‘Venus’ collaborates with TOPSHOP and TOPMAN for an A/W 19/20, party-wear collection aiming to push gender and sexual boundaries at a high street level. ‘Venus’ strives to decrease the taboo surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community. Inspired by Jenny Livingston’s 1980s documentary, ‘Paris is Burning’, the diffusion collection makes reference to this extravagant era through bold silhouette and opulent fabrication.

 

Topshop/Topman’s predominant demographic is 12 – 25 year olds, who are coincidentally, disproportionately affected by STDs, making the Venus collection extremely important. The somewhat controversial topic of sexually transmitted disease is conveyed through conceptual prints, which elude to slang STD names such as “crabs, the clap and clams”. The collection challenges the generation to converse about the massively under-discussed topic and disintegrate stigma which prolongs the epidemic.

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Using research platform ‘Edited’ and conducting shop reports, it was concluded that embroidered, embellished and sequined menswear in TOPMAN has frequently sold out, yet is not often launched. By adding effeminate details in this diffusion range, the VENUS collection will fill a niche in this high-street market. Sheers, silks and velvets aim to emulate ‘femme realness’ and push gender boundaries whilst promiscuous cuts, knee high boots and bold faux fur statements, all aim to make the wearer feel confident and unaffected by societal enforced stigmas. The ballroom of the 1980s is transposed to the modern day, where the diffusion range allows escapism from prejudice. Whilst making this bold and conceptual statement, the collection remains highly commercial, using millennial pink and hazy purples, targeted at the store’s main consumer.