Non-binary stylists say they ‘like a line or two’

A well-known and respected figure in Australian fashion sensationally announced they were using cocaine recreationally and would make no apology for it.

Stylist Deni Todorovi, who controversially partnered with swimwear brand Seafolly for a Mardi Gras campaign earlier this year, challenged luxury brands to ditch them if they had a problem with it, and also called for drugs to be decriminalized.

Todorovi, who is non-binary and uses their pronouns, shared their thoughts on illegal substances in a late-night Instagram post on Friday.

They describe themselves as ‘hairy gay wogs… who like cigarettes and the occasional vape and a bit of j’ – or marijuana together – and who ‘once in a while… likes a line or two [of cocaine] just like every AFL footy player does it behind the backs of the world.’

Todorovi went on to extol the virtues of drug legalization – noting how the policy had reduced crime rates in countries such as Portugal – then challenged ‘any brand I work with’ to cancel their deals with them if it was ‘not to your liking. ethos’.

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia on Saturday, Todorovi doubled down on their comments and singled out the fashion industry, which they say is driven by cocaine.

‘This is a drug that the entire industry needs. I was given a bag [of cocaine] in return for getting my first big job,’ said Todorovi, who was passing by Style By Denion line.

They also think alcohol is just as bad for social problems as drugs.

“You can’t get through Fashion Week without alcohol.” Drinks are served at every show, and alcohol brands are major sponsors. Alcoholism is much worse than drug use. I have seen it in my family,’ they said.

They also spoke at length about how drug laws heavily target people of color, who often turn to the trade due to a lack of education or career opportunities.

“There is an intersection between minority groups and drug use,” Todorovi explains.

‘A career for wolf boys and black boys is drug trafficking due to lack of education and jobs… or not having English as a first language, or not being their parents’ first language.

‘If you can’t get a normal job, you can do sex work or sell drugs. It’s global.

‘If you can’t get an education, a job or an apprenticeship, you sell your body or something illegal.’

Todorovi later called out a ‘double standard’ in public discourse on drugs.

“White people were making coke in the bathroom and it was standard Friday night stuff.” Queers do it and we drug dealers,’ they said.

“Straight people do ice and this is an aggressive social issue that needs to be addressed – but why isn’t anyone talking about meth becoming an epidemic in the gay community?”

‘I lost too many friends to meth. Friendships and marriages fall apart because of crystal meth. People don’t talk about it, but seven out of ten gays I know how dabbling in drugs it is.’

Todorovi also spoke about the role of drugs in helping gay people “bond” over their shared trauma – something that is rarely understood or acknowledged in the heterosexual world.

‘All the best bonding I’ve done as a freak has been done under the influence. Trauma bond is our standard,’ they said.

‘We’re not talking about the AFL; we do drugs and talk about trauma and have sex.’

While there are definitely arguments in favor of decriminalizing the drug, there is no arguing that Australian cocaine consumption does have real-world consequences for people in the countries where it is produced.

Cocaine comes from the coca plant which is found in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, where innocent people fall victim to the violent international drug trade.

Should progressive Australians like Todorovi, who ‘stands for a line or two’, consider this life?

Todorovi told Daily Mail Australia it’s a complicated matter, but ultimately questions about drugs and ethics come from a special place.

‘It’s a privilege to have ethical concerns about drug trafficking. Conscious consumerism is a privilege. Being educated about drugs is a privilege,’ they said.

“If you want to stop buying coke, then stop shopping at Coles.” If George Pell can get a state funeral, I should be able to legally buy coke.’

Todorovi said “no client” has contacted them to cancel their brand deal since they expressed their views on illegal drugs overnight.

In fact, the only company that has distanced itself from Todorovi recently is Seafolly, which is running after facing backlash for partnering with the fashionista for a Mardi Gras campaign in March.

At the time, some feminist critics said asking non-binary people to promote women’s swimwear was “erasing women,” and noted the Seafolly campaign’s unfortunate affinity with International Women’s Day.

A source familiar with the situation said: ‘Seafolly will never work with Deni again. They say, in so many words, that Deni is a liability to the brand and alienates customers. There is even talk of investors withdrawing investment.’