rolling slots 12 Freaks on the Items That Help Them Be Themselves
New York has always attracted the most out-there artists. Hererolling slots, T looks at the singularly strange talents who’ve built a metropolis unlike any other. Plus:
- Why New York has long been the freakiest place to be.
- Julia Fox’s advice on how to be a freak today.
- Cole Escola, Princess Nokia and more share their favorite freaky artworks and city spots.
- How New York Fashion Week came to outfreak Paris and Milan.
Image“LIP GLOSS is important. You need your lips to be sparkling if you’re about to read [someone]. Because one thing they’re not going to do is judge me on this face and this mouth.” — Richie Shazam, photographer and model
Image“STREET SMARTS AND A THICK SKIN. I think [the material things] have to come from each unique person because [being a freak] is the culmination of what you are and nobody else is. For me, it might be latex stockings or a big fur scarf.” — Anna Bolina, fashion designer
Image“SELF-CONFIDENCE.” — Tabboo!, artist
Image“Spite. A STOLEN WALLET. Theft.” — Cole Escola, writer and performer
Image“A great psychiatrist to prescribe FABULOUS ANTIDEPRESSANTS and sleep medication.” — Princess Nokia, rapper and actress
Image“People you connect with and can be yourself with, PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL INSPIRED and less alone. The more you can be yourself, the more you give permission to other people.” — Matt Starr, artist and poet
Image“EXTRA MONEY. Artists are already fighting to basically just be themselves.” — Ann Liv Young, performance artist
Image“GLITTER FOR THE CORNERS OF YOUR EYES. If [the invitation] says ‘black tie’ or ‘formal wear,’ I’ll slap that on, and that’ll signify to people that I care.” — Julio Torres, writer, performer and filmmaker
Image“A pack of CIGARETTES — to leave a situation, start a conversation, relieve stress or share a moment of joy. If you don’t smoke them, give them away to meet someone.” — Sonny Molina, hairstylist
Image“A little bit of nerve and BODYSUITS that will thicken your skin so you can walk freely.” — Zaldy, costume designer
Image“Something for self-defense. To be a freak, you need to be able to protect yourself. When I told my mother I was a drag queen, one of the first things she did was buy me a HAMMER to keep in my purse.” — MissMa’amShe, drag artist
Image“A HAT: It’s a great disguise in the world.” — Fey Fey, fashion retailer
These interviews have been edited and condensed.rolling slots
