explore more with daniel
Photo by Petra Kleis
Daniel Oum-Koechlin is one of our models in our latest shoot ‘explore more’. It was such a good day shooting because the energy was just so welcoming, warm and honest. We had important and intimate chats in between locations and we’re so thankful for these moments. We loved the shots of Daniel as they really seem to push what’s expected of ‘sexiness’ from a masculine perspective - it doesn’t have to be what we see come out of Hollywood. And Daniel agrees. We hope you’ll love this interview about exploring as much as we do and please go follow them on Instagram here.
Hi Daniel, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself, what you’re up to at the moment and how you’re feeling?
Hej so I am Daniel, I just turned 26. I study Marketing&Communication Design at KEA and I have a student job related to my studies at Flying Tiger. Fun stuff haha.
At the moment, I am on summer holidays, trying to enjoy the summer and spend as much quality time on my own or with my loved ones.
As of now, I am not feeling so great to be honest. During the past few weeks, I faced a couple of setbacks which affected my mental health. So I am trying to heal, take care of myself and make sure to not get too overwhelmed by my own emotions.
You modelled for us in our Explore More shoot. What do you think of when you hear the words Explore More?
To me Explore More means challenging boundaries, on a society or individual level. I associate it with getting out of my comfort zone and getting to know myself better.
Do you prioritise exploring and if so, why do you think that’s important?
To be fair, I don’t think I prioritise exploring as much as I wish. I easily get stuck in routines, and stepping out of them kinda scares me or makes me feel insecure.
But personally, I think that exploring is important to broaden your horizon and understand your surrounding a bit better. We live in a day and age where I believe we lack empathy towards each other. I think exploring would benefit people to show more compassion and understanding.
sitre believes exploring gives you the opportunity to keep reimagining and rethinking what makes you happy - both in regards to life and intimacy. Have your idea of intimacy changed with age?
My image to intimacy couldn’t be any further than what it used to be when I was younger. As an asian man, I grew up with a lot of complexes and insecurities. It took time and an amazing partner for me to feel confident and empowered in my own body (I guess covering myself with tattoos helped as well haha). When I looked at myself in the mirror, I used to see a skinny and unconfident boy, now I just see me. Not perfect but just me.
This confidence also helped me become a better sex partner I believe, or I hope so at least. I am not as self aware as I used to be, and I am fully in the moment when having sex. Not thinking about how I look and if I might sound stupid. I am having much more fun now, and creates a comfortable environment for us to explore.
Do you think the society invites to exploring or do you think people can feel held back because of norms and taboos?
No not at all, there is so much stigmas and judging. But at least I feel like norms and taboos are being challenged thanks to brands like yours or Peech. Not everyone is ready to change their views, but it seems like more and more people are willing to discuss them at least. And that’s a start.
And if I may say, I think that straight male sexuality is such a joke. It’s still a "dick size” competition or “who did I fuck this week-end” competition. I hope we get to talk about our sexuality more openly and lightly in the near future, I think everyone would benefit from it. It would be nice for men to create a safe space to discuss feelings and sex freely.
Have you ever felt held back by shame yourself or how do you avoid it?
I honestly can’t recall the last time I stopped myself from doing something out of shame. If it’s not harming anyone and I think the experience would be interesting, I’ll always go for it. Shame doesn’t last, good memories do imo.
Finally: if someone wanted to Explore More, what advice would you give them?
I think trying something new is always a leap of faith and it’s okay. I think the first thing you should explore is yourself. Figure out what you like, what you don’t. Then build around that. Be kind. And if you are scared of trying something new, maybe ask yourself if you would rather live with a "mistake" or a "what if”. There is no loss in trying something, at least you’ll have the experience. I feel like when I don’t try things, I always end up regretting it sooner or later.
But I don’t know, I don’t feel like I should be the one giving advice out haha, it works for me at least.
Thank you Daniel for your honesty - it inspired us and we hope it’ll inspire others too.
shop sitre
sitre’s sex wellness products bring an honest, inclusive and mindful take on intimacy.