“Trans folks are going to rise up for their moments and their money!” proclaims Nef, an NYC artist who refuses to draw lines between Tumblr and art, or club life and academia. Nef is captivating, radical and multi-talented: a cover model for Frische, performance artist and stage actress. Oh, and she’s soon to graduate from the theatre program at Columbia University.
What was your defining pop culture moment of 2014?
Hari Nef: When I saw that Laverne Cox was on the cover of Time magazine, I totally lost it. It was a coup for the girls!
How would you sum up what you do in a sentence?
Hari Nef: I do things in front of people.
What's your favourite song of 2014?
Hari Nef: Easily Tinashe, “2 On”.
How do you think style and pop culture will change in 2015?
Hari Nef: Celebrities are going to start leaking their own nudes!
In 15 words, sum up what we can expect from you in 2015.
Hari Nef: This is the part where I break free, ’cos I can’t resist it no more!
What’s the most exciting thing about the music/film/fashion industry today?
Hari Nef: The establishment is growing more and more afraid – paranoid. Institutions are beginning to throw money at fearlessness. Right now it’s worse to be out of touch than it is to be a rule-breaker. In 2015, I feel like a lot of deserving folks are going to get their turn.
What new skill did you learn this year?
Hari Nef: I’m grateful to be in school developing my practice as an actor. In that process, it’s difficult to say that you’ve definitively “learned” something. This year, I worked on listening. It’s something I took with me outside of the studio.
Who's an unsung cultural hero that you discovered this year?
Hari Nef: Vejas Kruszewski, a 17-year-old designer from Montreal. We met on Tumblr and collaborate whenever he’s in New York, which is more and more often. I’ve informally claimed him as one of my “daughters”. Vejas is young, but has a profound intuition for luxury. I can’t wait to see what he does and where he goes over the next few years.
What’s the most surprising thing we’d find out if we looked at your phone?
Hari Nef: I have 177 Tinder matches!
Who should have been at number one on the Dazed 100?
Hari Nef: That's easy: Martine Rothblatt!
Instagram: @HariNef | Twitter: @HariNef
Lead image: Hari wears panelled shearling coat 3.1 Phillip Lim, underwear Eckhaus Latta, ring and shoes Hari’s own
Photography Brianna Capozzi, styling Victor Cordero, styling direction Mike the Ruler, photographic assistant Amanda Chu, groomer Ami Osada, special thanks to Karen Hope
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