Binx Walton on Beauty Standards, Self-Expression, and the Earth Constellation
Some women do not speak. Their coolness resides in their attitude, gesture, and sense of style. Model Binx Walton is one of them. From the moment she arrived in Pioneertown, an old western set 28 miles north of Palm Springs, I was mesmerized by her unspeakable effort.
We were both there for the launch event of Coach Dreams, a new fragrance scented with the bark of a nearby Joshua tree. Walton, the 23-year-old face of the fragrance, appeared in a black SUV, wearing a leather trench and matching pants, and hugged his friend Jean Campbell, with whom he shares the campaign. The two posed in front of a Cadillac convertible, holding a bottle of perfume that represented freedom and adventure. I was inspired by escapism, adventure, and fun road trips like the movie Thelma & Louise," said perfumer Antoine Maison Dieu, who explained how he came up with the scent, which took over 700 iterations to complete
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"I wanted to create a scent that was easy enough to wear on a road trip, but still had the elegance of Coach and the coolness of California. I envisioned notes that were very bright and luminous." He combined top notes of citrus, bitter orange, and lemon with florals like white cactus flower and woody notes of Joshua Tree National Park cactus, evoking the dry freshness of the desert.
Coach Dreams is Walton's first fragrance collaboration. Previously, she has walked Céline's Spring/Summer 2014 show and graced campaigns for Chanel and Balmain. She and I sat down together in a rustic salon to discuss her career, her favorite beauty products, and her candid opinions on the fashion industry in depth. Here are nine things I learned.
"This scent is very calming. [It reminds me of the ocean, flowers, and the outdoors. I am a Taurus, which is an earth sign, so I like the fact that it reminds me of childhood memories of the outdoors, camping, etc. I choose scents according to my emotions at the time. Scents help my personality, depending on who I want to be that day. When I wear it, I feel like I can go on a trip, go out in nature, go to brunch with friends, whatever I want.
"I used to be so overwhelmed seeing other people's sinks full of products. Since I changed my diet, my skin problems have decreased, so I don't use that many skin care products. I actually had my first facial a few years ago and fell in love with Biologique Recherche products (opens in new tab). I use Biologique Recherche cleansing milk (opens in new tab), Vitamin C serum, and Dermalogica skin smoothing cream (opens in new tab). My makeup is very simple. I prefer to use less, depending on the occasion. But I always put something on my eyebrows. My favorite is Benefit's Ka-BROW. Eye Pomade (opens in new tab) and Glossier's Boy Brow.(opens in new tab)
"At first I didn't know how to handle my texture. When I was younger, I used to straighten my hair all the time, so the heat damage was really bad. As I got older, I came to understand and accept my hair texture. Seeing women I admire with really beautifully textured hair has changed my perspective on trying to conform to a standard of beauty that has nothing to do with my culture.
Over the years I had to learn how to make different lengths and styles and properly care for my hair with the right products. I have been a fan of Shea Moisture products (opens in new tab) and Eco Styling Gel (opens in new tab). I also make my own hair products by melting shea butter and adding coconut oil or castor oil to harden it.
Being in the hair stylist's chair all the time has taught me from a young age how to use my words and voice about how to properly care for my curls without offending someone's profession. I try to collaborate with my stylist on what I can do to achieve the look they want in a way that doesn't damage my hair."
"Everything accelerated so quickly at a young age and I had to keep my personality strong. I still have my ups and downs, but I try not to get carried away by the industry. For me, it's about keeping people around who reflect my values
My advice to aspiring models is to be kind to yourself, let yourself make mistakes, and don't be perfect. If you worry about being perfect, then you're not growing. Experience different things and know what you like and dislike. It's okay to make mistakes along the way. Because putting yourself in situations that are a little uncomfortable will help you grow more. If you are safe and always comfortable, you are not really experiencing anything."
"The term 'supermodel' doesn't have the same essence as it used to. Now that social media has developed, many models derive from it. It is no longer word of mouth, nor does it have a brand and a muse like it used to. Many of the pioneers of the fashion industry are no longer here. Sure, there are still models who are doing extremely well, but I don't think the word is as pure and unadulterated as it used to be"
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"When I'm feeling down, I try to organize my life and reflect on what's going on around me, which keeps me grateful and keeps me motivated in life. Asking myself a few questions, depending on the situation I am in, always helps me get back up. There is always someone worse off. I have friends who tell me, 'Don't worry, get a grip,' and that helps, too."
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"When you get cast in a job like this, you worry a little bit because you're supposed to perform to a certain level, and if your energy doesn't match the other models, it can be nerve-wracking. But working with Jean was very organic and easy. We had a great time, shared a lot of genuine laughter, and I'm happy to be doing my first fragrance campaign with her."
"I want to be known for being authentic. I don't have to conform to what I don't want. The beauty and fashion industry likes to label everyone, but the whole purpose is to create art and freedom of self-expression. Dress however you want, have fun with your style, makeup, and hair. Expand the boundaries that people are always trying to fit you into and just be you. You only live once, so enjoy it, take care of your friends, and tell them you love them."
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