“Male femininity to me is an idea that erases the dissonance between what it means to be powerful and what it means to be vulnerable.”
Witnessing moments of pure joy and self-expression can be incredibly moving, and one such experience unfolded when I walked into the studio and saw the model for this shoot. Khalin, the model for Beloved, is the epitome of a man who is comfortable in both his masculinity and femininity. His confidence was evident from the moment he walked on set and his energy set the tone for the entire shoot. As we got to work, the excitement in the studio was palpable. It was thrilling to be in a room full of creatives who were dedicated to their craft and unafraid to take risks. Head Stylist Natalie Gardner explained the vision behind the shoot saying, “To me, art is good when people either love it or hate it. Making some kind of statement through art is really valuable to me because when people are talking about something, or even upset by it, that’s when it invites real change.”
Everything about the shoot exuded grace – the soft light, the gorgeous dress, the delicate posing. I noticed there was an absence of anxiety in Kahlin, rather, he radiated joy. I noticed how powerful Khalin’s display of soft masculinity was and how it could be interpreted by other men. When asked what the phrase “male femininity” means to him, Kahlin replied: “the duality of being strong, yet gentle. Being tough, yet soft. Handsome and pretty. Identity has no bounds and exists in fluidity as opposed to a box of ideas. Male femininity to me is an idea that erases the dissonance between what it means to be powerful and what it means to be vulnerable.”
Afterwards, I wanted to know more about Natalie’s thoughts on Beloved after seeing the images. She explained, “Seeing femininity and elegance paired with masculinity… you don’t see it done often, and it is powerful to see the duality right next to each other.” This statement really resonated with me as it highlights the importance of representation in the media. It is empowering to see someone who is willing to challenge the status quo and reject antiquated gender norms, which is something I wish I had seen in my childhood. In my opinion, I think fashion is the biggest way to showcase nonconformity and welcome experimentation to men in the fashion space, so let this be an example to continue to be authentic and open your mind to new ways to express yourself. Like the head stylist Natalie Gardner said, art is good when people either love it, or hate it.
