It’s no secret to queer women that lesbians are the true tastemakers in the world of style; but it’s time we got some freaking credit you know?
Which is why I decided to highlight a different iconic queer woman each week and talk to her about her fierce style in our new GO mag column “Queer Girl Fashion Icon of The Week” (Message me if you’re interested in submitting!).
Debbie-jean Lemonte is stunningly gorgeous, in both her style, grace, inner and outer beauty. All it takes is one look at her gorgeously shot Instagram pictures, and one can feel the depth, talent and spirit of Lemonte.
Successful in her own right as a content-creator, professional photographer, Instagram-fashion-entity, and fierce public speaker, this babe attains a style that is full of contradictions. And we love a woman who is full of contradictions, a multifaceted-woman who is unafraid to express all sides of herself through her wardrobe.
Yours truly has been style-stalking Lemonte for about a year and has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pick her fashion brain. Finally, my dreams came to fruition.
So get cozy, tap into your chicest self and enjoy our interview with Debbie-jean Lemonte our “Queer Girl Fashion Icon Of The Week!”
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Debbie-jean Lemonte: I’m Debbie-jean Lemonte and I am a “Wedding and Lifestyle” Photographer based in the NYC/NJ area. Sometimes I play dress up and take pretty pictures of myself.
GO: Who are your greatest fashion icons?
DJL: Janelle Monet for sure. Her style is simple, classy, never over the top, but still sexy.
GO: Find ten adjectives that fully describe your personal style?
DJL: Comfortable, Clean, Simple, Chic, Classy, Minimal, Bold, Modern, Sexy, and Modest. I know they’re opposites in there, but it all depends on the day.
GO: How do you feel about makeup? Love it, hate it? What products do you use? Do you have a signature makeup look?
DJL: I love makeup, however, I only wear it when necessary. I’m a big fan of Laura Mercier (foundation and setting powder), Cover Girl—Queen Collection (foundation and powder matches perfectly), Nars (lippies), and MAC (lippies and mascara). My signature look is natural/clean with a pop of red/dark lips. I don’t like over the top makeup looks.
GO: Where do you shop?
DJL: Everywhere! I don’t care. If it’s a great piece and it’s within my budget (yes, I’m cheap), I’ll buy it. I also love JustFab for their shoes. I get a new pair every month or every other month.
GO: What was your most embarrassing fashion phase? Or have you been perfect and cool forever?
DJL: I used to look like a walking rainbow late high school and early college. Haha! I had this crazy hairstyle, what I call the “peacock.” I look back now and I cringe. What was I thinking!? I really thought I was being cool.
GO: Describe an outfit you would wear to slay a job interview.
DJL: Hands down—Think Claire Underwood from “House of Cards.” A simple staple body fitting dress that’s not too sexualized but professional enough to let you know I am confident and in-charge.
GO: Describe an outfit you wear on a date with a woman you were wildly attracted to.
DJL: Damn! I have two options for this depending on the location of the date. If it’s just a simple coffee/drink meet-up kind of thing, I go for the tight skinny jeans (to show off my hips, thighs, and butt), a cute top, and sexy makeup. Simple! If it’s a fancy-dancy restaurant, that’s when I pull out the hot black dress with the cleavage and again, tight enough for my hips and derriere to have a show while still maintaining some mystery.
GO: Describe an outfit you would wear if you wanted to feel insanely sexy?
DJL: Nothing. I feel the sexiest when I’m in my birthday suit.
GO: Is there such thing as lesbian style?
DJL: No. I think people are so caught up with labels and wanting to understand things that they put the style of others (who are queer) in a box to better comprehend and navigate through life.
