Why I Tried Modeling Like Valentijn?
Last weekend my pal showed me Valentijn de Hingh’s photoshoots. Damn, this 6’3″ trans model rocks outfits I’d never dare touch – floral suits, sequin skirts, whatever! Felt like fashion should be this playground without rules. Stared at my closet fulla boring jeans and black tees… time to shake things up.
Cracking Open My Closet
Dragged every color-blocked shirt and patterned pants onto my bed. Found:
- That mustard yellow blazer I wore ONCE to a wedding
- Leopard print pants from 2018 hiding in the back
- My sister’s oversized pink shirt she left here
Mixed the blazer with leopard pants first. Looked like a traffic cone attacked a zoo. Swapped to pink shirt + yellow blazer instead. Still chaotic, but kinda… intentionally messy? Threw on chunky dad sneakers because comfort rules.
The Unshaven Legs Moment
Almost chickened out when changing into shorts. See, my leg hair grows wild like a forest. Usually shave before going out, but Valentijn’s shoots show body hair, scars, all that realness. Grabbed tweezers to trim knee scratches from cycling instead. Key move: Stopped fussing about “flaws.” That bike scar? Part of the story now.
Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
Wanted striped pieces like Valentijn wears. Hit 3 thrift shops digging through racks smelling like grandma’s attic. Score: neon green-striped polo ($4!) and wide-leg corduroys. Got stares trying the loud combo in the cramped changing room. Who cares? That teen cashier actually gave me thumbs up.
DIY Photoshoot Fails & Wins
Propped phone against bookshelf for self-timer shots. First 20 looked like hostage photos. Relaxed shoulders and tilted hips sideways – instantly better. Best shot? Jumping mid-air in those cords with sunshine hitting the frizz in my hair. No retouching. Sent it straight to our group chat. Replied to “you look different!” texts with “that’s the damn point.”
What’s Still Messed Up
Fashion brands scream “inclusivity” but still photoshop models into mannequins. Saw Valentijn’s unedited stretch mark close-ups yesterday – felt better about my own. Truth is, my “bold” experiment involved clothes already in my house. Not everyone gets thrift stores nearby or safe spaces to experiment. We need actual accessibility, not just hashtags.
