A SYMBOLIC MOVEMENT TRAILBLAZER : MARKKI STROEM

Marcello Angelo Ledesma Stroem or Markki Stroem is an indubitable multi-hyphenate driven by passion. The path to his achievements has always been centred on the many aspects of his life fervors, including singing, acting, hosting, fashion, and fitness. His skills have earned him a series of awards and a spot at a TEDx talk to discuss mental health. He also designed his first-ever underwear line, MXXI, and recently ventured into exciting businesses as he now co-owns a local clothing brand Evry and opened his clinic, He Heals Wellness which helps boost immunity and energy. Although he knew that opening a business during a pandemic is a considerable risk, it was one he was willing to take if it also meant being able to help fellow Filipinos whose livelihood had been upended by the ensuing health crisis. Markki sure knows how to be productive even during a pandemic.

After flaunting his toned and chiselled physique last March, Markki Stroem decided to mark another milestone for himself by taking on the unconventional yet brave path in his latest projects, some of which require him to wear platform heels and a cape in an androgynous ensemble. Last October, he made his catwalk debut during the Arab Fashion Week wearing a magenta-colored set by RC Caylan and was featured by designer Michael Cinco in a jewelled sequined blue suit. He proudly recollected the experience on his Instagram page, where he shared a short video of himself walking the podium with the caption, “Magnificent experience being able to help change and mold the fashion world to be more inclusive. Ever since @harrystles started the androgyny revolution, it is time for people to stop hating and start embracing inclusivity. Everyone has their right to wear whatever they want to feel their fabulous oats”. Stroem believes that everyone should live and wear what they want to showcase their true selves. “I want to be able to show the world that if women can wear men’s clothing, men can wear women’s clothing as well. And that is completely fine. Men’s fashion has evolved for the better. Everyone can wear heels; they don’t belong to a gender. If you want to wear it, you can, and there’s no shame in that. “He adds. Despite the audience’s warm applause as he walked on stage, Markki also felt the tension. Being the first androgynous male model in an undergarment and heels to grace the Arab Fashion Week, he thought he would not be welcomed.

In addition, he had a nerve-wracking experience before the show. RC Caylan told him that the shoes he prepared for the show would not arrive on time, so he had to ask his designer friend Omar Sali, a Filipino-based designer, to recreate the pink boots. He said it would take a week. He then flew it over via cargo, and Markki had to pick it up at the airport. However, the airport personnel informed him that the shipment would need to undergo the normal releasing process, and it would be available for claiming 6 pm the next day. In his mind, he thought that waiting at the cargo customs for 8 hours trying to get the shoes would all be in vain. Good thing, a Filipina staff assisted him to expedite the process. “It was nail-biting, but it is definitely one for the books.” He shares.

There was a period when age, weight, stature, physique, incapacity, race, or sexuality were characteristics that could play havoc with someone’s chances of becoming a mod el. Nowadays, the rules have changed, and what may once have sunk a potential career could be the very feature that projects it. The diversity movement has influenced and redefined the worldwide beauty and fashion industry over the past decade — and for Philippines based model Markkhi Stroem, the shift was perfect. “I am not scared to wear something different to make a difference. Being able to pick up the courage to wear platform heels and underwear on an international runway, I hope I was able to inspire others to live their authentic truth,” he said.

And just like that, Markki’s promotion of androgyny has become a symbolic movement trailblazer.