Marina Veziko's identity for Kelet is unapologetically masculine, feminine and unisex

After coming out as gay, Kelet was cut off from her family in Manchester and returned to her childhood home in Finland, where, with the support of Vogue, she is following her dream of becoming one of the first black, transgender models.

‘Kelet’ is an award-winning documentary about her story, pursuing your dreams and the importance of family and community. Finland was found to be one of the most transphobic countries in the EU, largely down to its Trans Act, which violates international human rights. The film shows what it’s like to live as a minority in a minority, how it feels to have left your family behind, and for the first time, live your life as yourself.

When briefed with creating the visual identity for the documentary, Helsinki-based designer Marina Veziko immediately knew it needed to be big and bold but also soft, elegant and playful. Her solution, which embraces Sharp Type’s highly-contrasted Beatrice Display, is unapologetically feminine, masculine and unisex. The identity takes cues from ballroom flamboyance, paying homage to classics like ‘Paris is Burning’. It’s colourful and flirty, yet simple and sophisticated, just like Kelet’s classy and humorous charisma.

‘Kelet’ was the most-watched film during Helsinki’s Docpoint Film Festival 2020, receiving the Audience Award, a standing ovation during the premiere night and no end of tears and laughter.

Marina Veziko