For 21-year-old dancer, model, and content creator Dineaish Rajendran, the art of performing has always been in his blood. “Everyone in my family comes from a dance background; it was even how my parents met,” he shares. “I have been dancing for as long as I can remember, dabbling in freestyle and hip-hop since my primary school days.”
Fast forward more than a decade and Dineaish has come a long way. Apart from the high-octane dance covers shared on his Instagram account, he is heavily involved in the queer community, frequently invited to participate in competitions at inclusive events such as the Pinki Kiki Ball and Baby Boy Party. “It was during my days in School of the Arts Singapore, where I started exploring alternative dance styles such as voguing, ballet, and jazz,” he shares. “I feel the most comfortable in these styles as their expressive nature allows me to embody my emotions through them.”
“The LGBTQ+ scene is alive and growing stronger, showing the world how forward we can be when given the right resources.”
He has also made a name for himself among the emerging wave of models that have taken the industry by storm in recent years. What started out as casual side gigs to support his friends’ new fashion projects have quickly turned into something more, with Dineaish having walked several inclusive shows and gracing the pages of local publications. “Modelling has taught me a lot, most notably how to be comfortable within my own skin,” muses the creative multi-hyphenate. “I love to take on new roles and try my hand at new concepts, adapting them to see how I can make them work best for myself.”
He attributes much of his confidence and assuredness today to his friends and family, citing his mother and sister as his primary inspirations—and safe spaces—growing up. “(Both of them) have always been my biggest fans, fully accepting and supportive of me despite not understanding some of my perspectives or experiences.”
Dineaish also noted that, when he was a child, his mother would dress him up, which sparked his interest in fashion from a young age. Unabashed, androgynous, and versatile, his style is unhindered by traditional norms for gender dressing. Subversive pieces such as cropped baby tees, low-waisted denim, and ’90s retro accessories—choices full of zest and rebellion—pervade the young creative’s wardrobe.
Looking ahead, Dineaish has high hopes for further inclusivity for the community. “The LGBTQ+ scene is alive and growing stronger and louder. I see more drag shows and queer parties being hosted, alongside already-established events such as Pink Dot, which get bigger every year.” He also wishes for increased representation and diversity within the media, by way of creative campaigns and advertisements. “I think Vogue Singapore stands for all the local talent and diversity present in our little country, showing the world how forward and innovative we can be when given the right resources.”
Photography Nelson Chong
Styling Bryan Ho
Hair Winnie Wong/35a using Gold Well
Make-up Alison Tay using Makeup Forever
Vogue Singapore’s September ‘Kitsch’ issue is now available online and on newsstands.
