Niohuru by Day, and Himalaya at Night
When I was eleven or twelve years old, my little sister and I went into our parents’ bedroom for what exactly, I don’t know, but we ended up trying on her makeup and clothing. Though I don’t recall much of our little adventure, I can’t forget how I nearly broke my neck trying to wear my mother’s heels and how I managed to get mascara into my eye. I laugh now thinking about it, but I cried my eyes out then.
It took decades for me to fully appreciate what one can do with makeup. I like to call it “the art of face” (though I’m pretty sure someone else thought of calling it that a long time ago). I’m not one of those men who believe that makeup is solely for women, or that its only purpose is to hide flaws. In fact, it is my firm belief that makeup (like clothing) accentuates our personality. Our masks are who we truly are beneath, a form of communication even. I think the stunning creation known as Niohuru/Himalaya proves as much. Within their singular corporeal form lies a dual personality that possesses a legion of souls, each yearning to wear skin as they are brought forth by the magnificent body artistry of their gracious host who is a master at their craft.
The first thing that struck me was your amazing makeup skills. You don’t simply apply it, you make art with it. Was it always your intention to produce elaborate designs, or did it come into your repertoire during the progression of your talents?
I have always been obsessed with makeup and the more I play with it, the more it inspires me to create. I would say the creativity has been growing together with my practice.
I think most of us know that applying makeup can be a tedious and time-consuming task. What’s the longest it's ever taken you to put on a face?
To be honest I don't really know. Because I'm always very concentrated when I'm working and once I'm in the “zone”, I don't feel the existence of time anymore. I would say each look usually takes about 90 minutes.
What kinds of makeup do you typically use?
I use all kinds of materials when it comes to makeup. I like to use unconventional materials and I like to explore different ways to apply each makeup product. I like to bring things that are not usually considered makeup in my work.
You’re obviously young, so I’m going to assume that you’ve been artistically inclined all of your life. Yes?
Yes, that’s true. Art has been a great part of my life since I was born and I have been working on different kinds of art growing up. Makeup and fashion design is the most recent field that I chose to explore. I realized my talent in poetry from a very young age. I had my first book released when I was twelve and my second when I was sixteen. I’m also a singer and I have traveled with my choir around the globe, and tour concerts in the UK and Latin America, and I’ve done competitions in Russia, Spain, and China.
Do you design and/or make any of the outfits you wear?
Yes, I do. I make a lot of my outfits. I don’t have the biggest portfolio yet but I have been working on it nonstop. Here are you can see a few pieces that I designed and made.
Who are a few fashion designers whose work you’re really feeling right now?
Iris Van Herpe and Shuting Qi.
Where does your amazing sense of fashion come from? Who inspired you when you were younger, and who inspires you now?
Hmmm… this is a hard question (laughs). My mom and grandma are both very artistic. My mom is a singer and my grandma is a hairstylist. I was very inspired by the way my grandma dressed when I was younger. She is such an elegant Manchu lady. As for now, me myself and New York City inspire me the most. I’m always amazed by the vibrance and energy of the city.
If I’m not mistaken, you currently attend Parsons School of Design. What are you studying there (my guess would be fashion design)?
Yes, I do. I'm a freshman studying fashion design in Parsons.
From what I’ve gleaned from your Instagram, you travel a lot. Do you perform at venues, fashion shows, or otherwise?
I moved to the United States half a year ago so I’m very very new to NYC. Currently, I perform at some venues in Brooklyn.
What do you find is the most enjoyable thing about what you do?
The most enjoyable thing is creating looks and challenging myself to try new things in fashion. The satisfaction of putting on a whole look together is beyond words. Also, I love attention. LOVE. People tend to enjoy watching me, so I give them a show to watch.
“Niohuru by day, and Himalaya at night”, what does that mean?
Niohuru is my name and it is who I am when I go to school. Himalaya is the name of my drag persona. There is actually no clear borderline between Niohuru and Himalaya. They are both me and I'm both of them. I would say they are two sides to my existence.
Have you yet decided what your ultimate goal in life will be, or are you taking it one day at a time?
I don’t have an ultimate goal yet but I know where I am going which is within the fashion field. I'm good at so many things, a blessing that is also a curse. I have trouble determining something I'm good at doing from something I genuinely enjoy doing. I'm still struggling.
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