HAT AND ACCESSORIES jjmn.studio by Juanjose Mouko Nsue TROUSERS MMRMS Studios FLOWERS jjmn.studio by Juanjose Mouko Nsue FRAGRANCE 1 Million Parfum by Paco Rabanne
Masculinity as we know it has undergone a sea change—the necessity to conform to artless machismo has been washed away. In its wake, a new man is visible on the horizon—one whose evolution is characterised by fluidity, flair and poise.
London-based Gambian musician and model Junior Choi, star of The New Man, embodies an updated iteration of the trite sartorial cliché of androgyny. Indifferent to the notion of his appearance being seen as too feminine, he pulls off deep fuchsia trousers, embraces bold florals and bares his open torso with a leather jacket. Choi’s looks are finished off with touches of gold in the form of Paco Rabanne 1 Million ingots – proving that this new man is one that will continue to shine.
SLEEK caught up with Choi following the release of our FW20 issue, METAMORPHOSIS. Read the conversation below.
What does the phrase ‘be a man’ mean to you, and what advice would you give the younger version of yourself on how to ‘be a man’?
I don’t like the phrase “be a man”. In my eyes, it’s a phrase that puts a barrier around a man’s capabilities and tries to keep them in a toxic mindset on how they should live as a man. To “be a man,” I’d tell my younger self to do what your heart desires. People are going to give you their unwanted opinions but trust your gut and follow your light.
Over the course of your lifetime, have the ideas and characteristics that you associate with ‘masculinity’ changed?
For sure. Being raised in an Islamic African household builds the idea that a man shouldn’t wear jewellery, shouldn’t wear certain hairstyles and shouldn’t wear pink — and here I am right now wearing a pastel pink RAX tracksuit with a pearl earring and my hair in braids.
Do you think ‘menswear’ has shifted in line with changing attitudes towards masculinity—Is there perhaps going to be a future where garments are only categorised as unisex?
I believe ‘menswear’ has always been inspired by ‘womenswear’, but there will always be a man with an ego too big to acknowledge ‘skinny jeans’ were inspired by women.
I see unisex a lot more these days and I’m here for it. Clothes have no gender, it’s about the person that wears the piece.
Has your job as a model influenced the way you view masculinity?
In a way it has. The experience itself has me meeting so many people that I live life with zero expectations when interacting with others. That leaves no space for judgement that someone may call ‘masculine/feminine’.
I know that rather than limiting yourself to a specific genre, you’re more focused on creating music rooted very much in your own thoughts and feelings—do you think that you’d feel as comfortable being so expressive with your feelings if you didn’t have music as a creative output?
Probably not. I never really tell people what I’m thinking unless it’s necessary or I’m asked so music is probably the only way I really express myself out loud.
Left: CROWN jjmn.studio by Juanjose Mouko Nsue SHIRT jiyongmade by Jiyong Kim FRAGRANCE 1 Million Parfum by Paco Rabanne Right: ACCESSORIES jjmn.studio by Juanjose Mouko Nsue TROUSERS MMRMS Studios SHOES Calvin Klein FRAGRANCE 1 Million Parfum by Paco Rabanne
You’ve been consistently releasing singles over the last year. Can fans expect an album from you in the near future?
There’s so much in store I can’t not be consistent. Not an album but they may get a healthy tape before Christmas if all goes to plan!
What’s in your current music rotation?
I’ve had my next single on repeat for the last month. It’s called ‘Philippines’ and will be out in October.
Does the ‘Moves’ single cover contain a subtle nod to Matisse’s ‘Dance’ paintings?
Subconsciously it does, we didn’t intend on it but everything made sense once we had the final product. What better way to show off some moves than a Matisse.
And finally, I read in a 2018 interview that your personal goal for that year was to “remain focused” and “try and grow in all aspects”. 2020 has certainly reset the context of all our lives but I’m interested to know whether that’s still the overarching goal for you?
Ha, yes, you never stop growing but as of now I can say I’ve grown in all the aspects I needed to since that time. The goal has changed to consistently providing. That entails creating and staying inspired, building on the foundation for myself and the people around me.
Left: ACCESSORIES jjmn.studio by Juanjose Mouko Nsue TROUSERS MMRMS Studios SHOES Calvin Klein FRAGRANCE 1 Million Parfum by Paco Rabanne Right: SHIRT Paco Rabanne TROUSERS MMRMS Studios SHOES Calvin Klein
Credits
MAKE-UP Francesca Daniella
HAIR Sam Koroma
MODEL Junior Choi
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS Alex Kim and Daniel Ferreres
FASHION ASSISTANT Bernice Wallace