Style Dossier: Dominique DomoTheModel Pryor

Welcome back to Style Dossier, Gabrielle Royal’s column that profiles stylish queers across the country. For her latest edition of Style Dossier, Gabrielle is celebrating the style of Dominique DomoTheModel Pryor, a 25 year old African-American aspiring queer runway model who was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She holds Associate’s Degree in Information Systems, but has been adding impressive modeling gigs to her resume as she pursues her new career. Recently, she walked in dapperQ’s Verge New York Fashion Week show at Brooklyn Museum, has been published in numerous magazine articles, and is now the newest brand ambassador for Plush Vodka.

Dominique DaShae’ Pryor prefers no labels. Preferred name: DomoTheModel!

Domo Suit Photo by Michael Wood

Gabrielle: How would you describe your personal style?

DomoTheModel: I like business casual with a little edge. I am a big H&M and Forever 21 shopper. I will wear distressed jeans, a V-neck, and a blazer on a casual day. Most days, you will catch me in a suit – slim fit – and loafers. I can put together an entire piece with less than one hundred dollars.

Gabrielle: Who is your biggest fashion icon and why?

DomoTheModel: Honestly, I do not have one. Christian Lett is my personal stylist. I trust his judgement to not have me look bad in photo shoots and events. He is a very creative guy. I would describe his vision for me to be a combination of business casual with a little edge.

Gabrielle: How much of your personal style is influenced by your identity?

DomoTheModel: 100% of it is influenced by my identity. I am more than an androgynous model. I have a lot of integrity and dignity. I make sure I represent myself in that manner. I not only represent myself, but my family name as well. I remain presentable at all times. As much as we may tell people to never judge a book by its cover, the fact is, it still happens. I want people to see me as a respectable human being with class. So yes, my personal style definitely reflects my identity.

Gabrielle: Why is queer visibility important and how does fashion help create space for members of our community?

DomoTheModel: I dislike that people treat LGBTQ as if we are not human like anyone else. They divide us from society as if we are from another world. Equality is important. No one should feel less than who they are because of how they identify themselves or their sexual preferences. I believe fashion, in a way, unites us. We can sell a look just as good as, if not better than, the next individual. Fashion allows people also to express themselves in their own creative weirdness in a way the world can see, accept, and call it the next trend. This is what I love most. Most don’t take us serious but some actually see the talent and gift and give us amazing opportunities to work and create with the rest of the world. It is gradually changing. Slowly but surely the more myself and other androgynous models will continue to make our way in the industry and not being scared of rejection. All it takes is one yes.

Domo Suit 3 Photo by Michael Woods

Gabrielle: Tell us about your biggest fashion and/or shopping fail!

DomoTheModel: Shopping fail? I don’t have one at all. I get real excited after a suit purchase. I put it on and feel brand new every time!

Gabrielle: What advice would you give our readership? What advice can you offer to people who fit outside of society’s understanding of traditionally masculine and feminine styles?

DomoTheModel: I do this also to inspire people to do whatever it is that is on your heart. You will hear more “no” than “yes”. You will get discouraged more times than encouraged because of the world that we live in. Allow your heart to push you in the right direction. We can do all things that we put our minds to. Prove it to yourself that you can do it. Be you! Be original!

Domo14 Photo by CandidReady

Gabrielle: Tell us something unique about yourself.

DomoTheModel: I am a free spirit, very creative, my mind races all day long full of ideas and ways to bring awareness to different talents. Fearless to pushing boundaries. I like to make people re-evaluate what is considered acceptable in everyday society.

Gabrielle: How did you hear about dapperQ? Why were you interested in a feature?

DomoTheModel: I learned of dapperQ back in 2014, someone tagged me on Instagram. There was a post for “100 Most Stylish dapperQs of 2014.” I’m not one to turn down opportunity, so I sent out some of my shots from my portfolio and a couple months later I was seen in number one hundred in the article. It was then that I learned of others that were just like me. I was not alone in this world. I could be comfortable in my own skin because there were others that were doing the same thing.

Domo7 Photo by CandidReady