Casey Legler is changing the norms of the fashion industry as she becomes the first female to work as a male mode -- yes, you read that right. She is in fact employed as a male model by the Ford Agency.
Her story began when Ford offered her a contract after seeing her pose for Muse Magazine. Instantly captivated, she has worked as a male model ever since. Blurring the lines between male and female, she joins the likes of Andrej Pejic who has modeled for both male and female collections.
An artist by trade, Ms. Legler continues to pursue both careers with the same passion and fervor. Though many may perceive this as an effort to push gender boundaries or as a social critique, this is not at all her intention. Rather, she asserts that "...it would be a really beautiful thing if we could all just wear what we wanted, without it meaning something."
It will be interesting to see if Casey Leglers story inspires any others to become female male models.
Gender-Defying Models
Casey Legler Becomes the First Female Signed On as a Male Model
Trend Themes
1. Blurring Gender Norms - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Capitalize on the changing attitudes towards gender in fashion by creating gender-neutral clothing lines and marketing campaigns.
2. Inclusive Representation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create opportunities for diverse representation in the fashion industry by signing on models who challenge traditional gender roles.
3. Challenging Stereotypes - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embrace unique and unconventional individuals as models to break free from societal expectations and redefine beauty standards.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embrace gender-fluid fashion and promote inclusive representation in advertising and fashion shows.
2. Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create inclusive and diverse advertising campaigns that challenge traditional gender roles and appeal to a wider audience.
3. Beauty - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop gender-neutral beauty products and promote diversity in beauty campaigns to cater to an evolving consumer base.