“Face roller fresh from the fridge!”
Tennis skirt with slacks, eye-catching sunglasses, bright colours – you have a very unique look. When did you start being interested in fashion?
Since the beginning of time! Most boys aged eight or nine go out and play football. I designed clothes, and even got my hands on books to learn how to draw. My mum kept on complaining because I used so much paper for my sketches.
When did your interest in fashion switch from paper to yourself?
I started thinking about my appearance shortly before sixth form. It started with a dandy phase. I only went to school in a suit and shirt.
How would you describe your style today?
I like to call it “street-classy” – a mixture of chic and street style.
Make-up, lots of jewellery, sometimes a skirt or a dress – you play with gender stereotypes. Does that take courage?
Maybe in the past, but the older I get, the freer and more confident I feel. When I’m out and about and wear something pink, for example, I’m told by men in particular that I’m being brave. I think to myself that there are people who save other people’s lives, and you’re calling me brave for wearing pink?
Social media is often about body ideals. What are your thoughts on this?
The pressure doesn’t come from individuals, but from the fashion industry. A few years ago, plus-size was all the range, but things are unfortunately going in the opposite direction right now and models are getting thinner again. Bodies shouldn’t be trends. Beauty is so individual, so there should be room for everyone.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! On the street, on social media. And not just from people who are similar to me, but from everyone – regardless of body shape or gender. I grew up with a lot of women. I have four sisters and six aunts. They inspire me, and it shows. When my sisters buy themselves something new, I often think: “nice, we can both wear that.”
As a creator, you use social media as a means of expression. Are there any downsides to that?
I get a lot of hate comments and messages because everyone feels protected by anonymity. But that no longer bothers me too much. Someone recently left a comment under video claiming that my style had nothing to do with fashion. He himself was proudly holding up a fish in his profile picture. I believe that if some people don’t think I’m good, then I’m doing something right.
You often have to deal with hate-filled comments, not only on social media but also in real life. But that doesn’t stop you from being loud and proud. Why is that?
Otherwise the negative voices would have won. I’m pragmatic about this: there’s no gain without pain. In any case, we’ve already made some progress as a society. We’re more open and also more sensitive when it comes to discrimination. I want to do my bit to ensure that we don’t stand still here. Many great people came before me who gave me the privileges I now enjoy. And I hope that I can make life a little easier for others in the future by standing up for myself – just as I am.
What helps to calm you right down when you’re upset?
One word: skincare. I like to spend three quarters of an hour in the bath in the morning and evening. For example, I mix my own skin cream and swear by aloe vera gel for everything.
What’s your ultimate beauty secret tip?
Pour the toner into a spray bottle to spread it around easily and ensure that it’s super refreshing. And to kick-start the morning, I’ve got face roller fresh from the fridge!
And how do you style your beard? It has extremely sharp edges.
People actually compliment me on it. My secret: an eyebrow razor for women, a blade on a stick, which is great for defining. And a nourishing toner after shaving. People often forget that there’s skin underneath the hair that needs to be cared for.