“Fashion absolutely adores actress Hari Nef, and with good reason, ” says Bullett magazine. “Aside from her angular, androgynous face, Nef is also spearheading the swelling transgender movement so that one day it won’t be called a ‘movement,’ as if it’s some fleeting trend. We caught up with the illusive “It Girl,” whatever that really means, and talked about all things Fashion Week.” Check out some choice quotes after the jump. LOVE HER!
How do you feel about fashion’s current fixation on the transgender movement?
“I’m starting to feel like there’s more press about, ‘fashion’s fixation on the transgender movement,’ than there is actual fixation. How many trans models have appeared in a major runway or campaign in the last few years? Which fashion institution is taking up the cause of trans rights or the relief for homeless trans teens? Fashion is having a moment with gender fluidity, but not necessarily transness. Designers are presenting masculinity as an option for women and vice versa. That’s not ontology, that’s aesthetics, but transness goes deeper than that. Transness is not a destination.”
Do you think fashion is taking advantage of the transgender movement?
“Fashion loves to be first, fashion hates to repeat itself and fashion has seasonal expiration dates. The rise of trans visibility has spread ideas and aesthetics that are quite new for most the world. Trans folks are in the process of seizing justice and visibility—it is an urgent matter of life or death. In fashion, this kind of urgency translates to ‘what’s now.’ I think trans visibility is generally a positive thing and fashion could prove to be a fabulous platform for us. I’m uncertain as to whether ‘what’s now’ will become integrated into the norms, or merely be written off as ‘last season.’ Ultimately, I want to see trans folks taking their place in the fashion world in a way that doesn’t feel like such a big deal.”
What is New York fashion doing well and how can we improve?
“I don’t necessarily relate to a lot of New York fashion because I don’t necessarily relate to most women buying clothes in department stores. New York fashion provides a supportive stage for young designers, more so than any other city. The VFILES Made Fashion Show is one of the grooviest events on the calendar. That being said, I feel like New York is more susceptible to trends than any other city. I find it hard to distinguish between most New York designers. How many times are we going to see a black turtleneck with matching slacks and white Stan Smith knockoffs? How many more slip dress-and-sweater propositions for evening? How many more Céline silhouettes in Wintour-approved colors? New York needs a confidence boost.”
And be sure to follow Hari on her always provocative Twitter.
The post Trans Actress/Model/It-Girl Hari Neff Talks NYFW and Trans Politics appeared first on World of Wonder.