Androgyny 101

Hello All, So I decided to put more thoughts to “paper”… Everyday I’m asked at last 5/6 questions regarding modeling so I wanted to address one that I get most frequent. “How do I become an Androgynous Model?”  Well like with anything aspiration this does not occur overnight. It takes work, it takes heart and most importantly it takes dedication. Most important it takes passion. It has to be more than the fact that you are photogenic! I find myself repeating the following step actions almost daily to folks so! I decided to officially blog my words. Now this doesn’t mean if you follow exactly what I say that you will automatically be a successful Androgynous Model. BUT! It does guarantee that you will be equipped with some knowledge. And as we all know “Knowledge is power”....   1.       Research your Market. Who and what do you wish to appeal too? This will help you determine what action steps you should be taking. For example if you wish to be a “Fitness Model” you probably wouldn’t want to spend time submitting your portfolio to agencies and representatives that deal mainly with your “GQ” Model types. Know your Market! 2.       Research your Craft! If you wish to be an androgynous model. Know the definition! Know how it applies to you and know how you wish to bring life to the craft. Secondly I strongly recommend that you know of at least 3 to 4 other models working in your category! 3.       Which leads me to my third point: Make yourself familiar with the works of others working in your field. You should know who is flourishing! You should also make note of those beginning. At all times you should be aware of what’s working and what is not working.. 4.       Figure out your strong points. This includes features, body, your walk, your presence etcetera. It’s also very important to know! That all models won’t be great at both Print and Runway. 5.       Which is a great Segway to my next point. All feminine women dressed in masculine clothing does not automatically mean you are “Androgynous”. This takes me back to point number 2. Know the definition of Androgyny and Androgynous (Because in all actually the term may not even apply to you.)   Well: Instead of cramming your brains all at once. Stay tuned for part two…. Much Love, ~Vjay      

Androgynous???

Vjay's Androgynous Thoughts: Just felt like releasing some thoughts and a few facts. Seems like nowadays "androgynous" is one of the most over used words in the English definition!. Or maybe it's just in my world.. I definitely don't have a problem with the word itself because truly it's how I choose to identify. My issue happens to be those who use it...But have no idea what it means.... so allow me to drop a little knowledge if you will. Androgyny refers to the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics. Sexual ambiguity may be found in fashion, gender identity, sexual identity, or sexual lifestyle. It could also refer to biologicalinter sex physicality, especially with regards to plant and human sexuality.[1] Etymology The term derives from the Latin: androgynus, derived from Ancient Greek: ἀνδρόγυνος, from ἀνήρ, stemἀνδρ- (anér, andr-, meaning man) and γυνή (gunē, gyné, meaning woman).[2] History Androgyny and homosexuality are seen in Plato’s Symposium in a myth that Aristophanes tells the audience. [3] People used to be spherical creatures, with two bodies attached back to back who cartwheeled around. There were three sexes: the male-male people who descended from the sun, the female-female people who descended from the earth, and the male-female people who came from the moon. This last pairing represented the androgynous couple. These sphere people tried to take over the gods and failed. Zeus then decided to cut them in half and had Apollo stitch them back together leaving the navel as a reminder to not defy the gods again. If they did, he would cleave them in two again to hop around on one leg. Plato states in this work that homosexuality is shameless. This is one of the earlier written references to androgyny. Gender identity For humans, androgyne (/ˈændrədʒaɪn/ an-drə-jyn) in terms of gender identity is a person who does not fit neatly into the typical masculine and femininegender roles of their society. Androgynes may also use the term "ambigender" or "polygender" to describe themselves. Many androgynes identify as being mentally between woman and man, or as entirely genderless. They may identify as "non-gendered", "gender-neutral", "agendered", "between genders", "genderqueer", "multigendered", "intergendered", "pangender" or "gender fluid".[4] Hope this helps! Androgynous Is more then just a female in men's clothes or a male in female clothes. It's a lifestyle. It's a culture. It's art brought to life. My journey through androgyny has opened my eyes to all things beautiful in any state... Photo credits by: Mye'l Lassiter of L'eym Photography:

Men's Fashion Week Chicago 2014

Hey All, I'm finally back up and blogging. I KNOW it's been a while. Life has been super hectic. 24 hours in a day just isn't enough! But I wanted to make my first entry for 2014! A new year! And hopefully new opportunities! This year I have many exciting projects planned. And I can't wait to start to see them unfold. My first major project will be Men's Fashion Week Chicago 2014! Over 200 models auditioned from all over! Only 60 were chosen! By the grace of God! I made the cut! When I started my runway mission in 2009 my goal has always been the same. "To diversify the Face of Modeling". As 2014 rings in humbly my mission and focus remains the same. "I May not make it to the mountain top" but one day I know my people will... Much Love, ~Vjay