Rain Dove
An androgynous supermodel, actor and activist, Rain Dove is breaking the binary gender laws. She is undeniably one of the most unique faces on the fashion scene. As an androgynous model, Rain is an advocate for redefining and challenging societal perceptions of gender and definitions of beauty.
Ques) What does it mean to you to be a visible, androgynous model?
I personally just feel grateful to be a visible human. My aesthetics, as sexually ambiguous as they are, having been so well received has been such an inspiration to work harder, talk louder, and be as impactful as possible with the platform I've been given. For me, the goal isn't to promote androgyny though. My goal is to promote our true limitless selves. We can all acquire our limitlessness if we see each other not for labels like sex, race, religion, height, weight, age etc., but as individuals with individual contributions to make.
Ques) What have your experiences been like in the fashion world?
The fashion world is fast and extreme. It's a balancing act of art, practicality and marketing. In some situations, I have had an overwhelmingly sweet introduction to certain designers, shows, and editorials. But on the flip side, I am not the common aesthetic or measurement. I also come with socio-political risks since I date anyone I feel is worth my heart regardless of their genitalia. So, for some people in the fashion industry, I'm seen as not just undesirable, but a threat to the authenticity and power of their typically conservative brands. These people aren't always the kindest or most even tempered when it comes to expressing their opinions of my potential success. It's all politics and business. I've learned not to take anything personally and focus only on the people who want to work to make the world a more expansive place. One of the most positive things about the fashion industry is that despite the stories of starvation and terrible bodily treatment, it has been the first movement in my life that has told me that it is my job to take care of myself. To eat right, sleep well, exercise, maintain good hygiene.
Ques) How has your journey of defining your own personal style been?
I think defining what you like or not like is a lifelong process. Our interests shift and change as we experience time. So far, it has been at times incredibly surprising to stumble upon certain stylistic entities that I enjoy. Skirts, baseball caps, mismatching socks, lace bras, spandex briefs...Every day is a beautiful opportunity to discover a new element of my human existence.
Ques) Who or what has most influenced your style?
My style is mostly influenced by my environment and the day to day. When I wake up, I choose either things I feel comfortable in or things that I feel will be most useful throughout the day. There’s no rhyme or reason to it- I just love what I love when I love it.
Ques) Who are your fashion icons?
Jean Paul Gauthier has always been fascinating! But the most impactful style icons have been the individuals I've encountered in my travels who wear the things they want to wear unapologetically. They have inspired me to sample similar aesthetics.
Ques) What do you see as the future of fashion in terms of the way that it intersects with the queer community?
I think all people are queer. All people are humans with limitless sexual possibilities. I believe one day we won't have to label individuals based on who they choose to orgasm with. On that day, I see that we will be encouraged to be free consumers of whatever we want to wear- celebrated for our individual uniqueness.
Ques) What message would you like to share with the youth viewing you as their fashion icon
If you love fashion, then you have to love yourself. You have to respect yourself. Listen to what your heart really wants, and indulge it. That's the only way to truly be yourself...is to allow yourself to be.
Ques) What does it mean to you to be a visible, androgynous model?
I personally just feel grateful to be a visible human. My aesthetics, as sexually ambiguous as they are, having been so well received has been such an inspiration to work harder, talk louder, and be as impactful as possible with the platform I've been given. For me, the goal isn't to promote androgyny though. My goal is to promote our true limitless selves. We can all acquire our limitlessness if we see each other not for labels like sex, race, religion, height, weight, age etc., but as individuals with individual contributions to make.
Ques) What have your experiences been like in the fashion world?
The fashion world is fast and extreme. It's a balancing act of art, practicality and marketing. In some situations, I have had an overwhelmingly sweet introduction to certain designers, shows, and editorials. But on the flip side, I am not the common aesthetic or measurement. I also come with socio-political risks since I date anyone I feel is worth my heart regardless of their genitalia. So, for some people in the fashion industry, I'm seen as not just undesirable, but a threat to the authenticity and power of their typically conservative brands. These people aren't always the kindest or most even tempered when it comes to expressing their opinions of my potential success. It's all politics and business. I've learned not to take anything personally and focus only on the people who want to work to make the world a more expansive place. One of the most positive things about the fashion industry is that despite the stories of starvation and terrible bodily treatment, it has been the first movement in my life that has told me that it is my job to take care of myself. To eat right, sleep well, exercise, maintain good hygiene.
Ques) How has your journey of defining your own personal style been?
I think defining what you like or not like is a lifelong process. Our interests shift and change as we experience time. So far, it has been at times incredibly surprising to stumble upon certain stylistic entities that I enjoy. Skirts, baseball caps, mismatching socks, lace bras, spandex briefs...Every day is a beautiful opportunity to discover a new element of my human existence.
Ques) Who or what has most influenced your style?
My style is mostly influenced by my environment and the day to day. When I wake up, I choose either things I feel comfortable in or things that I feel will be most useful throughout the day. There’s no rhyme or reason to it- I just love what I love when I love it.
Ques) Who are your fashion icons?
Jean Paul Gauthier has always been fascinating! But the most impactful style icons have been the individuals I've encountered in my travels who wear the things they want to wear unapologetically. They have inspired me to sample similar aesthetics.
Ques) What do you see as the future of fashion in terms of the way that it intersects with the queer community?
I think all people are queer. All people are humans with limitless sexual possibilities. I believe one day we won't have to label individuals based on who they choose to orgasm with. On that day, I see that we will be encouraged to be free consumers of whatever we want to wear- celebrated for our individual uniqueness.
Ques) What message would you like to share with the youth viewing you as their fashion icon
If you love fashion, then you have to love yourself. You have to respect yourself. Listen to what your heart really wants, and indulge it. That's the only way to truly be yourself...is to allow yourself to be.