Myles Sexton: My Version of Masculinity

How One Creative Is Fighting Against Cultural Cliches

Words by ORTTU Content Director 
Video by Liam R-F

Myles Sexton is a make-up artist, model, self-described fashion nomad, and the Creative Director of NORD magazine. Born and raised in a small town on the east coast of Canada, he left its restrictions behind and made an art out of reinventing himself, bringing a little more beauty and glamor into the world with each new development in his personal style. We wanted to know a little bit more about the man behind the make-up, so we asked him a few prying questions.

ORTTU:

I think living authentically and beautifully is important to you. And I'm especially intrigued that you manage to highlight the beauty of nature and, almost contrary to that, you also highlight the beauty of cutting-edge fashion and cosmetics. How do you see your work? What are you giving voice to, ultimately?

MYLES:

I see my work very much as a creative extension of myself. For so many years, I was just dying to get out of Nova Scotia so that I could become exactly who I wanted to be. Every day is really a protest, I suppose, a protest for changing the way we look at gender norms and reclaiming my version of the word masculine.

I just really want to share my journey -- the good and the bad -- with my followers as I make mistakes and accomplish dreams! So often we just see the final photo but we don’t always get to see the journey to accomplish it. I like to be raw and vulnerable with my voice and storytelling. And I want to share my love of style and nature.

ORTTU:

You mention reclaiming the word “masculine.” Can you tell me what that means to you? How do you embody it?

MYLES:

Well, I think if we look back in history, the term or the depiction of masculinity has evolved a lot. I mean, at one point heels and makeup was considered masculine for men. I identify as a man and I think that if I want to express myself outside of societal norms that it should not be considered effeminate but should be seen as my version of masculinity. There is so much shame within society toward femininity and I want to change that stigma through my style and self-expression.

ORTTU:

So, would you say it's about bringing the feminine and the masculine together? It sounds like you're not just aiming to be authentically you but to be a more complete person. Is that right?

MYLES:

I think we are all born with a balance of masculine and feminine energies but as we get older we sometimes get off balance, perhaps. I don’t think the word complete would be something I’m trying to accomplish as I’m very aware of who I am and how I evolve. I would say that, yes, I strive to find continual balance in my life.

ORTTU:

And part of that balance is expressed, of course, in the different aspects of your professional life: model, make-up artist, Creative Director, blogger, and more. Where do you see your work going over the next year or so? What are you hoping to achieve?

MYLES:

I really would love to be able to launch my YouTube channel and add my voice to the online community there! I want to fully make the jump to working solely for myself and continue to grow my brand. And I also want to start doing more public speaking on subjects that are very important to me. And, of course, I’d like to continue to travel more.

You can follow Myles on Instagram here and you can check out his website here.

 

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