Don't Be Surprised If Denzel Dion Brings Back Ed Hardy

Denzel Dion is using his platform to make the fashion industry a more inclusive place. With over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers, 1.8 million Instagram followers, and a clothing line Dion by Denzel, Dion believes that fashion above all should always be a means of self-expression. Dion tells NYLON, "I look up to people who are truly themselves. The clothes I wear represent me and the way I go about my life."

Dion, who first rose to fame in 2014, wants young people to feel this way about themselves, too. "People who love themselves stand out the most…" Of particular note during New York Fashion Week, Dion wants his followers to internalize: "Not everybody has the same sense of style. Dress the way you want to dress. Be the best version of yourself. Love yourself."

Below, Dion took a break from going viral to catch up with NYLON about his relationship to fashion, confidence, and the internet.

What was your relationship to fashion growing up?

Fashion has always been a way for me to express myself. My favorite brands growing up were brands like Ed Hardy, 7 Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, stuff like that... My mom introduced me to this world. I've always loved fashion.

I look up to people like Viola Davis. I look up to people who work really hard. I look up to people who are truly themselves. The clothes I wear represent me and the way I go about my life.

How has the internet influenced your style?

I look at pictures from the '90s and early '00s and get inspiration. I love the whole casual look, and that's what the '90s to '00s was all about.

I love how the internet has changed me [as a person]. Everyone has this idea that the internet is terrible and toxic, but I've honestly become calmer and nicer because of the internet.

The hardest part of the internet for me is staying on top of all the trends. People talk about the way [social media] affects their mental health in negative ways, and I totally get that, but for me, the most challenging part of the internet is just being consistent [with my content]. YouTube moves really quickly. It's challenging to always have something to post all the time.

What advice do you have for someone who might not be comfortable with their personal style yet?

The first step is just being who you are. Stop acting like someone else! I've never tried to act like somebody else. The more you are yourself with the people you love, the better you will feel about yourself.

People who love themselves stand out the most.

Not everybody has the same sense of style. Dress the way you want to dress. Be the best version of yourself. Love yourself.

People who love themselves stand out the most.

What do you do when you feel insecure?

I look at myself in the mirror and tell myself, I AM THAT BITCH and there's no one else like me. I'm one of a kind. It helps a lot. I put too much pressure on myself so by me telling myself that it makes me relax and reassures that I am indeed THAT BITCH.

If there was one Instagram account you think everyone in the world should follow, what is it?

Rickey Thompson's. He is so inspiring and talented. I love all the content he puts out into the world.

My friends—Maggie [Lindemann],Rickey, and I—all support each other. We help to elevate each other's content and make sure that we always have each other's back. I love and respect them all so much.

What do you want to do next?

What I really want to do next in my career is to take my clothing line to the next level. I also really want to book a TV show. It's what I wanted my whole life. I'd love to act [professionally].

I also just want people to know that they should be themselves, especially during Fashion Month.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.