desire to present a specific self-image was an important factor in understanding the genderless fashion style. The study results revealed that modern fashion is an “unconscious” field of self-expression that crucially reflects individual desires. The study also contributes to the understanding of the concept of self-image at large.

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