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April 2023

‘TELO’ Readings & Exhibition by Viktor Jerofejew and Genia Chef

By /NEWS/
‘TELO’ Readings & Exhibition by Viktor Jerofejew and Genia Chef

Opening:    Thursday, 26 May 2023, 7 – 9 pm
Duration:   26 – 03 June 2023
Location:    HAZEGALLERY, Bülowstrasse 11, 10783 Berlin

Renowned Duo, the writer Viktor Jerofejew and the artist Genia Chef, present a subversive exhibition on the theme of the Body: “TELO”

Berlin, HAZE GALLERY – The upcoming exhibition on the theme of “TELO” is set to be a grand celebration of the human form. This revolutionary exhibition, hosted at the renowned HAZE GALLERY promises to present a unique and immersive experience that blends the written word with visual arts, showcasing the artistic prowess of two great minds – Viktor Jerofejew, a bestselling author, and Genia Chef, an acclaimed painter.
The exhibition is inspired by the recently published book, „The Body,“ (Viktor Jerofejew) which delves deep into the human existence and explores the nuances of the human experience. The writer and the artist through their respective mediums, bring to life the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the human form in a way that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
“It seems to me that Genia and I are at the point now where we, as free and excited people about this subject, can say that we are bringing this topic up” said Viktor Jerofejew, “we may be bringing this up for the first time since the Greeks.”
Genia Chef, the celebrated painter, added: “We want to express something meaningful in human life, history or aesthetics, and TELO already dictates by itself what the artist will depict. It says, „I am the subject of your image, and then do what you want.“
The exhibition, scheduled to open on May 26th, will feature over 30 exquisite paintings and quotes from the book, including live readings. Both of the artists will be present.

The exhibition promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that engages all of the senses and inspires visitors to think without established restrictions about the human form. With a unique combination of prose and visual arts, Viktor Jerofejew and Genia Chef challenge traditional notions of the human form and invite visitors to see it in a whole new light.

About the gallery: HAZE GALLERY was founded in 2019 with the mission of sharing Berlin’s  contemporary art scene with the world through exhibitions, pop-up shows, and art gatherings. More information: www.haze.gallery 
Opening hours: Mo – Fri, 11 am –3 pm, Sat, 1–4 pm

Noa Lesche „Between Dreams“

By /FASHION/, /NEWS/

Between Dreams

Accessory Designer: Dopl World @dopl.world
Model: Tyson Elizabeth Pope @misfit model management @tysonelizabethhh
Photographer: Noa Lesche @skytwylite

Look 1 Bella Top; Marionette Necklace; Marquis Skirt; Look 2 Magdalene Necklace; Muse Corset; The shorts were off Amazon

Look 1 Bella Top; Marionette Necklace; Marquis Skirt; Look 2 Magdalene Necklace; Muse Corset; The shorts were off Amazon

Look 1 Bella Top; Marionette Necklace; Marquis Skirt; Look 2 Magdalene Necklace; Muse Corset; The shorts were off Amazon

Look 1 Bella Top; Marionette Necklace; Marquis Skirt; Look 2 Magdalene Necklace; Muse Corset; The shorts were off Amazon

Look 1 Bella Top; Marionette Necklace; Marquis Skirt; Look 2 Magdalene Necklace; Muse Corset; The shorts were off Amazon

CALL FOR ABSTRACT ART

By /NEWS/
CALL FOR ABSTRACT ART

We are excited to invite talented painters to participate in our upcoming 3D exhibition featuring abstract art paintings.

We welcome artists from all backgrounds, cultures, and styles to submit their work.

We are seeking original and innovative abstract paintings that break away from traditional, representational forms. The artwork must showcase creativity, technique, and a deep understanding of abstract art. It must convey a sense of movement, emotion and energy to engage the viewer.

We encourage the use of bold and vibrant colors, textures and contrast to create a unique experience for the audience. The artwork should reflect the artist’s individuality, be expressive, and convey a personal message.

All submissions will be reviewed by our experienced and skilled art professionals, who will select the best work to be displayed in our 3D exhibition.

Submission Requirements:

• Artwork must be original and abstract.
• Paintings should be created on canvas, wood, or any other suitable material.

Submissions must be received by 05.05 and artists will be notified about acceptance by 07.05 The selected pieces will be displayed in our 3D exhibition for a period of 2 weeks!

Take this opportunity to showcase your talent and share your unique perspective on abstract art. We look forward to seeing your creative work and providing a platform to exhibit it.

for more information visit Haze Gallery’s website

‘I’ll get there on time.’ Solo Exhibition by Victoria Rosenman

By /NEWS/
‘I’ll get there on time.’ Solo Exhibition by Victoria Rosenman

Opening:    Thursday, 11 May 2023, 7 – 9 pm
Duration:    11 – 20 May 2023
Location:    HAZEGALLERY, Bülowstrasse 11, 10783 Berlin

The title „I will arrive there on time“ suggests, not without irony, many possible significant destinations – The time plays here an essential role for the artist. One of the works (Requiem-box I) reveals the fact that the artist herself does not know exactly where her destination is / what it is, and yet dares to make a very self-righteous statement about her punctuality. Being punctual means having time under control, which can be very valuable, but also carries an uncompromising character. The artist rejects one of her other longings „to go along with time“ by manifesting a contradictory statement (CA No. 3) “ Time is not for saving“. Time is thereby devalued, and Victoria Rosenman sees it as an act of liberation from any determinant aspects in the creative process.
At the same time, the artist allows the viewer to share in her memories, for the sake of her own dismantling, which opens a better understanding of her personality. Being in the „now“ is one of the artist’s longings. To be more aware of the present and her own ego-understanding, VR reflects on her moments of the past: she shows key figures and objects that contribute to her current beliefs. Some of her thoughts and manifestos are handwritten on copper sheets and others are photographs of familiar figures and faces.

The exhibition could be seen as a section of the artist’s self-study, which is also a journey, with many destinations that she intends to reach on time, in her own way.

About the gallery: HAZE GALLERY was founded in 2019 with the mission of sharing Berlin’s  contemporary art scene with the world through exhibitions, pop-up shows, and art gatherings. More information: www.haze.gallery
Opening hours: Mo – Fri, 11 am –3 pm, + Sat, 1–4 pm

„STRANGE HOLIDAYS“ Collective Exhibition

By /NEWS/
"STRANGE HOLIDAYS" Collective Exhibition

VERNISSAGE : THURSDAY, 27 APRIL  2023, 7 – 9 PM | Artists will be present
EXHIBITION DURATION: 27 APRIL  – 06 JUNE
LOCATION: HAZE GALLERY, Bulowstrasse 11, 10783 Berlin 

We’re all used to posting holiday photos on Instagram – bright, catchy, and filled with sunny smiles. Most of us associate the word ‚holiday‘ with something pleasant and relaxing. But is it always like that? Modern culture and cliché thinking dictate strict rules for our social media presence and, by obeying them, we create an illusory reality in which there is only the appearance of holidays and widespread success. Being unsuccessful, and unhappy is not accepted, uncomfortable for those around us, and destructive to the myth of a happy life cultivated by the consumer society.

In „Strange Holidays“, three authors – Irina Drozd, Ivan Plusch, and Dmitry Shorin – offer the viewer their own interpretations of what a holiday can look like outside of glossy, hollowed-out photographs. All three authors have their own unique and recognizable artistic language, but what they have in common is the love for combining hyper-realistic elements with surrealistic details, foreign creatures, and perspectives that would not be possible in real life. All the authors use bright colors, images, sharp and contrasting light, and shade in their works.

In Irina Drozd’s works, we see landscapes full of warm sunlight, and smiling characters, but a subtle sense of unease instantly permeates the viewer. Next to the blond children there are characters that shouldn’t be here – fantastic creatures and strange details, painted in great detail, are frighteningly realistic. The author works, as in many of his other picturesque canvases, with the theme of fears. Using metaphorical images and archetypes which, despite their strange and inexplicable essence, have a rather unambiguous perception of something sinister, Irena leaves space for the viewer to reflect on what they represent for him personally and what kind of nightmare a vacation on the beach can turn into.

Ivan Plusch as well as Irina turn to the theme of fear, but in his works it is more a fear that a holiday threatens to become eternal. The artist’s wish for a good holiday doesn’t inspire optimism and quite the contrary – it pours a wave of coldness over the viewer. The sultry sky and verdant palm trees dissolve beneath a surrealistic sky that drips with smudges reminiscent of corrosive, destructive acid and leaves nothing in its path. The allegorical image of the elements, to which we always long for when we go on holiday, is rediscovered in Ivan’s work. We are reminded that nature is not only beauty, mountains, sun and sea; it is also the most destructive force within the power of our existence.

Dmitry Shorin, unlike the other two artists, has less recourse to surrealist detail and works with the viewer’s attention through unexpected angles and perspective. In his canvases, the space in which the characters exist is distorted, subject to the author’s intention, and lives according to different laws than those we are accustomed to in real life. Dmitry’s paintings are also full of light and bright colour accents, which gives them a sense of liveliness, lightness and joyful mood, but not the kind we are used to seeing in social networks, but an ironic, prickly and thought-provoking one.

Interview with the designer of the brand „des FILLES désir“, Adrian Stoica

By /FASHION/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Text: Lyubov Melnickowa

Interview with the designer of the brand "des FILLES désir", Adrian Stoica
Thank you for taking time for an interview with us! Before asking questions about the brand, I would like to learn more about the designer and founder of the brand des FILLES désir.

Thank you for having me!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. How did your creative path begin and why did you decide to become a fashion designer?

From a young age I was mostly attracted to creative things. My father was a musician and my mother used to make her own garments. In 1990‘s Romania there wasn’t much to choose from. She also used to watch fashion shows but I wasn’t interested in those. I somehow was fascinated with the process of making clothes and seeing the result being uplifting to her.

What does fashion mean in your understanding?

For me this term hasn’t much meaning left, since it’s been used excessively in mass media. I’m mostly interested in personal style and the way people choose and why they choose to look a certain way. Unfortunately there’s much less individual choice and personal curation involved in the way people dress than you might expect in this day and age.

Tell us a little about the brand. At what point did the idea of creating a brand come up?

There wasn’t too much to choose from. After graduating and working some time in the industry, I realized that the only way to do something exciting was to do it on my own. Corporations in the fashion industry don’t even design anymore. They’re more and more reliant on data analysts, maximising numbers and less on innovative and interesting design.

As a rule, a clothing brand is a large team that takes part in the creation of collections. How many people are in the brand team and what are the responsibilities of the chief designer?

Like most independent designers I started on my own. It’s working around the clock to do research, design, pattern cutting, sewing prototypes, creating marketing materials, doing production, some PR, accounting and much more. With limited resources it’s a difficult process but seeing even the slightest success is very rewarding.
I was quite fortunate to have my partner Markus and my mother on my side for moral and professional support.

How would you describe the brand’s style?

A close friend of mine used to say I do a kind of “complex minimalism”. Certainly I like to experiment with shape, volume and texture to create new and exciting garments. Although I feel close in my ethos to the Japanese and Belgian Avantgarde, I don’t like to use this term since it’s become rather constricting aesthetically.

Now many brands are for environmental friendliness and recycling. What materials does the des FILLES désir brand use? What principles do you adhere to when creating clothes?

Preferably I work with high quality yet overlooked fabrics that allow me to create sculptural garments. I also consider how fabrics might feel on the skin or how durable they are. They’re mostly from Italian manufacturers or small and specialized stores. Being a small label and working mostly made-to-order, I think the environmental impact in our case is minimal. While I consider this debate to be important, it also allows for a lot of greenwashing. As the demand for fair and ecologically produced garments grows, it will become increasingly easy to integrate these in future garments. 

The design process starts with an abstract theme or some kind of observation that I try to translate into techniques or shapes before moving on to make the actual garment. I like to challenge myself to find new ways to create garments that you wouldn‘t find anywhere else.

Who is the des FILLES désir brand for? Can you describe its target audience?

I would like to see anyone trying on des FILLES désir and integrating the pieces in their daily lives. However the designs mostly attract creative people who like to experiment with new things and who are not afraid to be noticed for their bold choices.

des FILLES désir is a well-known brand in Berlin. Would you like the brand to exist on the world market in the future?

There’s still quite some work to be done to reach more people. But I’m confident that this can only be achieved by a slow and steady growth.

How would you describe today’s fashion and what feelings does it evoke in you?

Fashion as a broader phenomenon in the West has lost its luster in the last two decades. At least when we compare its current state to its rich history one might come to the conclusion that fashion has lost its meaning.
However there are still bubbles of interested people gravitating certain styles and designers that aren’t happy with today’s conformity. For me it’s still uplifting to see groundbreaking designs from fresh labels that have to fight to get heard and also to see people who have a strong personal style and who care about expressing themselves.

ANNA LUNA ASTOLFI „INTRINSIC LIGHTS“

By /FASHION/, /NEWS/

INTRINSIC LIGHTS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: PAOLA PORCARELLI – @paolaporcarelli_
STYLIST: PAOLA PORCARELLI
PHOTOGRAPHER: ANNA LUNA ASTOLFI – @annaluna.astolfi
MUA: SILVIA FUGGI – @silvia.fuggimakeup
MODEL: ANGELINA XIFRO – @axifro
HAIRSTYLE: FRANCESCO GAROFALI

SIRIA SCORRANO

GIULIA RIVELLINO – @giumood

MARTA CECCARONI – @marta.ceccaroni_designer

ELLA PERROTTA – @ellaperrotta

MATTEO CESAROTTI E NICOLA MINOTTI – @matteo_cesarotti, @nicola.minotti_4

MATTEO CESAROTTI E NICOLA MINOTTI – @matteo_cesarotti, @nicola.minotti_4

FEDERICA FUSCO – @federicafusco.it

Tatiana Adamova „Daughter of Aphrodite“

By /FASHION/, /NEWS/

Daughter of Aphrodite

Makeup Artist: Valeriya Azarenko @azarenko_mua
Wardrobe Stylist: Svetlana Litvinova @litvinova_st
Model: Vi Kolodko @vi_kolodko
Photographer: Tatiana Adamova @kada.l
Hair Stylist: Viktoriia Kalashnikova @kalashnikova.hairstyle

corset Sonya Tikhonova;skirt You Wanna

corset Sonya Tikhonova;skirt You Wanna

corset Grace Boutique;skirt You Wanna;shoes Zara;shirt H&M;dress Sonya Tikhonova

Bra Shiny;skirt One Store;earrings Belova Jewellery

corset Sonya Tikhonova;skirt You Wanna

Marie-Lisette „American football with MARK BRYAN“

By /FASHION/, /NEWS/

American football with MARK BRYAN

Photographer: Marie-Lisette @marielisette_
Art Direction: Cropp Studios @croppstudios
Stylist: Elena Shylina @elena.shylina
Producer: Polina Sherrif @make_up_stylist_berlin
Styling Assistant: Sylvia Lecybyl @sylvionfire
Photography Assistant: Ing-Marie Ruxton @ingamarietekukwitha
Retoucher: Katerina Malinskaya @malinskaya_retouch
Trikot, shoulder pads und ball models own Skirt neon pink Bibi Bachtadze Boots Jimmy Choo; Turtle neck black Hugo Boss Shoulder pads models own Skirt neon pink Bibi Bachtadze Boots black Jimmy Choo
Knit blue dress & leather jacket Mar- cell von Berlin Pullover green Tommy Hilfiger; Blazer beige Tommy Hilfiger Turtle neck beige Hugo Boss Cardigan off-white Wood Wood Skirt brown Joseph Heels Jimmy Choo
College Jacket & shirt Hollister Pullover green Marques‘ Almeida Skirt Joseph Heels Jimmy Choo Tights Hedoine; Overshirt brown 7 for all Mankind x N°21 Turtle neck brown Wrangler Leather skirt Ambush
Dark blue jacket Lemaire Cardigan white Wood Wood Turtle neck brown Wrangler Skirt und tights Gucci Heels Jimmy Choo
Blazer pink Marcel Ostertag Turtle neck black Hugo Boss Leather skirt Nanushka Boots black Jimmy Choo

Interview with Mark Bryan

By /FASHION/, /INTERVIEW, /NEWS/

Text by Lucas Pantoja

Interview with Mark Bryan
In 2020 Mark Bryan, an American robotic engineer living in Germany, emerged as an Instagram fashion sensation seemingly out of nowhere, for his playful gender-bending style which has garnered him a lengthy list of captivated followers (sitting at 615K currently) and includes some of the fashion industry’s biggest names from Carine Roitfeld to Lotta Volkova. Though it wasn’t Bryan’s style alone that brought him digital fame, as cross-dressing is nothing new and those from the LGBTQ+ community have courageously been doing it for a long time now. Rather, it is the unique context with which Bryan – a straight cis male in his 60s, grandfather of four, and noted American football coach – adorns a uniform of skirts and high heels that has made him so intriguing. Two years after his Instagram success, the unexpected influencer has plenty of credits under his belt, such as stories with some of fashion’s biggest publications like Vogue Germany and Interview Magazine, as well as modeling experiences in Paris fashion week. Most recently he found himself in a controversy after an interview aired with the German television program Beyond Fashion, surprising many of his fans in the LGBTQ+ community with his statements hoping to distance himself from a community of followers that supported him from early on in his fame. The interview is a tense piece in which the host, Avi Jakobs, tears up in shock at Bryan’s questionable responses regarding his relationship with the queer community and his ambition to wear women’s clothing as a purely stylistic choice. We had the chance to speak with Bryan over email regarding his latest controversy, his upbringing in Texas and the early fashion memories that shaped him, plus much more.
In 2010 you moved from Texas to a town in the south of Germany. Do you feel well-accustomed to life in Germany and Europe in general at this point?
Yes, people always ask me how I like living in Germany. My typical reply is that I love everything about Germany but the weather. In Texas, you get 300+ days of sunshine and here you get 300+ days of clouds and rain. Maybe a bit over-exaggerated. I struggle with the language. German is a very difficult language to learn. Even when growing up in Texas, I struggled to learn Spanish. I like to think it’s like walking in high heels — for some, it’s natural and for others, it’s not! And the people here are so kind and understanding.
Was Texas where you spent most of your time growing up?
Yes, West Texas to be more precise. From the day I was born to graduating from college I lived in one place. Then moved to Dallas after graduation. Then lived there mostly till moving to Germany.
What kind of environment did you grow up in, and do you feel that’s played a part in your comfort in experimenting with dress codes?
I grew up in a traditional home. My mother taught us to always look our best, to be clean, our clothing wrinkle-free, and of course to match. Of course, she never expected that someday I’d be wearing high heels and skirts! But even growing up in a very conservative time, I always felt the freedom to express myself through clothing. I always enjoyed wearing a suit and tie, even when young going to church and other events that required a suit, even though the suit wasn’t required.
#DeGenderFashion is what we all want, but I want to take it even further. To de-sexualize fashion. I think this is where I differ from the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ community has used fashion as a form of expressing their sexuality. Again, I have no problem with that. But clothing/fashion should not dictate gender #DeGenderFashion AND sexual orientation. A person is free to wear what they want, thanks to the LGBTQ community, but fashion, as a causality, is seen as an expression of sexual orientation as a result of their struggles.
So when I said that the LGBTQ community has made it hard on me, I was stating my fight to de- sexualize fashion where people can wear what they want without having their sexuality questioned. I’m fighting a separate war, and it’s against the stigma that the LGBTQ community fought for. And of course, not wanting to disrespect the LGBTQ community, but it’s hard to make that distinction.
What’s your earliest fashion memory? Whether it was the first time: you were awestruck by a garment or advertisement; or experimented with your style?
Perhaps when the plaid baggy pants and the platform high heels were popular in the early 70s. Maybe my first attempt at doing something that was considered trendy and fashionable. Also, I was aware that you never mix brands. For example, If wearing Adidas shorts or a t-shirt, you didn’t wear Puma shoes. So I was aware of branding even at a young age. Later, in college, my first must-have brand was Ralph Lauren and their polo shirts.
You’ve made a career for yourself in engineering and coaching American football, interests we don’t immediately associate with fashion. Nonetheless, has a fashion or personal style always been something important to you, even before you started wearing heels regularly?
I think the way we look and dress reveals a very important part of ourselves. I still wear a jacket and tie whenever possible. Even with the relaxed dress codes in the office I always continued to be overdressed. So yes, fashion is very important to me, I consider it a way to express myself with total freedom. I can choose what to wear, what goes with what, and create my style, which, in my personal opinion, is like a personal brand even if you are away from public opinion or social media.
Have you inspired any of your friends or family to start wearing clothes outside of their respective gender?
No. I don’t think so. That’s up to them and their comfort level. I’d never encourage anyone to do something they weren’t comfortable doing regarding fashion, but I hope to send a message that we can truly be ourselves regardless of what others think.
You recently appeared in a controversial interview on ARD Mediathek’s Beyond Fashion: would you mind speaking on the comments you made that have upset many people, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community?
I’m not sure why people think I’ve turned my back on the LGBTQ community. I understand that the LGBTQ community has made it possible for me to legally wear a skirt in public. And yet, if I don’t support the community in some way on my platform, I’m turning my back on them. That is not my intention.
My agenda has always been that clothing doesn’t dictate a person’s sexual orientation or gender. When I said I wasn’t fighting for the community but wasn’t fighting against them either, that meant I wanted to stay neutral. I’m a straight male, what I wear has nothing to do with sexuality. It’s a fashion statement only. It doesn’t mean I don’t respect the community and understand the hardships they have endured to get to where they are today. But to assume I’d fight for them is just that, an assumption. But in a way, I am fighting for the LGBTQ community, and that’s why so many in the community still see me as an ally. Just with me being seen in public or pictures or videos of me on my social media platforms, shows that anyone can wear non-gender conforming clothing. But it’s not fighting specifically for the LGBTQ community, but for everyone.
When I mentioned separation, I was talking about separating fashion from a form of sexual expression. Many in the LGBTQ community use clothing as a way to express their sexuality, which is ok. I’ve said several times, everyone should be free to express themselves, either through fashion or other means. But…. many outside the community and many inside the community associate wearing clothes from another gender to be a form of sexual expression only. It’s hard for them to comprehend that it can be just a fashion statement. So I try to keep my distance/separation from the LGBTQ community so there is less confusion that I’m making a fashion statement and not a sexual statement.
#DeGenderFashion is what we all want, but I want to take it even further. To de-sexualize fashion. I think this is where I differ from the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ community has used fashion as a form of expressing their sexuality. Again, I have no problem with that. But clothing/fashion should not dictate gender #DeGenderFashion AND sexual orientation. A person is free to wear what they want, thanks to the LGBTQ community, but fashion, as a causality, is seen as an expression of sexual orientation as a result of their struggles.
So when I said that the LGBTQ community has made it hard on me, I was stating my fight to de- sexualize fashion where people can wear what they want without having their sexuality questioned. I’m fighting a separate war, and it’s against the stigma that the LGBTQ community fought for. And of course, not wanting to disrespect the LGBTQ community, but it’s hard to make that distinction.
The interview was over 2 hours long and it was shortened to about 6-7 minutes of footage to be shown. So a lot of cut and paste was done, so that some answers I gave did not have all the content that would make the conversation clear and not taken out of context, as in this case.
In the interview, when I started by saying “It’s not the clothes” I was answering a different question. I was trying to explain what makes it more threatening for a trans female than for me. I’ve been photographed in some very flamboyant outfits along with some very short skirts, but I’d never wear them out on the streets. I try to dress more conservatively and not draw as much attention to myself. Yes, I will draw some looks because of what I’m wearing, but then I also show a lot of confidence in what I’m wearing. Besides that, who wants to attack an old, bald man wearing high heels?
In one part of the interview, when saying something about the LGBTQ community I accidentally left off the T and only said LGB. This was not on purpose as many have assumed. I’m just not good with acronyms and since it’s not something I say very often, I just messed up!
I saw that you posted an apology on your instagram, how else have you been reconciling the situation?
I’ve been trying to educate myself more on the matter. Before this, I wasn’t interested in the details of the struggles of the LGBTQ community as I thought it doesn’t have anything to do with what I’m doing. I’m seeing this as a lesson learned and an opportunity, as this experience has helped me to understand what they have been through and how they feel about others. It has helped me to grow. In my position, as an influencer, I should be better educated on this. So this is my focus as of late.
The interview was over 2 hours long and it was shortened to about 6-7 minutes of footage to be shown. So a lot of cut and paste was done, so that some answers I gave did not have all the content that would make the conversation clear and not taken out of context, as in this case.
In the interview, when I started by saying “It’s not the clothes” I was answering a different question. I was trying to explain what makes it more threatening for a trans female than for me. I’ve been photographed in some very flamboyant outfits along with some very short skirts, but I’d never wear them out on the streets. I try to dress more conservatively and not draw as much attention to myself. Yes, I will draw some looks because of what I’m wearing, but then I also show a lot of confidence in what I’m wearing. Besides that, who wants to attack an old, bald man wearing high heels?
In one part of the interview, when saying something about the LGBTQ community I accidentally left off the T and only said LGB. This was not on purpose as many have assumed. I’m just not good with acronyms and since it’s not something I say very often, I just messed up!
I saw that you posted an apology on your instagram, how else have you been reconciling the situation?
I’ve been trying to educate myself more on the matter. Before this, I wasn’t interested in the details of the struggles of the LGBTQ community as I thought it doesn’t have anything to do with what I’m doing. I’m seeing this as a lesson learned and an opportunity, as this experience has helped me to understand what they have been through and how they feel about others. It has helped me to grow. In my position, as an influencer, I should be better educated on this. So this is my focus as of late.
What kind of conversations did the interview bring about for you? And did it affect any of your relationships offline or in your personal life?
I had a few brands that I have been working with express that they were disappointed in what I had said. Most of them that know me well agreed that the words I chose to use were inappropriate, but could see how what I said could be taken out of context.
As far as personally, I’ve had nothing but support as those that know me and, more importantly, understand how communicate, know what I said was not to be taken as hateful or disrespectful to anyone or any group.
You’ve continued to state your message that clothing should not define one’s gender or sexuality. Surely that’s tied to the way you dress currently, but is there more to how and when that became an important principle of yours?
It became more and more evident that what I was doing on Instagram was helping so many that wanted to wear non-gender conforming clothing but were afraid to have their sexuality questioned. I get over 100 direct messages a day on my Instagram account and a large number of them are followers that have thanked me for the courage to go out wearing something regardless of what others may think. Others still have this fear, however. This needs to change and thus has become one of my goals to de-sexualize clothing. But then I’m also helping everyone (regardless of sexual orientation or gender) that we all should feel comfortable wearing what we want.
On another note, you walked in your first-ever fashion show for Ninamounah FW 22. How was that experience?
It was a blast. At the rehearsals having the choreographer tell you how to walk, with timing and making nice turns, being focused, was interesting and fun. Meeting all the models and asking advice from many. I was at an extreme disadvantage, as almost everyone knew who I was, but I didn’t know anyone. But then after the show and seeing the footage I was amazed that more than half the models just did their own thing. I did what I was told but almost broke into a smile during the finale.
Are you paying attention to the runways and what goes on in the fashion world?
I am paying attention to the fashion designs and trends for men, but particularly seeing more and more skirts on the runway.
Would you like to walk in a show again someday? If so, is there any brand you have in mind?
Yes, I would be interested in doing this again. I think the most challenging for the brands would be to style for me. Taking some of their men’s shirts and jackets and matching them to the women’s skirts and heels may not fit their theme for that collection they won’t show. Of course, big brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Balmain, Prada, and Alexander McQueen.
If you could wear only one pair of heels for the rest of your life, what would they be?
I’m very tempted to say an 8.5cm to 10cm stiletto pump. But if I had only one pair to wear everywhere, I would have to go with a black leather ankle boot with a wide heel (but not a block heel) and about 9cm high. Either a boot from Jimmy Choo or a boot from Louboutin