Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” GO Magazine’s interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community).
I first discovered Nik Kacy when I attended dapperQ’s annual queer New York Fashion Week show. Their designs are sleek and beautifully detailed. You can see the intention they put behind their design work, with tiny red stitching details and subtle pops of color. The best part about supporting queer designers when you purchase clothes and shoes, is that you know the product was made with queer people in mind.
In our Seven Minutes in Heaven with Kacy, they talked about queer style, where they find inspiration and queer role models. Keep scrolling to get to know one this incredible creative!
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Nik Kacy: My name is NiK Kacy and I’m a gender non-conforming designer/entrepreneur. I started the first gender-equal footwear and accessories brand focused on creating a world where individuals will no longer be limited or under-represented because of their gender or gender expressions.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
NK: I look into my community when I feel discouraged because they are the most inspiring, persistent, and encouraging individuals I’ve ever met. I have many friends who are so supportive and compassionate that it’s hard to feel discouraged for too long. And when I’m totally depleted, I used to find solace in my best fur friend of 18 years but she passed away recently so I’m still learning to take some time for myself and find other ways to recharge and heal.
GO: Who are your queer role models?
NK: Annie Liebovitz, Bamby Salcedo, Laverne Cox, Lily and Lana Wachowski, Tammy Baldwin and my first OG role models—Madonna and George Michael who were the first artists I was exposed to as a kid who broke boundaries of both gender expression and sexual identity.
GO: Describe your style in three words.
NK: Cool. Classic. Comfortable.
GO: What music are you listening to right now?
NK: Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Halsey, The XX.
GO: Is there such a thing as queer style? If so, what is that for you?
NK: Absolutely! Queer style is something that has existed (IMHO) from the beginning of time. From Alexander the Great to Lady Gaga to Rain Dove, queer style has influenced our culture and society thru our unique, authentic style and fervor. For me, my queer style is matching my exterior fashion expression with my inner identity expression. I enjoy expressing my masculine of center identity with classic black suits for formal occasions and a simple black t-shirt and jeans for casual moments. Of course, my queer style would not be complete without a nice haircut and some gender-equal shoes ;).
GO: Where can people find you?
NK: I’m on Facebook and Instagram as @nikkacy, or my brand page FB, Insta and Twitter @nikkacyfootwear .
