Unapologetically YOU, Unmistakably ORIBE

COMMUNITY

Unapologetically YOU, Unmistakably ORIBE

A Love Letter to Queer Icons

For Pride, Oribe is putting its legacy on display with the new campaign, Unapologetically YOU, Unmistakably ORIBE. This campaign is an ode to Oribe Canales, a celebration of our queer community, and a declaration of love and acceptance. Unapologetically YOU, Unmistakably ORIBE is grounded in Oribe Canales’ archive of his actual wigs, which he custom-made for supermodels and celebrities since the 1980s. Each piece comes with its own story (and often, its own magazine cover), plus a custom Oribe Canales logo hand-sewn into the lace. Each wig is an intimate reminder of the man whose legacy we proudly carry on.

We pulled directly from that archive to create three looks, each rooted in a queer archetype that’s defined fashion and nightlife eras: The Trailblazer, depicted by Tracey Africa Norman; The Diva, depicted by Miss Shalae; and The Rebel, depicted by Aislin. Each look embodies the queer creatives who shaped this industry (like Oribe, the man himself)—and it celebrates those who continue to lead it forward with vision, skill, and fearless self-expression.

Representation is important, both in front of and behind the camera. We invited LGBTQ+ talent, production teams, and makeup artists, as well as Oribe Global Artists Kien Hoang, Adam Livermore, and Christian Ceja-Compin, to collaborate creatively on an editorial in celebration of our queer community. Read on to see how we brought each look to life.

The Trailblazer

Tracey Africa Norman x Kien Hoang, Oribe Principal Artist of Global Design

Tracey Africa Norman was the first Black trans woman to model for a major hair campaign in the 1970s. Being that the campaign was for a major hair brand, it was a groundbreaking moment that forever changed queer identities in the beauty industry.

“Working with the iconic Tracey Norman, I styled three stunning wigs by Oribe Canales from his personal archives,” says Kien Hoang, Oribe Principal Artist of Global Design. Hoang paid homage to her trailblazing career with a bright red low ponytail with blunt fringe, copper ‘70s disco curls, and her favorite: a voluminous purple-silver bob. “I wanted to create looks that radiate strength, freedom, and fluidity, because Pride is about showing up exactly as you are and owning it,” reveals Hoang.

The Diva

Miss Shalae x Adam Livermore, Oribe Global Artist

When a Diva enters a room, the spotlight follows. Miss Shalae has had quite the career as an artist: she is a trans performer and Founding Mother of the Haus of Basquiat in Los Angeles’ ballroom scene. She attributes her stacked resume to the support she’s garnered through performing in the LA ballroom scene. “Performing allows me to express myself fully in all my artistic abilities,” explains Shalae. “Ballroom is my bone. They took me in. They’ve always supported me. I’m forever grateful.”

Styled by Adam Livermore, Oribe Global Artist, her look taps into over-the-top blonde femininity, full of major volume, brightness, and a high-gloss shine. But there’s more to this bombshell style than meets the eye: “This Pride shoot is special to me because of the value–I mean the true value–of joy,” says Livermore. “I can’t think of any greater act of rebellion in times that are dark and scary. It helps us cope with reality. It helps us keep going.”

The Rebel

Aislin x Christian Ceja-Compin, Oribe Global Artist

As a newer face in fashion, Aislin is rewriting what gender looks like with a sultry, androgynous edge. Aislin’s look channels The Rebel, who is rooted in confidence and creativity while living in the fluid space between softness and strength.

“This is for every rebel, every outsider, and every beautiful being who refuses to be defined,” reveals Christian Ceja-Compin, Oribe Global Artist. Ceja-Compin styled Aislin in a bright tangerine shag and a slick, jet-black mullet reminiscent of Oribe Canales’ iconic androgynous editorial hair looks.

For our Oribe Global Artists, creating hair looks for this Pride shoot felt less like a job and more like a homecoming. “Being part of this shoot felt like a cosmic collision of art, memory, and legacy,” says Ceja-Compin. “Oribe’s presence was with us, electrifying and alive in every strand. To celebrate Pride in this way was more than a creative moment; it was a spiritual one.” Working with vintage wigs once touched, cut, and styled by Oribe himself brought a level of intimacy and emotion that no one expected.

Oribe the brand wouldn’t exist without queer artists like Oribe the man. Their creativity, rebellion, and brilliance are woven into every part of our history—and our future. This Pride, we honor the people who’ve shaped our industry from behind the chair, behind the lens, and behind the scenes. We’re proud to work beside them. Legacy lives in the hands of those who carry it forward.