Alok Vaid Menon & Papa Don't Preach's New Collection Embraces Self-Expression

Alok Vaid Menon, a gender non-conforming and transfeminine performance artist, author, and activist, is a beacon of light for those who have been marginalised and misunderstood due to their non-conformist gender identities. Despite facing bigotry and abuse online, Alok fearlessly embraces the spotlight and uses their platform to promote love and compassion, challenging societal gender binaries, and disrupting conventional fashion norms.

A recent feature on the cover of Indian bridal magazine 'Brides Today' saw Alok adorned in a head-to-toe bridalwear ensemble by label Papa Don’t Preach, further breaking down the traditional barriers that tightly seal ideas about the masculine and feminine. In response to the polarising reactions, Alok took to Instagram to say, “I wish I could be seen as a human being. But I’m not going to wait for that future, I’m going to build it now, here, with the people who are ready for love.”

Alok has now teamed up with Indian bridalwear brand Papa Don't Preach to launch a jewellery line that embraces non-conformist style philosophies, marking yet another milestone in their journey towards breaking gender norms. The collection features body jewellery, earrings, rings, and other accessories, all inspired by Alok's philosophies of self-love and acceptance. 

Papa Don't Preach's CFO, Shubhika Sharma, stands in solidarity with Alok and the LGBTQIA+ community, even in the face of backlash. Their reunion is marked by the Alok x Papa Don't Preach jewellery line, which features pieces like the Poothali Hydra Choker and the 'Layers of Love' body chain, both imbued with ancient beliefs that neck pieces can balance the evil eye and bring prosperity, and embroidered with sun and moon motifs to find equilibrium and balance between strength and emotion. 

The Alok x Papa Don't Preach jewellery line is donating 30% of profits to the Aravani Art Project, a community-focused initiative that creates space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to engage with a larger community and be embraced with acceptance. This powerful collaboration is a celebration of love, diversity, and self-expression, and a shining example of what can be achieved when everyone works towards a more inclusive future. 

Discover the rest of the Alok x Papa Don't Preach collection here.

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