In honor of Pride this year we spoke with some of our favorite fashion and beauty icons: MUA, actress, model, and photographer Alex Saint, creative and Vogue Scandinavia Gender Fluidity Expert Mikko Puttonen, content creator, model and stylist Emmanuel Fourès, owner of The Fierce Walker Lab marketing agency and upcycled jewelry brand Baby Drama Rylé Khaleïa Tuvierra, and last but definitely not least celebrity hairstylist Luigi Gentile. Get to know these innovative influential creatives as they discuss their meaning of Pride, their inspirations, share their journeys and more.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride to me means freedom to love and to be fully myself and celebrate it. It also means being part of a community and being proud of it.
How are you planning to celebrate Pride this year?
My boyfriend Lucas and I are planning to celebrate Pride by inviting some friends over for dinner and drinks.
Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ role models and how have they inspired you?
Sylvester, Marsha P. Johnson, Munroe Bergdorf and Harris Reed, to name a few.
How has fashion and/or beauty served as an outlet for you to explore and express your identity?
Fashion, beauty, and clothes, in general, have been always a way for me to express myself and explore my own identity. I have learned a lot about myself through dressing up. Fashion and beauty have also helped me to find confidence.
How would you describe your style? Has it changed/evolved over the years?
I think that style is a journey and it changes with you and your life. I love combining masculine with feminine elements in my looks and I would describe my style as quite gender-fluid. I love tailoring and suits but on the other hand, I love heeled boots, makeup and ruffled shirts. And the best thing is that you don’t have to choose just one style, you can be it all. I like to experiment with my style and try new things with no limits or rules.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and how have they influenced you and your sense of style?
My favourite fashion designer is Peter Do and his whole team and I get a lot of inspiration from the brand. It’s not just that they create iconic collections one after another, also the whole team is incredibly stylish.
You’re clearly an icon in the community; what is the best piece of advice you could give to those who are just beginning to explore their own identity?
Thank you so much, that means a lot! My biggest tip is to listen to your inner voice and follow your instincts. Don’t think of what society or anyone tells you to wear, rather think about what you really like yourself and go for that. Clothes have no gender and there should not be limitations or rules. It can be scary especially in the beginning to step out of the expected and follow your own path but there is nothing more rewarding than feeling yourself. Also, try to surround yourself with people who love you for who you truly are.
Do you think the fashion and beauty industries are doing a good job at being more inclusive in their representation? If yes, how? If not, how can they improve?
I think that we are definitely moving towards more inclusive representation in fashion and you can notice that already in the social media, magazine editorials, advertisement campaigns and the casting of fashion weeks for example. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. Inclusion should be obvious for all brands and not just a marketing strategy to be more “woke” or to thrive more sales. Inclusion and diversity should be also represented in all steps of production and in all positions. It is a good start to have an inclusive cast but it doesn’t end there. Look at the creative teams also behind the scenes and all teams.
What ultimately led you down the career path you chose and how was your journey getting to the point where you’re at today? Do you have any advice for those who are aspiring to do what you do?
I come from a small Finnish town and I started photographing my friends, siblings and nature when I was 15 and then launched my blog around the same time. Some years later I decided to chase my dreams and study photography and moved to London straight after graduating. I always dreamed of working in the creative industry and I paved my way. If I, a little country boy from Muurame can make it, why not you? The most important thing is to be passionate and authentic and love what you do and let that shine through your work.
I am taking a stand, owning this space and having a representation of inclusivity in every project I do whether its local or international to pave the way to my community. Opening doors for my fellow sisters and fighting with class with subtleness.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is a fight back against injustice towards LGBTQIA+ community. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community this is my stand towards people who are transphobic and homophobic and treating my community with unfair treatment. That’s why I am taking a stand, owning this space and having a representation of inclusivity in every project I do whether its local or international to pave the way to my community. Opening doors for my fellow sisters and fighting with class with subtleness.
How are you planning to celebrate Pride this year?
Everyday is a celebration of PRIDE for myself and my(our) community. I always take to consider that every time I will work with brands and companies they stand for Inclusivity, diversity and proper representation of minority groups. For the Pride day, I will be in Madrid to celebrate Pride in the parade waving my flag as a Filipina championing representation in Spain with deep history with my country, the Philippines.
Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ role models and how have they inspired you?
Dominique Jackson and Laverne Cox. I’ve met them and had a conversation with them in person and I am grateful to have that opportunity to feel their empowering energy and vision that take pride for themselves and the community. They inspired me to take up spaces that are meant for me. Not feel sorry for things that doesn’t align with my values and championing myself as part of the LGBTQIA+ community to any projects and brands I work with. Opening doors for other girls like me and have the opportunity to live a normal life with dignity.
How has fashion and/or beauty served as an outlet for you to explore and express your identity?
Fashion will always be part of my DNA. It is natural for me to pick up an outfit that speaks to what THE FIERCE WALKER signature style and wear with confidence as a celebration of my pride everyday no matter which city I may go. Fashion and beauty comes hand in hand on helping me to express myself, identity and beauty. A beauty that can transform in so many ways and not lose my own identity and approach. That is why I love working and shopping at LUISAVIAROMA because the product and brand choices are on point and fits my style well. It empowers me to travel everywhere I go with confidence because of what I wear and showcasing myself properly.
How would you describe your style? Has it changed/evolved over the years?
My style is always chic, classy and On point. I always try to explore different styles, collaborate with designers most especially upcoming ones because they have fresh take on designs and color matching. It should be innovative and I pick pieces from brands that has circularity with their supply chain and brand environment.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and how have they influenced you and your sense of style?
Giovanna Engelbert, Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld — glamour, cosmopolitan, chic and on point always the common denominator of their styles. I love how empowered they are on their own and they influenced me with their timeless choices and pieces that are iconic on every season.
You’re clearly an icon in the community; what is the best piece of advice you could give to those who are just beginning to explore their own identity?
Be yourself with what you are comfortable wearing. Add some colour to your wardrobe because it brightens up your whole mood and aura when you wear something with colour. Add some accessories that will add some sass to your look and explore different styles with limitation and on budget. Don’t buy things for the sake of trend or clout— live within your means. But always reward yourself with something you are happy wearing.
Do you think the fashion and beauty industries are doing a good job at being more inclusive in their representation? If yes, how? If not, how can they improve?
They are trying but it’s not. Most campaigns are inclusive for the sake of having a check box for marketing. In order to be more inclusive hire people inside of the company who are Trans, binary, non binary, queer, gay etc.. for them it will be more easier to create impactful campaigns that will reflect the LGBTQIA+ community and other minority groups. Be more open on casting different body types and looks for campaigns and marketing execution. Rewire the company values that truly speaks on inclusivity and diversity with an open forum from the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What ultimately led you down the career path you chose and how was your journey getting to the point where you’re at today? Do you have any advice for those who are aspiring to do what you do?
My love for fashion, innovation, technology and having an eye for taste. Always listen to you gut and intuition when it comes to the people you surround with. Your network is your net worth.
What does Pride mean to you?
For me Pride is a way of living. I’m extremely proud of the person I’ve become because it is what I always dreamt to be when I was younger and it has taken a lot of work and effort to be at this point in my life.
How are you planning to celebrate Pride this year?
This year I will be celebrating with some of my closest friends during the Pride parade in Madrid. Can’t wait for that!
Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ role models and how have they inspired you?
Some of them are Spanish with Bibiana Fernández, Madonna or Freddie Mercury. They have inspired me to be strong, unapologetic, talented, beautiful and have no fear living my life.
How has fashion and/or beauty served as an outlet for you to explore and express your identity?
I started exploring with make up and fashion at a very early age. My mother was a seamstress and I grew up with fashion all around me. Makeup allowed me to be closer to the person I imagined I wanted to be. I was very fascinated with fashion photography such as Mario Testino, Avedon, Leibovitz… I just wanted to be the fabulous woman I admired in those dreamy pictures.
How would you describe your style? Has it changed/evolved over the years?
Yes, my style has evolved a lot. I used to be very “rebellious” and I used to wear black a lot before my transition. Now, I think I still have my essence but it’s true that unconsciously as a way of personal celebration I’m more into wearing color and showing more skin. I like taking care of myself and I love wearing clothes that make me feel both comfortable and sexy. I don’t like that clothes wear you, I like that your body and your beauty go first.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and how have they influenced you and your sense of style?
My absolute Icon is Jerry Hall. I love the way she was very unique and she was like the real rockstar in that relationship, you know? Haha. I just love her and her personality. Now I’m also very into Elsa Hosk. She has impeccable taste.
You’re clearly an icon in the community; what is the best piece of advice you could give to those who are just beginning to explore their own identity?
Thank you so much. I just would say that surround yourself with people that really love you, either your family or your chosen family and be as comfortable with the rest of the world as you are with them.
As a shy and introvert person as the beginning, fashion and beauty helped me a lot to express who I am really, because it’s an extension of myself and what I have in mind.
What does Pride mean to you?
To me it’s celebrating Queer people with Queer people, celebrating yourself and the others, and to be proud of who you are without no hesitation.
How are you planning to celebrate Pride this year?
This year I will probably celebrating with my closest friends, started with the parade in Paris with the best joyful fit I could wear and dance all night long.
Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ role models and how have they inspired you?
One of them is definitely Olivier Rousteing who is the creative director of Balmain, who inspired me a lot when I was in High school, because he was the only representation of a gay black guy I had in the fashion industry. And years after I had the chance to work with Balmain and met Olivier to tell him how much he helped me in my self-expression.
How has fashion and/or beauty served as an outlet for you to explore and express your identity?
As a shy and introvert person as the beginning, fashion and beauty helped me a lot to express who I am really, because it’s an extension of myself and what I have in mind. I tried a lot of things, but it was only when I moved to Paris who I really discovered my true identity, and I wanted to show it also threw fashion and beauty as well.
How would you describe your style? Has it changed/evolved over the years?
To be simple I love to mix the inspirations of the 70’s, like flare high waist pants, tight tank tops or shirts with big sleeves for example and boots, with some of late 90’s beginning of 2000 inspirations too, like the Halliwell Sisters in the first 3 seasons of Charmed, leather blazer/jacket. It changed a lot over the years, I was definitely more classic with my style, straight jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and sneakers.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and how have they influenced you and your sense of style?
One icon who totally changed my perception of style is Rihanna, she is really a style Icon, and you can see she has an amazing taste but she also has fun and never afraid with fashion. Years ago I was afraid of people eyes wearing the things I wanted to wear, now that I grow I realized you shouldn’t care about the others and be happy to be your authentic self.
You’re clearly an icon in the community; what is the best piece of advice you could give to those who are just beginning to explore their own identity?
First thank you so much for this beautiful compliment, it’s really means a lot for me. And the best advice I could give is probably to take your time if you’re not ready, to do it step by step, and also to be around genuine people in your friends circle, people who encourage you to wear what you want and not be negative about the things they don’t like, because you do it for yourself not the others.
Do you think the fashion and beauty industries are doing a good job at being more inclusive in their representation? If yes, how? If not, how can they improve?
Again I think because of the notoriety of Rihanna a lot of things changes specially when she launched her different brands with all type of models she hired, different ethnicities, all type of bodies, included men in the beauty and skincare part. So yes I think now industries now are doing a way better job with inclusivity than few years ago, but I think they can go way further specially for some of them which still camp on their positions to not include real people, the people you can see daily in the streets.
What ultimately led you down the career path you chose and how was your journey getting to the point where you’re at today? Do you have any advice for those who are aspiring to do what you do?
That’s a good question, because actually this is all my failures that led me where I am now, I had different jobs over the years, in the fashion and beauty industry, but I wasn’t that happy, I wanted for myself to be the more creative at the highest point, so I decided to quit everything to just focus on me and give myself a chance to see if I can do it. I think I’m where I am today, because I do it with passion and authenticity and this is the best way to enjoy life. “
What does pride mean for you?
Pride for me is a synonym of satisfaction! Being satisfied with freely pursuing your own way of being.
How do you plan to celebrate pride this year?
Well certainly like all the years to take to the streets to proudly show what they are with much more energy and desire after 2 long years of pandemic that has closed us at home.
Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ role models and how did they inspire you?
Since I was little I have always dreamed of being a diva, I still remember looking in the mirror and singing Britney Spears songs pretending to be her! When I listened to his songs I felt unique and no one could tell me if I was beautiful or ugly !! I was simple myself. Another artist that I respect a lot is Lady Gaga especially because she too, like britney, fights for the rights of the community! I love women who take positions.
How have fashion and/or beauty served as an outlet to explore and express your identity?
Fashion has always been a bible for me!
Every woman when she wears a dress, pots or sweater that is in trend automatically shines! This is what happens to me every time I wear a dress, a heel or even a fashion accessory. Personal fashion has helped me to bring out that woman that I had to repress for years and who today instead shows the world how beautiful she is. Fashion for me is a woman!
How would you describe your style? Has it changed/evolved over the years?
My style is a mix of glam and urban, I like to match these two styles because they both represent my way of being, glam my sensual and feminine side while urban style my strong character!
Over the years the style has changed according to my needs, the more I became a woman the more I had that certainty in being able to afford any dress and accessory.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and how have they influenced you and your sense of style?
My fashion icons are Naomi and Bella Hadid, I believe that in addition to being models they are fashion spokespersons … every time they appear on the catwalk or I see a shot of them in the countryside, they convey beauty and uniqueness to me in their beauty and therefore automatically influence my style .
You are clearly an icon in the community; what is the best advice you could give to those who are just starting to explore their own identity?
My advice is to never be afraid of being yourself, not giving a damn about prejudices !! We have to live our life as we want, but above all to love who we want !! Life is one and should not be thrown away for fear of the judgment of others! I have always screwed it up and today I am the happiest person in the world .. I can imagine that at the beginning it is a bit difficult but as they say after the storm the sun comes out.
Do you think the fashion and beauty industries are doing a good job of being more inclusive in their representation? If so, how? If not, how can they improve?
The fashion industries are apart from the part of inclusiveness because everything that is fashion includes the community. For me, fashion has always supported inclusion and diversity, just think that the last one was Donatella Versace with the capsule inspired by pride. Fashion does not exclude but includes every form of existence.
What ultimately brought you along your chosen career path and how did your journey get to where you are today? Do you have any advice for those aspiring to do what you do?
The passion for hairstyling was transmitted to me by my mom, since I was little it has always fascinated me to see my mom making women beautiful and therefore my passion was born from there.
Thanks to my tenacity and my determination in wanting to do this job, today I find myself following important names in the world of fashion and entertainment.
My advice is to follow your dreams with determination and never give up because sooner or later with great sacrifices the satisfactions arrive.
Never give up !!
