More than ever, “genderless” has gone beyond just being a buzzword in fashion: with the next generation of artists and designers approaching everyday dress with no bounds, only freedom. Enter stylist and creative director DeMarcus Johnson: the Chicago-bred artist channeling his own self-expression into BUTCH-ISH, a safe fashion space for people of all genders and identities.
As another addition to our ongoing portfolio review series, we caught up with DeMarcus and his new series shot by Isobel Rae, for a quick Q&A about the artist. Check out the full series below.
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Chicago,IL
In your own words, describe what you do.
I am a multifaceted artist. I’m a freelance stylist, creative director, & visionaire for the Butch-ish Collective
What’s your sig and what trait from that sign describes you most?
I’m a Leo! My curiosity definitely reflects most from my sign. I’m very observant and have the drive to explore so I’ll take a risk in a heartbeat.
Describe home.
Home was stressful. As a black gay artist growing up on the southside of Chicago, many things were limited: my freedom of self-expression, resources/supplies, & funding. Though we lacked those resources, we did have community and culture which I believe is the most important.
What or who makes up BUTCH-ISH? What was the intent behind creating this space?
BUTCH-ISH is the duality of masculinity and femininity that can be factored by any form of expression: how you dress, how you speak, how you act, what you embody, etc. BUTCH-ISH was created as a way to normalize everything non-binary and remove all labels and stereotypes that the world has placed on us as “women” and “men”.
Where do you hope to see BUTCH-ISH evolve in the next 5 years?
For visuals, I see BUTCH-ISH as its own global monthly zine within the next five years. I would like it to be filled with nothing but looks curated by me on different people from all across the world.
How did you and Isobel connect?
Isobel and I actually met on the set of a shoot that we worked on together about a year ago. We recently just reconnected for this shoot.
How do you remain connected to your roots?
Honestly just by being myself. When I think of my roots, I think of the culture I was born into. Culture is something that will always remain for me and it’s something that I naturally embody.
How has life and your creative process changed post-pandemic?
Being able to explore myself and learn new techniques during this pandemic has made my creative process become easier, so I feel more secure with myself and my vision.
What does self-care look like to you?
Self-care is prioritizing myself and my health. Self-care is loving myself and taking pride in who I am. Self-care is knowing your worth but also knowing what you lack.
What does community look like to you?
Community is a collective of people who share similar lifestyles and would do anything to make sure one another is safe and supported when no one else cares.
What do you want viewers to take away from your work?
I want viewers to know that my work has not only been created by me for me, but also for the next generation of black queer creators. I want my work to be an inspiration, confirmation, and a stepping stone for the youth to create something even greater.
If one song could describe your goals for 2021, which song would you choose?
“Golden” by Jill Scott.
Photography Isobel Rae
Styling DeMarcus Johnson
Beauty Jordan Smith
Casting by Celeste Management
