Memphy is beautiful inside and out

In the kaleidoscopic world of music and fashion where trends go as quickly as they come, there emerges a figure whose presence transcends both the DJ booth and the runway: model Memphis Murphy — better known as Memphy — a new name now being whispered in hushed reverence among the fashion elite who is more than just a pretty face.

Let Memphy tell it: she is the new beacon of empowerment and self-expression in industries often marred by cis-het privilege. She knows the secret to being an it-girl is pure, unadulterated confidence.

“You don’t have to be a model or a DJ or whatever to be an it-girl. You can just be c*nt and be an it-girl, and I feel like that’s so empowering,” Memphy said in an interview with High Snobiety. “You’re just that girl. Period.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @memphy

Culture, unfiltered

Twice a week, our newsletter will bring you the pulse of queer culture, from the tastemakers to the groundbreakers.

Hailing from the bustling streets of New York City, Memphy’s journey to the upper echelons of the fashion world was anything but conventional. With her striking features and statuesque frame, she defied the narrow standards of beauty that had long dominated the industry, forging her own path with a fierce determination and unshakeable self-confidence.

From the moment she first set foot on the runway, Memphy knew that she was destined for greatness. With a poise and grace that seemed to defy gravity itself, she commanded the attention of audiences and designers alike, her magnetic presence leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the fashion world. But it’s Memphy’s talent for making herself key in New York City’s (and the world’s) nightlife that stands out. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @memphy

It’s not simply Memphy’s physical beauty that sets her apart — it’s her unwavering commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in an industry that often seems content to cling to outdated notions of perfection being cisgender. With each strut down the catwalk, she shatters stereotypes and challenges the status quo, proving that Black trans women can truly have it all. 

In a world that often seems obsessed with appearances, Memphy’s message of self-love and acceptance resonates like a beacon of hope, inspiring countless people to embrace their own unique beauty and to celebrate the beauty of others.

“Growing up, especially being trans, you’re taught that you’re undesirable. You’re never going to find a man. You’re never going to get married,” Memphy told High Snobiety. “So being celebrated in those ways is so liberating and freeing. Sometimes, it feels unbelievable. It’s like, Okay, maybe I am meant to find love. Maybe I am worth being seen as sexy. It’s just cool to see that that sh*t can actually happen.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @memphy

Today, Memphy stands as a shining example of what it means to be truly beautiful — not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. From her groundbreaking campaigns for leading fashion houses (did I mention that she recently worked with Beyoncé and Balmain?) to her tireless advocacy for diversity and representation in the DJ/music industry, she continues to transform queer nightlife while reminding us all to stand in our power. 

But perhaps Memphy’s greatest achievement lies not in the countless magazine covers and high-profile endorsements that have come her way, but in the lives that she has touched and the hearts that she has moved with her message of empowerment and self-love. In a world that often seems riddled with transphobia, she reminds us that true beauty is not a reflection in the mirror, but a reflection of the soul. 

Related:

Miss Benny is the trans icon we deserve

in the summer of 2023, Miss Benny rightfully received her flowers — and in 2024, more bouquets are no doubt on their way.

Memphis Murphy Talks Beyoncé x Balmain ‘Renaissance’ Couture, Representation in Modeling, and Turning Your Dreams Into Reality

“It’s definitely cool to be making history and breaking barriers, but it can be a lot of pressure.”

Don't forget to share:

Discover more