Model and actress Julia Fox has taken over the pop culture zeitgeist recently, from her glamorous dates with Kanye West to her now-famous claim that she was Josh Safdie’s “muse” in the 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems. Then, there was Fox’s eccentric leather and latex-clad photoshoot in snowy Brooklyn, and the New Yorker interview in which she discusses her former work as a dominatrix (the interview takes place, notably, in a church). The 32-year-old is now rumored to be joining the cast of Real Housewives of New York, and whether you can’t get enough of her or can’t figure her out, it looks like Julia Fox is here to stay.
As demonstrated in Fox’s interviews, there’s a magnetic, yet airy nonchalance about her that has the internet equally perplexed and intrigued. For example, she recently attended the Vanity Fair Oscars party and gave vague responses about her new book — all while wearing a leather gown with a clawed hand around her neck and holding a “human hair” clutch purse. Although there’s a lot to unpack here, TikTok is living for one particular moment from Oscars night during which Fox is interviewed on the red carpet. If you finally got the “uncut jaaamz” soundbite out of your head, make way for a new viral trend inspired by our favorite puzzling pop star: #DidItMyself.
What is the “Did It Myself” TikTok trend?
The “Did It Myself” soundbite recently emerged on TikTok thanks to this interview with Julia Fox at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscars party. In the clip, the interviewer says, “You always have that strong eye makeup. Is that you, or do you have a makeup artist who does that for you?” Fox simply smiles and says in her classic, drawn-out way, “I actually did it myseeelf…yeah…” followed by a long pause and the interviewer saying, “niiiice.” The interaction is delightfully awkward, and once again, we have a viral internet moment thanks to Ms. Fox.
Creators are using this trending audio to share moments when they, too, “did something themselves” — and the results are hilarious. While footage from the Oscars interview can be found on Vanity Fair’s TikTok account, the trending sound was posted in this video by Emmy-winning TV and podcast host Keltie Knight, whose version says: “Me, when people ask about my spray tan.” The hashtag #DidItMyself has over 36 million views on TikTok and counting, and it’s one of my favorite trends to date.
In the “Did It Myself” trend, TikTokers share moments when they achieved something all on their own.
One of the best things about Julia Fox is that she’s funny without even trying — especially when she’s being dead serious — and for this trend, you’ll want to channel that exact same energy. The goal is to be authentic and also entertaining, like this version by @princess_kimmi that says, “When my therapist asks me, an eldest daughter, who raised me” followed by the sound “I actually did it myseeelf…yeah.” Creator @victoriagarrick’s version says, “when people compliment my fiance for picking out an oval cut with a 1.5 mm yellow gold band, white gold prongs, and a hidden halo” — when obviously, she did that herself — and @prettywithlee’s spicy version is empowering AF.
Some TikTokers poke fun at how they got themselves into sticky situations.
Some creators recognize that sometimes, you get yourself into a predicament, and there’s no way out of it. For example, TikToker @katieeeemiller’s version says, “Willingly going to school to be a nurse at the worst possible time in history,” and @aracelisegurav made her skin break out after she chose to pick at a zit. Creator @georgiahassarati’s version says, “When your bank blocks your card for suspicious transactions after you impulsively spend all your money online shopping” followed by the sound “I actually did it myseeelf.” TikToker @emilysullivan dug herself into an emotional rabbit hole after stalking her crush’s “following” list on IG (we’ve all been there, bestie) and @matthewhanifan’s version says, “when you overthink yourself into a bad mood.”
Of course, other versions of #DidItMyself are purely comical.
Some creators have opted for versions that are more lighthearted, like @jazzay.xx’s video that says, “Gen Z after creating a graphic on Canva that took 10 mins and their colleagues are amazed” and @imdrebrown’s similar version about PowerPoints that made me LOL. There are sarcastic versions, too, like this one from @megsdeangelis who clearly cut her hair at home and this one from @razzcherry who “accidentally” followed someone on social media.
Whether you’re proud of yourself for healing after a breakup or you sacrificed it all for your music dreams, the #DidItMyself TikTok trend is a great opportunity to brag on yourself. Maybe you managed to make your own jewelry or you achieved the perfect cheetah hair look (not to be mistaken with “raccoon hair,”) and can’t wait to show off your look. Whether you opt for a serious or lighthearted version, give the “Did It Myself” TikTok trend a try. You’ll be bound to make yourself (and Julia) proud.