TELL ME ALL YOUR SECRETS

hube: Everyone has a unique story about finding their passion. Can you tell us yours and walk us through the first steps of your modeling career?

Niki Geux: When I started modeling, I was still in Fashion Design school in Eindhoven. I was scouted on the streets in Antwerp when I was there with my class on a day trip. I tried modeling for a year and a half, but I figured out I wanted to finish my school first. Getting a diploma has always been a priority, because my parents didn’t finish school. Once achieved, I took a year off to decide what I wanted to do next. I realized fashion design was not an area I wanted to continue with. My friends suggested to go back to modeling and I contacted Paparazzi (now Platform).

h: It’s no surprise that the fashion industry heavily influences consumers’ perception of beauty and self-image, particularly given the ever-growing impact of social media. Has your perception of beauty and self-image changed since you began modeling?

NG: Yes, it definitely changed my perception. I have seen many faces of what is called ‘beauty’ in the industry with a lot of ups and downs. When I started modeling, social media was just starting; having followers nor collaborating with brands was important. At my beginnings, I looked very feminine, but with time it has evolved to more raw. It definitely impacted the jobs I received and the people I worked with.

h: Historically, attributes associated with the “feminine” have been employed against men (and vice versa) in derogatory ways. How do such ideas hold up today?

NG: People start to be more open to change. You see brands having crop tops and very short shorts for men on the runway as you can see women being in casual, streetwear or oversize; it’s more about style than gender then! I see it as an healthy change, you shouldn’t have to conform to your attributed gender to fit in public spaces. Here comes the role of fashion, expressing yourself, standing and showing what’s inside.

h: On Platform’s website, your biography describes you as a “non binary anti-model.” How does your identity influence or impact your approach to modeling?

NG: Being a non-binary model still feels recent for me. I have been working as a ‘woman’ for many years. Not because I wanted to be perceived as such, but because it took a long time for me to figure myself out. When would the market be ready, how would people react, etc… I feel that fashion (reflect of society) is into genderless clothing but still not 100 percent ready for non-binary models. It will take a while for everyone to understand what being a non-binary person is. Though, I can’t wait to see what future holds!

h: What is your most surprising source of inspiration?

NG: Every job is different. I try to be as open as I can be and keep a wide perspective on everything. I am very easy with projecting subjects and giving my own twist to them. I really love poetry and Greek history. The storytelling, the way they dressed, etc… When I work on editorials, I try to make an inside world.

h: Your presence in the modeling world serves as a powerful statement, transcending aesthetics and inviting viewers to celebrate the potential for self-expression. From your perspective, what role do models play in the creative process?

NG: It’s funny actually, when I started modeling, I was told I look too angry or dark for runway, editorials, etc, and now when I try to look softer, I always get told to look more angry! I try to be more versatile now, not more feminine, but more friendly. I feel I was in this role for so long, I want to try something new; show a different side of me. Recently, I have worked on less dark/strong projects, and I am excited to see the result.