Harry Styles was the only obvious choice for this assignment. He is an icon, a legend, and he is the moment. Harry Styles is actually not who I expected to see as soon as I walked into the National Portrait Gallery, but I am glad I did. It was very cool to see a celebrity that I love and admire so much in such a famous gallery. I was surprised by other celebrities as well. The one that stood out to me most, besides Harry Styles, was Anna Wintour.
As you can see in the picture above, Style’s is depicted in a dress. A dress is usually identified as a woman’s piece of clothing, and it is quite unusual to see a straight male wearing one. That is exactly why I love this portrait. He is completely breaking gender norms and is wearing what makes him feel confident. The blazer, which is typically a man’s piece of clothing, open to reveal the dress, is such a statement. It is saying yes, I am a man, but I am also confident and in touch with my feminine side. Harry Styles has continuously broken male style gender norms. I wonder if the last name has anything to do with it. The seriousness of his face makes the outfit stand out that much more. The background being plain does the same. The outfit is the picture. It is the statement. The simplicity of everything just exudes and elevates not only the outfit, but the message.
If I could step into this portrait, I think it would be peaceful. It would be birds chirping, a cool breeze blowing, and a sense of calm. Then of course I would go talk to Harry Styles and ask all of his secrets.
Theatre in London U of A 