Serving looks: Harry's illustrates drag for Pride Month

Harry’s Pride Month shaving kit — Harry's Pride Month shaving kit, with illustrations by José Roda (Image credit: José Roda)

‘Shaving's other guys' Harry's have partnered with Spanish illustrator and graphic designer José Roda to create the packaging for a special edition razor and kit.

Just in time for Pride Month this June, and continuing the brand's well-known support of the LGBTQ+ community, the illustrations are inspired by colourful community leaders, artists and activists.

Image of Preparatory sketches — Preparatory sketches by José Roda.

Drag artist Shea Couleé (of Rupaul's Drag Race fame), singer and songwriter Leland, and conversion-therapy survivor Mathew Shurka are amongst those who participated in the project. Inspired by these figures, Roda created graphic illustrations that ‘aim to feel celebratory, free and unique, from an LGTBQ perspective', he explains.

At once, they evoke the high camp work of underground 1940s photographer Bob Mizer, Catherine Opie’s vivd portraits, and the ‘Humans of New York' series. Roda's designs offer fleeting snapshots of unique (and eye-catching) individuals, that demand the limelight.

2 Artwork by Jose Roda — Artwork by José Roda, pictured in his studio.

The kit inside is a familiar Harry's offering, including the Aloe gel and classic Winston razor (which comes with a handy cover that keeps the blade on point). Reflecting the individuality of those depicted on the outside of the box, and indeed those using the kit, each razer is cast in a glossy, irridescent coating; no two of which are the same.

Importantly, this collaboration marks the start of Harry's partnership with The Trevor Project – a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer young people. Harry's is donating 100 per cent of profits made from this special set to help them reach 80,000 LGBTQ+ youth in crisis this year.

Inside Harry's Pride Month 2019 shaving kit

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Harry’s website, and José Roda’s website

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.