Donning a pair of thick-framed glasses, a red flipped brim hat, gauged ears, and multiple colorfully illustrated tattoos, Jesse Lackowitz Crozier is hard to miss. They were born in 1985 and raised in Miami, Florida. Their inclination towards artistic creation started from an early age and ultimately lead them to obtain a BFA from the University of South Florida. Anxious for a change from the Miami scene they moved to New York City in 2008. They were drawn to Brooklyn due to its open-minded nature and allowance for self-exploration. One of the ways in which that became evident was the way they began to express themself through fashion.
Although hard to imagine, until the age of twenty-three Jesse’s style was more traditionally feminine. They always incorporated t-shirts and jeans in their wardrobe but eventually began to wear dresses and skirts less and less as they grew into their personal style. They commented that they were recently referred to as “tomboy femme” and felt this was a fitting description of their style. Because physical presentation is a huge part of one’s identity, this brings up the topic of labels in the queer community. Everyone is quick to pin people with a description such as femme, butch, tomboi, and/or tomboy femme. I asked Jesse if they found this to be hurtful or helpful as a whole. Thier response: A lack of labels would signify the silence of language. Labels have been an important part of culture and history and they can be useful tools for ownership and empowerment. For example, the word “queer” used to have a negative connotation but now is the commonly preferred term to describe one’s sexuality because it is thought to be less confining. Jesse believes that what is important is the dialogue and education that labels can inspire. But, they believe we as a society cannot escape stereotypes except through education.
Jesse currently works for a fashion company called Outlier. They are unique because the design is function driven and all of the items are made from very high quality fabrics. Their clothes are made to last and provide the liberation necessary to complete whatever task you desire from everyday wear to long distance bike commuting. Jesse loves the philosophy because they do not limit themself to fit in any particular mode. For example, they bind their breasts to attract less unwanted attention and feel even more comfortable in their own body. While binding may not be for everyone, they do highly recommend that you take your clothes to be fitted. Whether you want to hide or accentuate your curves, there are many inexpensive tailors and this can really improve how you feel about yourself and thus increase your confidence. As an advocate for gender self-determination, they feel that we are born a certain way but obviously society impacts how we form into adulthood. The key is forgetting what you’re taught and going with what feels right to you. Dealing with ignorant people is not easy, as we all know. Their advice on the way to deal with haters is to simply “punch them in the throat,” (metaphorically of course), they say with a smile.
Jesse’s sources of inspiration revealed:
Jesse’s affordable appearance enhancers:
Almay black eyeliner
Aussie hair spray
Psssssst dry shampoo
Not Your Mother’s beach beach babe texturizing seasalt spray
Photography by Gizelle Peters
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