FRZNTE wears BELTS Jean Paul Gaultier Archive available at copmeifyoucan BOOTS Model's Own.
Chatting with Berlin born and raised pole artist FRZNTE:
SLEEK: What does Berlin mean to you?
FRZNTE: Berlin is my home. I grew up in Lichtenberg. As a child, I experienced the fall of the Wall and as a teenager, I was aware of the powerful, public presence of neo-Nazis, especially in the east of Berlin. When I moved out of my parents’ house at the age of 19, it was really easy to stand on my own two feet with very little money. There were enough apartments and the cost of rent, groceries, clubbing, etc., was affordable. Unfortunately, that has changed a lot, which is a huge problem. Berlin is a great city with a lot of diversity, individual freedom and a largely tolerant society. But Berlin stinks and it’s rough, abrasive and sluggish too, and unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more difficult to live here on limited funds. When alternative spaces are being squeezed out, business sites are replacing housing, and people can no longer afford the rents inside the S-Bahn train ring, then the city loses its appeal.
FRZNTE wears DRESS Lou de Bètoly BRIEFS Fendi BOOTS Acne Studios.
S: Do you think that a location or a city can put us on a path to finding ourselves?
F: Absolutely. The particular characteristics of cities, locations and landscapes shape us and imprint themselves on our bodies. They influence how we think and act. If I hadn’t grown up in Berlin, I would certainly have had a completely different life. Fortunately, my parents moved to East Berlin from a one-horse town in Thuringia, giving me the opportunity of growing up in a big city. Of course, I come from a country that no longer exists. Being socialized in East Germany and then in West Germany has had a decisive influence on my life – and Berlin as a once divided city even more so.
FRZNTE wears EARRINGS Roussey 3D CORSAGE Vivienne Westwood DRESS Sportmax BOOTS Guess.
S: What does pole-dancing mean to you?
F: I love pole-dancing! It’s an art form, sport, sex, a tool for self-empowerment. I can’t imagine life without my poles anymore. I started pole-dancing late when I was about 32 years old. Until then, I’d often tried various sports (e.g. yoga, boxing, swimming, running), but none of them really inspired me. I fell in love after my first class at the pole-dancing studio, but it still took a few years before I could confidently move around the pole. Pole-dancing helps me to develop a positive relationship with my body. I’ve been empowered both physically and mentally, and I’ve also gained an enhanced awareness of my body through the physical effort and developing strength, through dancing, the challenge of moving my body into unfamiliar positions and learning a sport from scratch aged over 30. I’ve never been as confident as I am now almost 40!
LEFT FRZNTE wears DRESS Miu Miu SHOES Moon Boot RIGHT FRZNTE wears TOP Anne Isabella BRA De Pino SKIRT&BRACELET Acne Studios.
S When do you experience happiness?
F I feel happy on lots of occasions because I have everything I need for a happy life in my own little world: my friends and family, my partner, new friendships, my life here in Berlin on Potsdamer Strasse and by the sea in Iceland, with opportunities to dream and make these dreams come true. I’m very grateful for all that, and I feel having all this is happiness. That makes me very optimistic.
S And where do you find support and strength?
F My favourite people and my social network give me support. I wouldn’t be a happy person without these people. I also feel very empowered when I get a booking and to get the opportunity to perform, to work as a DJ, to take part in interesting projects and try out new things. I find strength when I chill out. It’s important to take breaks. I wish I could fine more time to do this.
CREDITS
Photography: Rachel Israela & Fede Reyes
Styling: Alessia Ansalone
Talent: frznte
Makeup Artist: Leana Ardeleanu using Pat McGrath Labs
Hair Artist: Kosuke Ikeuchi using Dyson Hair
Nail Artist: Camilla Inge Volbert
Set Design: Carina Dehwurst
Photography Assistant: Hinata Ishizawa
Styling Assistants:Viola Volterra & Tim Escher
Set Design Assistant: Jessica Romero
As featured in SLEEK 75 – HAPPINESS. Available in print and digital here.