Container Talks: Finding Hope In New Role Models

Photographer Christain Ruess

Words Tom Czibolya

All our lives we constantly search for people who inspire us. A new generation of role models has grown up in an era of great societal changes and they are more colorful, more open-minded and – in a sense – more free than anyone who came before them. With our brand new editorial series, Container Talks, Container Love is now set to make their voices heard.

Our whole life is built around role models. People who inspire us, people who we can look up to. As a youngster, one tries to mimic their heroes, to be like them, pretending that they’re indeed walking in their footsteps. Then as we grow older, we start to understand more and more what were the life choices that led our idols to the places they are at in their lives. Over the years and decades their pictures in our heads might change, they won’t stay as mystical, spotless and untouchable as they once were, but on the other hand, they become more real, more human.

“Life is not linear at all. And this goes for sexuality, for relationships as well. The sooner you can start embracing diversity rather than feeling like it’s a burden, the more you will enjoy what you are doing.”

Lina Stallman, Gallerist

YAH YAH WEARS DRESS BY JANA WIELAND AND GLOVES BY NAOMI TARAZI

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Daniel wears suit by Damur and shoes by Trippen

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Charissa wears vest and Pants by Don Aretino, shirt and nails by Isla

“Take risky choices, be a wild child, live life to the fullest. These are the rules I try to live by everyday.”

Tijan Marei, Actress

Whether we admit it or not, having the right role models is essential for developing a healthy attitude towards ourselves, others and life in general. Yet in the constant informational buzz we’re living in, it can be hard to find what one truly needs. With our new series, Container Talks, we want to change that. And we want to change that for everyone.

Queer people have long been key to cultural innovation and revolutions throughout modern history. Queer culture has influenced the way we look at fashion, appreciate art, the way we listen to music or think about activism. We are everywhere and to us, inclusivity means that everyone is invited. Diversity carries a different meaning for everyone and this is the reason why it’s time for us to turn to the next generation of role models. A generation that is even more colorful, more open-minded and completely free of stereotypes.

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Yha Yha wears dress by Jana Wieland, Gloves by Naomi Tarazi and shoes by UGG

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Lina wears suit by Don Aretino

Container_Love_Container_Talks_Lani_Lees

Lani wears dress by Jana Wieland and jewelry by Lani Less

“My understanding of gender and sexuality is always evolving and changing, I’m constantly learning.”

Zsá Zsá, Musician

Our goal with Container Talks is to amplify their voices, to give them a platform to share their stories, views and thoughts on diversity, love, society and life. Produced entirely by Container Love, just like our Love Has No Label series or our documentary, The Hidden Dimension, the films and editorials of Container Talks will stay with us for a long time to inspire, to celebrate our chosen families, but even more importantly, to spark conversation both inside and outside of our circles.

Knowledge leads to less fear and no fear equals freedom. Simple as that. We know exactly how it feels growing up in cultural isolation, not having access to information, to content and people to identify with. We know how it feels being alone, constantly doubting ourselves. And if our Container Talks series can be of any help, making it a little bit easier for some young people out there to discover and learn to love their true selves, we will be the happiest.

Watch the first episodes of Container Talks on containerlove.art and on our Instagram channel! Do you need more love? Then check out our series, Love Has No Label currently running at film festivals around the globe!

Production Studio Christian Ruess, Creative Direction & Photography Christian Ruess, Photo Assistant Diyar Akar, Art Direction Babken Sakanyan, Nadine Sahm, Copy Tom Czibolya, Styling Alexandra Heckel, Hair & Make up Astrid Scheppan, Lau, Post Production Stefanie Schneeberger, Direction Ben Galster, DoP Mica Komagata, Camera Assistant Tino Richter, Editing & Coloring Helge Neidhardt, Music & Sound Design Ben Esser, Sound Recording Felix Godden, Casting Chiderah Sunny, Brands Jana Wieland, Naomi Tarazi, UGG, Lani Lees Jewelry, Don Aretino, DAMUR and Trippen.