VMAN partners with Calvin Klein to celebrate Pride Month with a unique series of covers. The magazine works with photographer Rowan Papier to champion love and acceptance. Donning Calvin Klein, Isaac Cole Powell, Charlie Knepper, Yves Mathieu, and Nathan Westling share the spotlight.
Related: Omar Ayuso, Isaac Cole Powell & Samuel de Saboia Front Calvin Klein Pride Campaign
Aryeh Lappin styles the models and entertainers in essential denim and pieces from Calvin Klein’s 2021 Pride capsule collection. Meanwhile, makeup artist Tatyana Makarova and hairstylist Gonn Kinoshita guarantee Isaac, Charlie, Yves, and Nathan are camera-ready. Then, hitting the studio, Papier captures the stars in striking portraits.
Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Powell recalls his first pride celebration: “I was probably 14 or 15 years old [the first time I celebrated Pride]. It was a very humble and sparse gathering in the streets of my southern hometown. I was awestruck by the attendees’ courage to celebrate so openly and immediately felt a sense of belonging.” Isaac learned to accept his queerness at such a young age and became braver, showing his true feelings.
VMAN Pride 2021 Covers
Charlie talks to VMAN about finding self-acceptance: “Coming out was pivotal because it was the point in my life when I stopped hating myself and started loving myself.” The model shares, “Self-acceptance doesn’t happen overnight, but every day I become more comfortable with who I am.” Because of what he shared, Charlie became even more admirable and worth emulating.
Yves discusses navigating his queerness as a man of color. The musician explains, “I am constantly learning more about myself while navigating multiple intersections in my queerness as a black person. It is an everyday journey, it’s hard but also so beautiful.” As a gay man of color, Yves is looked up to by many because of the life challenges he had in the past.
Nathan talks about Pride Month: “Pride, to me, means a way in which people of the LGBTQIA+ community have the freedom and acceptance to explore and be whoever they choose to be.” Nathan takes pride in his fashion choices and the friends he keeps.
In this day and age, love is love. Love has no color, gender, or race. Everyone deserves to be loved and accepted. How wonderful would it be to wake up to a world where one does not need to come out of the closet. You’re accepted for who you are and your beliefs wherever you go.
Yet realistically, you all have to understand that people’s minds are not easily pliable, but the world will eventually get there. In the meantime, enjoy the moment and be free. Take pride in joining festivals and parades celebrating who you are, or make a custom pride shirt to let the world know about you.
To be different is something that should be celebrated. Like Isaac, Charlie, Yves, and Nathan, you need to take inspiration from people around you and be open and comfortable. As Mama Ru says, ‘If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else?’
The world is slowly starting to accept the LGBTQIA+ community; it has moved forward little by little. There might be some loose cannons along the path, but don’t let these discourage you from being yourself. Stay hopeful and look at the positive things in life, including those who have come to celebrate with you.
