Throughout history, food and fashion have both shaped society and it’s trajectory. They are two integral aspects of cultural identity as they serve as reflections of traditions, values, and histories. However, fashion has undeniably played a significant role in the construction of gender identity as clothing choices often conform to societal expectations for masculinity and femininity. Moreover, food has also been tied to gender roles, with certain dishes and responsibilities being associated with men and women. While we slowly, but fortunately, grow past these stereotypes today, it’s important to reflect on these embedded preconceptions and the effects that they have had.

At The Museum at FIT, a trio of fashion accessories consisting of a pink lace hat, embellished pumps, and pink lace pillbox hat were presented together. The artist described the accessories as “sweet,” “dainty,” and “frothy.” This goes to show the ways in which gender roles, which paint femininity to be synonymous with innocence, have been built and reinforced time and time again by both food and fashion. This is often present in the soft, usually pastel, colors that are associated with sweetness and femininity, such as pink. Moreover, the flowing fabrics, ruffles, frills, and floral patterns that are rarely seen in men’s fashion contribute to the delicate aesthetic that females hold. The same applies to the act of baking, a sweet and nurturing gesture, which has historically associated women with the role of homemakers. In this, traditional gender roles have connected women with sugar, while men may be associated with “spice” or more savory foods; this reinforces the idea of women being passive while men are stronger and more assertive.

This narrow definition of femininity has historically contributed to the objectification of women, reducing their identity to a set of characteristics that are designed to please or be pleasing to others. Whether this be built off of ideas of the ideal housewife or other cultural traditions, these preconceptions have undermined agency and autonomy in women through imposed expectations of modesty and sweetness. The exhibit at FIT allows for a reflection of this history and how far we’ve come, but also a marker of how much more we have to grow.