April 2, 2024
Who Is Sexisdeath?
The mysterious Creative behind the Opium label's new aesthetic.
Prada sweater, $2,350, Prada.com, vintage Ralph Lauren pants, price upon request, ChickeesVintage.com, and W.Kleinberg belt, $175, WKleinberg.com.

Multidisciplinary creative. Tattoo artist. Creative director. Stylist. Sexisdeath is all of the above. Raised originally in denmark, Rose Marie Johansen, is bringing her creative goals into fruition. Originally known for her distinct gothic style of tattooing that is bringing a new flavor to an ever-growing dark aesthetic. Combining a rich variety of black… and more black, her lack of photos from the neck up adds to the mysterious alure of her and her fellow opium collective mates.

Showroom Fittings.

In 2020 Johansen debuted her talents in an art show hosted at NYC’s 558 gallery. Protruding a gory, asymmetrical tone, at a second glance her efforts show pieces that portray a more free spirited and liberated artistic expression style. One can assume that many dark aesthetic talents were born from a life of trauma, emotional scars, and overcoming of challenges, but when asked about the inspiration behind her ink, she simply stated it came from being around her mother's occupation as a doctor and the morbid aspects that come along with it. Citing artists such as anti-fascism artist John Heartfield and John O’Riley as big influences on her work today, (the former who literally had to jump out his apartment window to escape nazism in the 1930’s) its easy to see that her art tells a story even if it is not initially apparent on the first glance.

Art and ink are not the only thing that the creative has up her (lightly tattoo’d) sleeves. Working with brands such as DEMMO.CORP doing creative direction and styling, she had a part to play in the emerging brand's influence of bringing nihilistic themes, grunge pieces, and a free-thinking attitude to the mainstream. The brand led by DJ and designer HOLYWEEK, brings punk inspired pieces and grunge themes that surround the group of creatives. The hive mind. Photography direction is something she is no stranger to. Having a relatively private relationship with LA based creative Brandon Bowen; known for his dimly lit photography style, it's no secret why the two see eye to eye. 

Ready To Create Your Own Garments?

See for yourself how we can help you design and manufacture
your own pieces to take your brand/business to the next level.

Unlike the likes of some others, Johansen wasn't born into the game. Modeling, starting a fashion brand, and songwriting weren’t the avenues used to break into the creative industry. Somehow still, she found herself associated with one of hip hops biggest hitmakers playboicarti. Alongside opiumbabi, these two were the driving force of the rapper’s new label - Opium. They singlehandedly made it cool to be goth again, and suddenly, the aesthetic that many once viewed as strange, or outcast, was all of a sudden cool again. Staying in the shadows can only get you so far though. Making her first mainstream appearance in the rappers track - “Backr00ms” many wondered who exactly was the strange girl in the motorcycle jacket. She would even try her hand in video directing coming up with the set and theme for the music video. She would go on to co-direct a couple more of his music videos and make more appearances with the Opium crew. Gaining popularity as the rapper's muse and creative consultant. The crew have also come under criticism for canceling multiple shows, not delivering merch, and even scamming streamer adin ross out of 1million dollars.

I have a very hectic life with very long work hours, so it’s extremely liberating to just sit down and get absorbed into your own world.

- Sexisdeath
Rosemarie and Brandon Bowen

But rosmarie doesn't just want to be remembered as tHe gIrL iN tHaT oNe ViDeO, she wants to leave her mark. Approaching 40years of age, she is a testament that its never to late for creatives to get their start in the industry. You're never too old to go out there and make it happen.

What's next for rosemarie? Time will tell, but assuredly it will include more tattoos.

Advertisement: Scroll to Continue
Interested in this topic? Follow to receive email alerts when new content is published.
March 2022 | Long read
Rosemarie and Brandon Bowen

Get These Articles Directly In Your Inbox!

Be the first to get access to niche fashion culture related content not
seen anywhere else on the internet.

You have been subscribed!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest Stories

Raga Malak - The Middle Eastern Creatives Who Are Taking The Reigns

From cultural roots to modern edge, explore how this brand's rise is catching the eye of global fashion icons.

Read More

Are Upcoming Brands More Influential Than Fashion Houses

Rising Stars vs. Fashion Giants: How Emerging Brands are Flipping the Script on Luxury Fashion

Read More

Everything I have learned to go from 0-10k a month with an apparel startup

The ultimate guide for streetwear startups to go from 0 to 10k/month from a brand owner and consultant

Read More