HAROLD x Pride: The Power of Self-Expression
Five Members of Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ Community Share Style Stories, Personal Insights, and Their Custom-Made HAROLD Looks.
By: Harry Rosen StaffDate: 2023-06-15
At Harry Rosen, we’ve always stood behind the belief that we can only do our best when we feel our best. And, that we owe a huge part of how we feel to how we dress.
Clothes are for everyone, but we know that for many, they’re especially vital for feeling capable of fully expressing who they are. United in individuality, we teamed up with five members of the LGBTQ2S+ community across Canada to share their insight into what self-expression through fashion means to them this Pride.
To help encourage a dialogue about personal style, we asked our guests to design an entirely custom look through HAROLD’s made-to-measure program. Find out more about their custom outfits and the impact clothing has in the LGBTQ2S+ community here.
Viranlly Liemena
(he/him), Vancouver, BC
Who is your biggest style hero?
I’ve admired Thom Browne for over a decade now. He’s one of the most influential designers of our time, in my opinion. His creativity, the way he blends gender, the way he can execute dramatic and theatrical looks in each show, and the fact that he turns plain-ol'-grey-suits into some of the most exciting clothing pieces I’ve seen is just admirable. Everything he does is intentional, and of course, very personal to his very own style.
Instagram: @viranlly
Bombae
(he/him), Toronto, ON
How much of an influence does fashion play in the LGBTQ2S+ community?
Fashion allows us (queer people) to be confident, to take up space, and to feel important when others don’t. In a world where so much is out of our control, being able to wear what we want feels like a superpower, it allows me to communicate with other people and tell a story. Fashion allows me to take up space and command your attention.
Instagram: @bom.bae
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Stephen and Branden Quinn-Barnes
(he/him, he/him), Edmonton, AB
How much of an influence does fashion play in the LGBTQ2S+ Community?
Fashion plays a significant role in the LGBTQ2S+ community as clothes are used as a tool for self-expression, identification, and communication. The community has been particular about what goes into their wardrobe, and fashion has been used to fit in and stand out. Queer designers tend to be more definitive and admired, and studies indicate that most gay men have a creative flair with an extensive influence on fashion and design. Our community has had a significant impact on modern fashion, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and challenging traditional gender norms. Fashion has been used as a tool for resistance within the community, and LGBTQ2S+ fashion icons.
Instagram: @thevisionaryhusbands
Brendan Mikan
(he/him), Montréal, QC
Why is it important to you to be able to express yourself with what you wear?
Self-expression is super important to me personally, online and in real life. I do believe that being different is a compliment and that our individuality is crucially important to our identity! Clothing is one of the best ways to express yourself to the world without saying anything. Not only that, but when I am wearing a fire outfit, no matter how I am feeling that day, it gives me the boost that I need to power through.
Instagram: @brendanmikan
Kyle Pretzlaff
(he/him), Toronto, ON
How does HAROLD help you define your own personal style?
I like being able to enter a store and feel comfortable knowing that I don’t have to shop directly off the rack. HAROLD’s custom cuts and free alterations for made-to-measure garments allow me to customize them in a way that feels right to me.
Instagram: @kylefrominsta
This Pride, we’re highlighting Pflag Canada, a national charitable organization providing peer support, education, and advocacy for Canadians with issues concerning sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. To learn more about Pflag and how to get involved, visit https://pflagcanada.ca/.