The fashion industry is known for being extremely open-minded, especially when it comes to stepping out of gender norms and conventions. In the past couple years, stealing styles “from the boys” has been a major trend in women’s clothing. While women wearing men’s clothes has become fairly normal on the runway, the roles are rarely reversed. It is for this exact reason that Andrej Pejic is both so interesting and controversial. Andrej Pejic is a twenty-year old androgynous male model that has been catching the eyes of designers such as Marc Jacobs since he was first scouted at age eighteen. He ranks number 18 on the models.com Top 50 Male Models list and number 98 in FHM Magazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World in 2011.

While Andrej Pejic’s androgyny has long been a topic of conversation, his appearance at this year’s New York Fashion Week has elicited a lot of extreme opinions. Speculators are questioning whether he will model both men’s and women’s clothing, just men’s clothing, just women’s clothing or simply watch the shows. Firstly, I find it really interesting that someone could model both men’s and women’s clothing. I also think it’s really cool that the fashion industry is essentially leading the world towards breaking down gender conventions. While I can understand that this is controversial and might bother some people, I’m excited to see the results of the major changes in social norms that are occurring in the world today. In light of the overturn of Prop 8, I’m excited to say the world is moving in a more open-minded direction.

Ashley is a freshman at George Washington University and she’s majoring in Overanalyzing Situations and International Affairs. Follow her on twitter @ashleybrooks25

For all of the times we hoped and dreamed way-too-gorgeous runway models would just…get axed up and trot around on stage flashing war wounds on their not-so-perfect-anymore bodies, John Galliano, a seemingly post-apocalypse obsessed fashion designer, has just made those dreams come true in Paris.

The only problem with the execution of this odd fantasy is that the models were all male. Apparently, looking like you just got your ass kicked by whatever doom 2012 holds for the world isn’t a very IN look for the gals.

Some of Galliano’s designs were undeniably costumes–not anything any guy would ever wear…unless he’s battling something awful in Lord of The Rings. However, surprisingly, some of the jeans, shirts, and sweaters were actually not just OK, but pretty badass.

The designs are grim, much like Galliano’s presentation of them. But who doesn’t like a little bit of DUNGEON in their wardrobe?

It’s unfortunate that his designs were masked by, well, actual masks (amongst other things), but had it not been for his zombie model parade, I never would have recognized this very embarrassing truth about myself:

Even with gauze and blood and death and doom all over his face (and a noose on his neck), I’d still bone a model looking like he just drove a motorcycle off of a cliff.

And to think, I once had standards.

Who needs waif-ish awkward walking female models that are in desperate need of a date with Mrs. Fields, when we can watch scantily clad male models prancing around Parsons?

Last night’s challenge was a first for Project Runway: design a menswear look for Today Show correspondent and former NFL player, Tiki Barber. And while the high-stress environment was fascinating to watch, I was more fascinated by the fact that Elisa refused to look at her model when he stripped down to his boxers- claiming that her beau is the only guy who she will touch/look at in his undies. I’m sorry what? Woman-I don’t care if your boyfriend is Brad Pitt, when a male model strips down to his skivvies- you pay attention!!

Also humorous was how Tiki Barber tried to show off his macho-ness. And while he is easy on the eyes, I could see right through that NFL exterior to the Metrosexual that lies within. Give me a break Tiki, You are a guest judge on Project Runway, who are you trying to kid? Not to mention his critiques of some of the clothes, and his (unexpected) adoration for the Kevin’s purple-euro inspired ensemble. Hmm.

The male models made this week’s episode a hit in my book. And Jack’s winning look was a huge success. Sure Carmen got the boot and it was kind of sad watching her face get into the squishy cry, but I didn’t peg her for a Bryant Park contender anyways.

No need to get your panties in a bunch, but in case you forgot to mark your calendars, today is the day we celebrate boyshorts, bikini cut, thong, silky, cotton, and polka-dot! It’s National Underwear Day.

Freshpair founder and creator of this glorious holiday, Michael Kleinmann, said,

“We created National Underwear Day because we are passionate about underwear, and we wanted to create a day where everyone could celebrate underwear the way we do each day. After all, no one just reaches into their underwear drawer in the dark and grabs the first thing they see. Most people match their underwear to their mood or to their outfit.“

I wonder if he knows some people don’t wear any at all!

However, if you’re lucky enough to be in the New York area at the moment, don’t be surprised if you spot hoards of male models walking around the streets in their skivvies, it’s all part of the day’s festivities. What a treat!

You’re skeptical. I can tell. You’re all like, “We’re celebrating a day dedicated to undergarments? WTF.”

Well according to a UK Study, underwear happens to be the most important factor in choosing a mate. You wouldn’t go out and buy a six-pack of Hanes with the little bows from Wal-Mart (please say you wouldn’t) just like you wouldn’t grab the first guy you see on the street and make him your boyfriend! You care about your boo just as much as you care about your boo-ty, right? It makes sense.

So, the next time you’re stressing over the fact that he’s always late, or eagle-eyeing his possible bald spot that might not be a bald spot you’re not sure yet, just pants the innocent sir and see how you feel. It gives new meaning to boxers or briefs, eh?

Freshpair also recently donated over four hundred pairs of pretty panties to homeless shelters, the first installment of what’s to be more than 10,000 pairs over the next year. After all, you might not have food, water, a roof above your head, or a president that cares, but a clean pair a day keeps your problems away, no?

Either way, I deem this cause worthy of a national holiday, so while I lobby that legislature, you make sure you slip into your favorite pair. Today’s not the day for commando.