How Filipino Model Jullian Culas is Flipping Asian Beauty Standards On Their Heads

Meet Jullian Culas, one of six Asia-based models who shared with Tatler how they’re breaking boundaries and refusing to be limited by gender, race, sexuality, size, age, religion or ability

Philippine-born Jullian Culas has been modelling in Asia and across the world for seven years, and is sought after for his curly hair, slim physique and capacity for embodying both feminine and masculine qualities. While androgyny and gender fluidity are popular in the west, they are “definitely still an acquired taste” in much of Asia, Culas says.

“Markets such as New York and Europe undoubtedly celebrate this look and know how to work it. But for the more commercial and mass markets like the Philippines and some parts of Asia, not so much.” He believes that change starts within, and it will happen as brands open up to diversified looks, and social media enables more discussion about inclusivity: “it also heavily relies on key influential cities in Asia embracing and establishing this culture. Exposure and awareness are key.”

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Above Jullian Culas wears Dion Lee jumpsuit; Ben Taverniti Unravel Project boots (Photography: Mark Nicdao/Tatler Asia)

Asa model, you should be true to yourself. That’s the first rule

- Jullian Culas -

In your experience, how much does the “androgyny” identity and label matter in the modelling industry?

It does matter in the sense that acknowledging and respecting someone’s identity is very important, most especially in this industry. As a model, you should be true to yourself. That’s the first rule.

But sometimes, it comes to a point where, regrettably, these labels actually limit us. I can only speak from [my] experience, but it’s quite tough being an androgynous model in Manila. I had to experience New York and Paris to fully discover, embrace and execute this look altogether, and only by then be widely appreciated when I return home. Ultimately, I am a model, I know what I’m doing and I’m good at it. That’s what matters.

Above Jullian Culas wears Miu Miu jacket; MM6 Maison Margiela pants (Photography: Mark Nicdao/Tatler Asia)

Above Jullian Culas wears Miu Miu jacket; MM6 Maison Margiela pants; stylist's own boots (Photography: Mark Nicdao/Tatler Asia)

What efforts need to be made for the industry to be more inclusive?

As more and more unique-looking models like myself are cast for jobs, [and when] brands start opening up to this look and more real stories are told, we are already moving towards the goal. I believe that it also heavily relies on key influential cities in Asia embracing and establishing this culture. Exposure and awareness are key.

We can definitely celebrate inclusivity beyond Pride Month. We are far more creative and [humane] than that.