Beni Benyei (they/them/theirs) is a self-taught artist primarily based in Rochester with a specific affinity for pencil artwork, watercolor portray and dried flower terrariums. Beni has shifted by means of quite a lot of part-time jobs however seeks to have artwork function a long-term profession: “I am at first of my journey to being a self-made enterprise proprietor.”
Beni identifies as non-binary and is proud to spotlight their journey to turning into “authentically themself” whereas acknowledging how artwork and trend have aided them within the course of. “Activism is essential to me and I hope to make use of my artwork to create optimistic change on the planet.”
How would you clarify your fashion?
Secondhand trend that breaks the binary however not the financial institution.
Contents of your closet in 3-5 phrases, go.
Thrifted. Daring. Evolving.
How does your work as an artist affect the way you costume or current your self?
Artwork is important and has been a continuing in my life; trend is simply one other medium of artwork I discover. Artwork is greater than a pastime, it’s my life drive and protected area. If I might encapsulate my artwork into one phrase, it could be colourful. My motto with artwork is “when doubtful – rainbow.” The identical undoubtedly applies to my current trend selections. Generally it is easy, typically chaotic or experimental, masculine or female.
How do you embody confidence, both by means of your fashion or on the whole?
My confidence and magnificence are at equilibrium. For me, trend acts as a software of expression and self-acceptance. For a lot of my life, my presentation was dictated by a gender label. It took time, however as soon as I unlearned the assemble and relieved myself of the constraints of gender, it allowed me to exhale. I keep in mind feeling daring the primary time I wore a pink shirt all these years in the past, as a result of society informed me I shouldn’t. My confidence comes from loving myself as I’m. Once I costume in an outfit I select, I really feel emboldened and alive. The extra I settle for myself as I’m, the extra my trend selections broaden and thrive; it’s a joyful union.
Traci Westcott / Submit Bulletin
What about your fashion is “uniquely you”?
I feel my bravery with shade and conventions makes my fashion distinctive. I really like to search out garments items that stand out and are uncommon. I thrift most of my items, that means I by no means know what I would add to my wardrobe subsequent.
Greatest clothes buy ever made?
An uncycled shirt by native artist Jennifer Jesseph. The colourful shirt is roofed in her hand-sewn patchwork designs and configured to perfection from the collars to the sleeves. There’s something so spectacular about carrying a good looking piece of clothes or jewellery understanding somebody created it by hand utilizing their treasured expertise and time. Supporting small and native artists is so essential, and as a small artist myself, it makes this piece further significant.
Ideas on the world’s fashion scene?
The affect of the unbelievable queer neighborhood in Rochester has helped foster a optimistic area for the humanities, and created a protected place for everybody to experiment with trend. My fashion journey wouldn’t be what it has been had the folks surrounding me not supported and inspired me to be my genuine self.
Traci Westcott / Submit Bulletin
Most stunning factor in your wardrobe?
I really feel like I’m personally previous the purpose of being stunned by something in my closet, however I do nonetheless have loads of items I hold hidden till they’ll get their second to shine. I’ve a bunch of neckties I not put on and plan to have tailor-made right into a vest or skirt to reclaim.
Fill within the clean: you reside in Minnesota when ______.
You personal corn water tower merch. The corn cob water tower actually stands as an iconic piece of native structure, and us locals have claimed it as a type of unofficial-official image of Rochester.
Parting ideas/recommendation?
Vogue is everybody’s and it’s boundless. Garments could be a lot greater than utilitarian, they’re a manner of self-exploration, expression, and might exist as wearable items of artwork. Exploring my fashion turned an essential step in my journey to authenticity. Being non-binary, dropping gender labels has improved my high quality of life and arguably my fashion too. Your fashion is what you are feeling finest in. I hope my journey can assist different actualize their true selves as effectively.
Traci Westcott / Submit Bulletin
Are you aware somebody who has distinctive fashion? Ship nominations to
with “Your Type” within the topic line.