A Zalando x Filling Pieces recently launched their limited edition genderless and size-inclusive capsule collection that encourages everyone to raise a glass to themselves, and to each other. The collection campaign was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity and consists of shoes Filling Pieces’ iconic sneakers, a genderless corset, and heeled boots. Creative director, stylist, photographer, and director Jean Paul Paula is one of the stars of the campaign. Numéro had the honour to talk with the all-around creative and model about his career and how he views inclusivity. 

You’re working in the creative field yourself and are active in a lot of different projects. You’re creative directing, styling, photographing, and directing. What did you want to become when you were younger? Were you always a creative person?

I wanted to become a scientist and teacher. Being born in the ’80s the AIDS epidemic and cancer were constant subjects that were spoken about and I thought it would be important to contribute to trying to find a cure. 

You focus on topics like intersectionality, gender-sexuality, and family. Can you maybe tell me what shapes your creative vision? And how do these topics become visual in your work?

Over the last few years, I have come to realize that my experience as a Black gay man is not just based on who I am, but more so on where I am. I am the first-born son of a Curaçaoan immigrant family raised in Dutch suburbs. Even though my experience is individual, I started to understand that the reactions to my identity have been written for me long before I was born. Balancing a childhood between an ultra-religious household, masculine stereotypes, and structural racism initially resulted in an identity that was fueled by a lack of self-worth, internalized racism juxtaposed with the constant need to appear strong and ambitious in order to defy premeditated expectations. Once I came to understand that this attitude of self-denial was a reflection of my cultural heritage and national history, I was able to reshape my own narrative. 

My work as an image maker started in fashion, as a stylist and art director when I was 19. Even though I was still unaware of how much my upbringing influenced my view of myself, I have always projected my journey onto the models I worked with and the images I created. These works have often been studied on what it means to be gay, gender non-conforming, and a black individual. By creating safe spaces and moments of exchange of experiences in all stages of the process.

Where did your passion for fashion start? And how does fashion play an important role in your self-expression?

My parents. In Caribbean culture keeping up appearances is very important looking the part and taking care of yourself. If I really have to think of a pivotal moment, then it has to be seeing Omahyra Mota walking for Jean-Paul Gaultier and the Perfume commercials she did. Watching her androgyny sparked a fire in me and I felt seen.

You’re shining in the newest campaign of Zalando x Filling Pieces, with among others Sevdaliza, Patrick Mason, and Leender Sonnevelt. How was it to work with this team on this collaboration?

It’s always nice to work with friends. I have worked with all of these people at one point or another and it’s amazing to see how everyone is the master of their own craft. 

The capsule consists of 15 genderless size-inclusive pieces. What more would you suggest brands can do to make everything more inclusive and let everyone feels safe to buy what they like despite the gender that’s labeled to it?

“Think about genderless clothing as a lifetime commitment and hire people that are part of the communities to connect to on all levels.” 

There’s still a long way to go regarding inclusivity and diversity, but we’re slowly drifting in the good direction. Why do you think this campaign of Zalando x Filling Pieces is so important and what message do you hope the campaign will convey to the audience?

One of my sisters is in this campaign with me. I can’t stress enough how important it is that the T in LGBTQA+ is visible. Every day Black trans bodies are murdered. I hope the audience has a chance to really look at the campaign and understand its meaning regarding every individual in the group of people that they represent. 

Of all the things you’ve learned during the past years. What advice would you like to share with the younger generation?

Fight the power.

You can buy the collection on the website Zalando.