For this year’s edition of the Dazed 100 – our annual list of the pioneers, changemakers, and new talent who are shaping youth culture today – we asked five listees to answer our dA-Zed quiz.

Refusing to be confined to strictly styling hair, Malcolm Marquez’s work extends beyond heads to wearable and sculptural pieces. Working primarily in music and fashion, Marquez has created looks for album covers and magazines alike, and recently took part in the hair show Black Hair Reimagined.

Here he reveals the best advice he’s been given, his ultimate goal and his biggest crush. 

A IS FOR... ADVICE. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

An artist who I’ve admired my whole life told me that I know who I am artistically, and to not compromise on that. Simple, but combined with the person it came from, it hit hard. 

B IS FOR… BIRTHPLACE. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Tucson, Arizona. 

C IS FOR… CRUSH. WHO’S YOUR ULTIMATE CRUSH?

Michiko Malandro. 

D IS FOR… DREAM. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

I was a dancer for a long time and I think at one point I saw that for my future. I think I wanted to be a fashion designer at one point too? I just wanted to be somewhere in the intersection of entertainment and fashion. I think I landed there. 

E IS FOR… ENDGAME. WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL?

A slow-paced life. A gorgeous house outside the city with my lover. Enough space for some chickens and animals to take care of. A beautiful work studio to make art.  

F IS FOR… FOR YOU PAGE. WHAT’S ON YOUR FYP RIGHT NOW?

Hot people and hair.

G IS FOR… GOD. DO YOU HAVE FAITH OR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE?

Sure. I believe in a God-like force. I think my self-care – therapy, writing, meditation – is part of my spiritual practice. For me there’s spirituality in taking care of what’s inside. 

H IS FOR… HOBBY. DO YOU HAVE A NICHE HOBBY?

Not that I would consider niche. My whole life and lifestyle is pretty niche, so really I enjoy some normality when I’m off the clock; basic domestic stuff like cooking and hiking. 

I IS FOR… INTERNET. WHERE DO YOU SPEND THE MOST TIME ONLINE?

TikTok….

J IS FOR… JOKES. WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH MOST IN THE WORLD?

My friends of course! I cannot single them out like that. Honestly I spend the most time laughing at/with myself. I think I’m hilarious. 

K IS FOR… KISMET. DO YOU BELIEVE IN FATE?

I do. However, I also believe there are many outcomes or fates already written for us. I think we have a spiritual obligation to ourselves in order to manifest the most positive outcomes. You can’t just rely on fate or destiny to take care of you without doing your part. Fate can also put you in some of the worst situations, if you’re not moving with intention.  

L IS FOR… LOVE. WHAT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING THAT SOMEONE’S EVER DONE FOR YOU?

My laundry. 

M IS FOR… MEME. WHAT’S A MEME YOU REFERENCE OVER AND OVER AGAIN?

That video of Kylie Jenner saying, ‘Is that a chicken?’ 

N IS FOR… NATURE. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Capybaras are cool. I love how they’re cool with the whole animal kingdom. 

O IS FOR… OPINION. WHAT IS YOUR MOST CONTROVERSIAL OPINION?

I CANNOT share that online! 

P IS FOR… PARTY. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO OUT?

A lot of my friends throw and play cool parties in Los Angeles, including Signal and Sorbet. I love the energy in New York. Honestly, though, house parties are always my favourite and it doesn’t matter what city. I like being where my friends are, and I prefer somewhat intimate spaces. 

Q IS FOR… QUOTE. WHAT QUOTE DO YOU LIVE BY?

It’s the journey over the destination.

R IS FOR… READING. IS THERE A BOOK YOU ALWAYS RETURN TO?

RuPaul’s The House of Hidden Meanings and Andre Leon Talley’s The Chiffon Trenches had so many gems for me about growing up black, gay, and creative within an industry. 

S IS FOR… STAR SIGN. WHAT ARE YOUR BIG THREE?

Aries sun, Cancer rising, Capricorn moon.

T IS FOR… TV. WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A TV SERIES OF YOUR LIFE?

Maybe Justice Smith? He played a character on the show Generation that reminded me a lot of my high school self. 

U IS FOR… UNDERRATED. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK IS UNDERRATED?

Waking up early. 

V IS FOR… VIDEO. WHAT WAS THE LAST VIDEO YOU FILMED ON YOUR PHONE? 

Me walking on a black sand beach in Lanzarote.

W IS FOR… WORLD. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATION?

I still haven’t been to Japan.

X IS FOR… EX. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE TRYING TO GET OVER THEIR EX?

Block them, it’s best for both parties. And mute the mutuals who trigger that relationship. I think people think that’s mean in some way, but it’s a great start to focusing on yourself again. The digital presence of someone is heavy. If they’re still in your phone, they’re still on your mind. Spend time with friends. Go to therapy. And go party!!!

Y IS FOR… YOUNGER SELF. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD TELL YOUR 13-YEAR-OLD SELF?

Nothing. I think I could actually take some advice from that kid. 

Z IS FOR… ZZZ. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP AT NIGHT?

Weed gummies, cartoons.