Jean-Louis Is the Betty Boop of Gay Instagram—and He’s MERDE’s 2025 Pride Month Cover Star

Pants: Hubert Pelc, Shoes: Vintage

Creative Direction, Production, Set Design & Words: Christiaan Pienaar

Photography: Carlos Menendez

Styling: Weronika Wood

Hair & Makeup: Marvin Glißmann

Set Design Assistant: Nora Rida

Digital Assistant: Inman Duyser

Light Assistant: Simone Friuli

Talent: Jean-Louis

In a world where social media often blurs the line between reality and perception, Jean-Louis stands out as a multifaceted enigma. Known to many as a model, influencer, and DJ, he defies easy categorization, embracing a life that intertwines creativity, independence, and a touch of mystery. In this candid interview, Jean-Louis opens up about his eclectic career, introverted nature, and the passions that drive him—from designing his own avant-garde outfits to spinning techno sets in Parisian clubs. Beyond the curated images and viral moments, he reveals a deeply personal journey shaped by his love for music, fashion, and the freedom to live life on his own terms.

Top & Shorts: Krysvinczi

Your online presence has shaped how people perceive you—sometimes inaccurately. I, for one, assumed you were a Brazilian living in Paris. Can you set the record straight: who is Jean-Louis?

I actually like that people have misconceptions about me because I don’t see my social media as a reflection of myself—it’s more of a way to express my creativity. I’m happy that my private life stays private, and I like keeping some distance from social media. I think I’m much more “simple” and easygoing than people assume. I’m quite introverted and enjoy doing things on my own. Very few people, aside from my close friends, really know me. I like spending time alone, being creative, or playing video games. But when I’m social, I’m either in full party mode or completely immersed in nature, especially on holiday.

With everything you do—modeling, DJing, designing—do you consider yourself an influencer, or does that label not sit right with you?

I don’t really like calling myself an “influencer” because a lot of people associate that word with annoying, personality-less TikTokers. But it depends on how you define it. I don’t consider myself one, but I appreciate having an audience through social media—it helps me sustain my lifestyle and creativity.

How did you get into DJing?

I’ve always loved music. I played piano for over ten years and got really into techno in the last five years. I always wanted to DJ but never had the motivation to start. At the beginning of last year, one of my close friends—the director of FVTVR club in Paris—started teaching me. He booked me for my first live set last August. Since then, I’ve played at many events in Paris, and I love it.

Dress: Ex-Myszka

You studied engineering, right? Do you see yourself working in that field?

Yes! I first studied business but hated it, so I switched to biology for two years because I love understanding how life works—especially microbiology. After getting my biology diploma, I studied agricultural engineering because I was still interested in the subject, but I never really planned to work in the field, and wanted to pursue my more creative side professionally. My studies taught me a lot about the world and allowed me to travel a lot (mostly to Brazil—I lived there for two years). But the corporate world makes me uncomfortable, so I try my best to live off my artistic side.

You create a lot of your own looks—how did you get into designing clothes?

I make some of my own latex outfits, and I love crochet, too. Most of my transparent and purple latex pieces are made by me. I learned a bit on my own, but my friend Cal helped me a lot—he designed the latex inflatable shoes for Rick Owens.

How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure how to describe it, but it definitely has a lot of queer and BDSM influences. I’m also a big nerd, so there are definitely some video game influences in there, too.

What’s the weirdest thing in your closet?

Hmm... maybe the 3D-printed bone torso?

You’ve walked for Windowsen and collaborated with Mugler. What have been some of your fashion highlights so far?

Jewellery & Underwear: Model’s own

My most recent “fashion highlight” was my editorial for *Harper’s Bazaar US*. But honestly, I haven’t worked much in the past few months since I was traveling in Thailand with my boyfriend.There’s definitely more to come when I get back to Paris.

Fuck, marry, kill: Bayonetta, François Sagat, Emmanuel Macron.

Well, I’d fuck and marry my boyfriend, of course! But to answer the question—I’d fuck Bayonetta, marry François Sagat, and kill Macron, obviously.

What would your dream collaboration look like?

I actually prefer collaborating with my friends, like Romain Gaultier, who does 3D work. But other than that, I’d love to collaborate with Torso.Solutions or David LaChapelle.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Playing *League of Legends* for an entire week without interacting with anyone.

Jean-Louis defies easy categorization—and that’s exactly the point. Whether he’s behind the decks, in front of the camera, or sewing his next look in solitude, his world is one of self-expression on his own terms. This Pride Month, we’re spotlighting more queer voices who, like Jean-Louis, refuse to be boxed in. Follow along for more stories that celebrate identity, creativity, and complexity.