Clown Couture | Security in Being Unique

Clown couture emerged when I reflected on being a teenager and taking those first steps in discovering who I am. For me, this involved experimenting with makeup and exploring my clothing choices. Everything changed when I got my first job and was able to start buying the clothes I wanted without my mother looking over my shoulder with scorn. I joined color guard and met so many eclectic women who showed up to school looking like however they felt for that day. Until that year, I had really let my love for fashion muddle; it seemed like it would be a long time before I was going to be able to show my personality on the outside. Though we were all messy teenage girls they showed me how it doesn't hurt anyone if you were to stand out. I associate the term clown with someone who is just as creative as they are confident. Fun fact actually really sad fact ; my own mother gave me this label among others that I wear proudly to this day. It never hurts anyone that I have pink hair and wear fun eyeshadow, but we know in today's age its nothing but political to have a fun look like mine. It's a privilege, but also an act of resistance to the rise in conservatism in America. I chose a local arcade to shoot with models Ednah and Sean. With incredible face paint done by Ednah herself! These two encapsulated the feeling of being a young person seemingly with the world against them. For many creatives and queer people in Orlando, there are public spaces that have made them feel at home. I don't know that I've found my space personally, but it's so awesome to see all the weirdoes and freaks find community and somewhere they can fit in while standing out.