Willie Norris’ First Beauty Collab Gets In Your Face — Literally (EXCLUSIVE)
Willie Norris is back with a new batch of "Promote Homosexuality" merch — and this time, it's more in-your-face than ever.
The unapologetically queer designer has teamed up with Dieux to release a limited-edition take on the skincare brand's Forever Eye Mask, reusable under-eye patches that can be used with your favorite serum or cream to soothe puffiness and boost hydration.
In an unmissable shade of orange, Norris' eye masks make a statement — figuratively and literally. They're emblazoned with the words "Promote Homosexuality," a phrase that has become something of a battle cry for Norris.
The designer introduced the mantra to her eponymous brand, Willie Norris Workshop, back in 2018 via T-shirts printed with the phrase in simple, all-caps lettering. Since launch, the shirts have taken over New York's queer, creative scene — and inspired many imitations.
Norris, who also serves as the designer director at Outlier and the chief creative officer at tomboyx, explained in a 2021 interview with The New York Times that the top was inspired by an archival photo of an ACT UP protest. In the image, an activist holds up a sign with the words: "Promote Homosexuality."
"It was such an arresting thing,” Norris said. “It made me uncomfortable in just the right way. What if we put it on a T-shirt?”
Now, Norris is putting the thought-provoking manifesto on Dieux's eye masks. 100 percent of proceeds from the collaboration, available online, will go to G.L.I.T.S Inc, a Black, trans-led social justice organization that provides services including housing support, harm reduction, and crisis intervention for marginalized communities in New York City and beyond.
"The LGBTQ+ community has been at the forefront of shaping the beauty and skincare industries— pioneering practices, rituals, and using beauty as a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation," Charlotte Palermino, co-founder of Dieux, tells Highsnobiety, adding that Norris' message of solidarity and protest feels especially pertinent right now.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to queer and trans people and stand in unwavering solidarity, particularly at a time when LGBTQ+ people face unjust attacks and scrutiny at every level."
