Tyrell Hampton & Rina Sawayama on Pride parties and love languages

When it comes to fashion brands that have a long history of championing Pride and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Calvin Klein has always been an advocate for queer rights, having committed over $220,000 to NGOs including PFLAG National, ILGA World, and the Transgender Law Center to-date in 2023.

Now, in an exclusive new project made in collaboration with Dazed, Calvin Klein has enlisted two LGBTQIA+ artists to take centre stage and Let It Out, throughout a series of intimate performances. Sporting Calvin Klein's Pride collection, we see the artists performing as their most authentic selves. 

Shot by Luke Casey, the project features musician and actress Rina Sawayama, who is best known for her hyperpop records and is currently on her Hold The Girl Reloaded Tour. She is joined by photographer Tyrell Hampton, who has been documenting New York City nightlife since his late teens. During his performance, we see him tap into his history as a professional dancer. 

Below, each talent shared their unique perspectives on Pride and feeling liberated. 

What do you do to Let It Out and feel free?

Tyrell Hampton: Dance is my therapy. I'll either go to the studio or go to the club and completely ground myself in that moment.

When do you feel the most liberated?

Rina Sawayama: I feel most liberated when I'm able to be creative, in a safe space where I'm able to fully express myself. Right now, on stage when I'm performing for my Hold The Girl Reloaded tour, I'm being vulnerable and holding nothing back and that feels amazing.

When do you feel the most sexy?

Tyrell Hampton: I love those mornings when you wake up confident and take selfies. Usually, I'm astonished by my beauty haha but those mornings after a good night's rest always have me feeling and looking amazing.

Rina Sawayama: I feel most sexy when I'm comfortable in my own skin, and when I'm able to find those moments of power within myself. There are certain songs I perform, like Comme Des Garcons and XS, that give me such a sense of strength, which for me translates into sexiness for sure.

What is your love language?

Rina Sawayama: Definitely taking care of others. People laugh at me because in my handbag I literally have anything you need, period stuff, multivitamins, sanitising wipes, you name it. When it comes to my bag I am literally mother lol.

Tyrell Hampton: Physical Touch.

What is your best memory from a Pride party?

Tyrell Hampton: Hopefully, there's no footage of this but I was at a Vogue ball in Brooklyn and I tried to walk Vogue Fem and got CHOPPED... yolo.

Pride dos and don’ts?

Tyrell Hampton: Do drink water. Do go to the parade. Don't wear clothes. Don't forget your flag. Don't go alone.

Rina Sawayama:

Do: Have fun! Pride is a celebration of the diversity of the queer community so be sure to cheer, scream and shout to support the queer community on this special day.

Remember that Pride started as a protest. We are standing on the shoulders of our black trans siblings that fought for their lives in the 70s and we must remember them on this day more than ever. We still have a long way to go in terms of inclusivity and acceptance so make your voice heard.

Drink water! It’s a long day and if you’re drinking then make sure you’re staying hydrated.

Look out for each other. Pride is a busy day with lots going on so make sure you’re looking out for your friends and fellow attendees.

Don’t: Drink too much. No one wants to be looking after you whilst trying to enjoy their day.

Engage with hate. There are probably going to be some anti-queer protesters there on the day and all they want is to get a response out of you. Rise above it and enjoy your day!

Judge someone’s outfit. Pride is the one day of the year when people can live their truest self and we should support each other, not judge each other.

Be a TERF.