Model Behavior: Jazzelle's First Gig Was for Sears

Welcome to Model Behavior, where we spotlight the up-and-coming faces to watch on the runway, and have them share a little bit about their life, career and more. Next is Jazzelle (or @uglyworldwide), a Fenty and Mugler model who think Chanel should book them next.

Name: Jazzelle

Age: 27

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Pronouns: They/them

Agency: The Society

When did you start modeling? What was your first job? I did my first modeling gig when I was maybe 14! It was for Sears, I think. I don't really consider that my start, though. I didn't like what I was doing then, so inevitably I quit with no real aspirations of doing it again. The surprise start of my career now was in 2016, when I got scouted by Nick Knight via instagram to do a shoot for Another magazine X Comme Des Garçons!

What made you interested in modeling? As a kid, it just seemed like a fun dream life — traveling the world, being glamorous, etc. It was the closest thing to being a real-life princess, I thought.

What's your relationship to fashion/style? How has it evolved since you've started modeling? Fashion has always been a sort of getaway for me. I think the biggest way it's evolved is that it used to be more of an armor, and now it's just a tool in my belt that I use to express my self. I used to need fashion/style — I would hide behind it I don't need it anymore. I just love and appreciate the security it's given me and who it's helped me to be.

What have been your most memorable gigs so far? Well, my first job for Another magazine will always be so special to me. It was the first time I'd ever seen, let alone worn anything like the pieces featured. It was the beginning of a new life.

Another memorable job was when I shot the Mugler Angel Campaign. Thierry Mugler has always been a huge inspiration to me, as someone who really brings fantasy to life and steps outside of the box. He made his own rules. I was given the space by Casey [Cadwallader] and Torso [Solutions], the directors, to just be myself and serve what I wanted. Also, to be surrounded by such a diverse beautiful cast was just truly an honor and an experience I'll never forget.

Bucket-list modeling gig? I'd love to work with Chanel one day. I don't think I'm the typical person they'd ever go for, so if we did one day, I think it would really break boundaries and be super cool. Book me!

Coolest place you've been to as a model? That's so hard to answer! But I think, in terms of cool factor and set that I was shooting on, it would be Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. I remember it being so otherworldly, with its landscape formed from a bunch of volcanic eruptions. They also have very strange vineyards that kind of look like crop circles or something. In some places, it looked like Mars. It had the most beautiful weird flowers growing out of earth that you'd never expect.

What do you make sure to always carry with you during fashion week? Phone charger, headphones and water! Fashion week can be extremely hectic, so I want to make sure I'm hydrated and calm and can get into my own world if I need to.

Best piece of advice you've ever gotten? "Never be an 'It' Girl."

What's on your fashion week pump-up playlist? "OK!" by Teezo Touchdown, "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét, "Dress You Up" by Madonna, "You Think You're Tough" by Hunx & His Punx, "High Way" by ShitKid — just to name a random few!

What's going through your mind when you're on the runway/working a presentation? Serve face, serve walk, serve attitude.

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