Fri 24th May
How excited would you be if you heard Peter Gene Hernandez, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant and Adam Richard Wiles have a new collab in the making, coming out this summer? Probably not a lot, unless you’re the biggest fan of Bruno Mars, Lana Del Rey and Calvin Harris. There’s something about leaving your real name behind and taking on an pseudonym that feels slightly perverted – despite being famous, a big part of you is totally anonymous. Something similar could be said about Jazzelle Zanaughtti, the Detroit-born model and Nick Knight’s muse who is part of a wave of evolving ideas of beauty via social media. She was the face of Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma collection and has modelled in shows for Gypsy Sport, Ashish, Henry Holland and Gareth Pugh. Her captivating, instantly recognisable look and incredible success in fashion play an oxymoron for her equally recognisable Instagram handle – Uglyworldwide. Humorous and tongue-in-cheek, with some self-deprecation in the mix – Uglyworldwide is the epitome of the Internet generation of creatives. After all, aren’t handles basically the millennial versions of artistic names?
With something to say, and over half a million followers joining in on the conversation, Zanaughtti is the kind of girl you want on your team. That’s probably why Mercedes-Benz Fashion titled model as one of their ambassadors for 2019. She joins Lena Waithe, singer Rina Sawayama and menswear designer Samuel Ross on the MBF collective, with each of these individuals motivating and inspiring their audiences while telling their stories of breaking down stereotypes. As part of the initiative, Mercedes-Benz Fashion decided to put each four of these creatives to the test of learning new skills, while encouraging the idea of self-growth through different How To events. Kicking off the bunch was Miss Uglyworldwide with a Voguing class in Oslo courtesy of dance expert Jason ‘Jay Jay Revlon’ Cameron. Despite being a self-taught voguer herself, Jazzelle threw on some fabulous feathers and learned all the proper moves – duck walk included. Needless to say, Oslo was burning! In between her spins and dips, we got this game-changing model to answer 10 questions and teach us things we never knew about her.
Dino Bonacic: What’s the last film you watched? Give your three-word review please!
Jazzelle Zanaughtti: Someone Great on Netflix. SO. MANY. TEARS.
DB: One piece from your wardrobe you will never get rid of?
JZ: My Vivienne Westwood 1995 Portrait Collection corset.
DB: If you could be anyone for a day – who would you be and what would you do?
JZ: Oprah! I would make some great powerful moves & decisions.
DB: What’s your favourite song to vogue to?
JZ: I love anything with sickening fast-paced beat – could be transition vogue chants or Megan Thee Stallion… I personally think that anything is fun to vogue to – just got to have rhythm!
DB: If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
JZ: I’d rather be naked TBH.
DB: Do you remember your first fashion memory? What was it?
JZ: One of Alexander Lee McQueen earlier shows – changed my life.
DB: Who is your beauty icon?
JZ: I don’t really have one, but I guess if anyone it would be Tank Girl.
DB: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
JZ: Be fearless.
DB: What’s your favourite colour?
JZ: Green.
DB: If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world, where would it be?
JZ: The tippity top of Mount Everest!
