It's All About Lapels, Not Labels

"If fashion is identity, then realistically, there needs to be more than two generic standards for menswear and womenswear," says Leon Wu, chief designer and CEO of Sharpe Suiting, a key brand propelling the growing trend of gender-nonconformist style. Whether cis, trans, or non-binary, Wu's customers can find the perfect garment via Sharpe's trademarked "Andropometrics" system, which matches clothing to each individual's identity and uses online technology to help create custom sizes. "Fashion should know no gender," adds Erin Berg, co-founder and chief operating officer at Kipper Clothiers, another sleek, clean-lined label for those looking beyond what may be hanging on department store racks. Kipper clients can work one-on-one with both stylists and tailors to select everything from fabric to fit, and they are even encouraged to bring their own vision boards for inspiration. "Androgyny is in right now," says Wu. Yes, but brands like Sharpe and Kipper (along with like-minded purveyors Saint Harridan and Bindle & Keep) are taking it to the next, expertly tailored level.

All clothing by Sharpe Suiting. Photography by Eric White. Styling by Michael Cook. Groomer: Laramie Glen. Models: Cesar Ernesto Nunez and Jackson Beyda at Red Model management.