The Voices of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Pride Campaign
21/07/2023
As the rainbow dust settles on Pride Month, we can now look back on the many luxury fashion houses joining in on the celebration through campaigns and launches. The French fashion house of Jean Paul Gaultier merges fashion and beauty through a limited-edition Pride fragrance that features the slogan “Get Used to It”, symbolizing the values of the LGBTQIA+ community which celebrates authenticity. This inclusive spirit permeates not only the fragrance’s packaging but also the creative direction and casting of the campaign itself, which features a group of talented, expressive, and proud advocates of the LGBTQIA+ community whose work and personalities align perfectly with the brand’s values and beliefs.
Richie Shazam:
Richie Shazam Khan, the multi-talented model, photographer, creative director, and self-proclaimed “NYC Bollywood Princess”, is a true force in the fashion industry. With a primary emphasis on forging genuine connections, Richie has made a significant impact. They have graced the catwalks for brands like Ganni, Vivienne Westwood, and Hank Jobenhavn, bringing their unique and non-binary perspective to the forefront. Not only that, but Richie has also captured iconic moments behind the lens, including photographing the esteemed Zendaya for the cover of Interview magazine and a majority of Julia Fox’s campaigns. Their creative journey can be summed up in three words: authenticity, approachability, and passion.
“As a born-and-raised New Yorker, the city is engrained in my DNA. I wanted to bring a piece of its intoxicating energy to this campaign, by assembling a colorful group of different artists and creatives that I believe are each pushing the envelope. Each of them is beautiful in their own special way. By coming together and telling our stories through strong visuals, we can harness the power to open people’s minds and continue to weave the narrative of our beautiful city.” said Shazam about the Jean Paul Gaultier Pride Campaign.
Briana Andalore:
Briana Andalore, a stylist with a deep appreciation for the eccentric, is a formidable ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. Influenced by her exposure to drag queens, who she credits with shaping her outlook on life, Briana has become a passionate advocate for inclusivity and individuality. Her work speaks volumes, most notably through her collaborations with Julia Fox, where she crafts sartorial moments that captivate headlines. Hailing from the vibrant Greenwich Village of the late ’90s and early 2000s, Briana’s upbringing immersed her in a culture that celebrated diversity and self-expression. Growing up amidst queer communities and iconic landmarks like The Stonewall Inn, her identity is deeply intertwined with the LGBTQIA+ world. This unique perspective fuels her fashion sensibilities, which are tailor-made for the community she champions. Briana Andalore’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self and uplifting others along the way.
Gia Love:
Gia Love, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+ community and the fashion industry has left an indelible mark through her exceptional body of work. As a sought-after model, she has graced the pages of renowned fashion publications like Essence, Purple, and The Cut, and featured in campaigns for brands like Nike, Revlon, and Glossier. Gia’s work extends beyond traditional modeling, as she is also a fierce advocate for the rights and visibility of Black transgender individuals, using her voice to inspire change and challenge the industry’s norms as she has advocated for transformative events like the Black Trans Women Cookout, where she celebrates the beauty, strength, and camaraderie of Black transgender women. Her significant presence and unwavering advocacy have solidified her as a prominent figure in the fashion industry and the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring others to embrace their identities and fight for equality.
Jalen Steward:
Jalen Steward, known as @gawdsunnn on social media, is a model and rising star in both the fashion industry and the LGBTQIA+ community. With a distinct style that blurs traditional gender boundaries, Jalen has become a prominent figure and advocate for inclusivity and self-expression.
Their collaborations often result in groundbreaking campaigns that challenge societal norms and celebrate diversity. One notable partnership was with the fashion label KINGSLEY, which released a capsule collection featuring gender-neutral designs. Jalen’s involvement brought a fresh perspective to the brand, highlighting the versatility of their pieces and blurring the lines between traditional gender-based fashion. Through these collaborations, Jalen has effectively used its platform to amplify the message of inclusivity, paving the way for more representation and acceptance within the fashion industry.