Before becoming a model, she was…
“Living in Chicago working multiple restaurant jobs during the day, and hosting clubs at night — doing drag and serving looks in the Chicago nightlife scene helped shape me into the artist I am today.”
The persona Uglyworldwide came about…
“First as a physical portrait. I sketched a lot as a teenager, and always used the same outline of this person that was neither female nor male. Despite creating different looks and feelings in each sketch, I realised I was always subconsciously drawing this person with the same kind of eyes, as if it had a soul. Eventually, I stopped drawing and starting using myself as a canvas, and it took me a few years before I realised that I had personified this creature I had been creating.”
Society has become more receptive to alternative standards of style and beauty because…
“After having other people’s conventional standards shoved down our throats for so long, I think people are hungry for something new, different and exciting… People are getting bored of seeing, hearing and feeling the same things over and over again.”
This embrace of unconventional beauty…
“May be a trend, but it’s trends that start real change. I think things will only get more fun, more weird, and more free as time goes on. I hope that the children of today will be able to grow up in a world that is more accepting of the true expression of themselves.”
For someone alternative like her, social media…
“Was how I got scouted. Before, I only used Instagram to post my art or what I’m up to, and to talk to friends — and I still do so. I never saw it as a business opportunity. It’s helped me pave my own way in fashion and beauty, and given me a platform to express myself… It’s obviously cool to be a part of it, but at the same time, if it disappeared tomorrow, I’d still be doing the same exact things I’m doing now. It’s just that, probably, less people would know about it, which honestly is okay with me. It would probably give me even more freedom to not have so many people watching and commenting on my every move.”
Her favourite models growing up were…
“Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and — once I got a little older — Sibyl Buck (best known for her bright red dreadlocks that made her synonymous with grunge), whom I thought was super cool.”
To her, a good model should…
“Bring something to a photo that is more than just one’s physical body.”
Asking about her fashion and beauty influences…
“Is something I can never answer properly because my style is changing so often. I’m usually inspired by different eras of time, places in the world, and the general mood I’m in on any given day. I like to think I serve such a wide range of looks, it’s impossible to pinpoint one person or thing (as an influence).”
Her wildest beauty/makeup tips for every woman
“I wouldn’t say I do anything super ‘wild’ per se, but here are a few tricks I’m often asked about: lip gloss as a highlighter, using lash glue to stick things to my face as it’s surprisingly strong, and using tape to create clean, straight lines when using eyeshadow.”
Beauty is…
“Boring!”
Career-wise, she would like to…
“Evolve as an artist by continuing to push my own boundaries, and never being afraid to try something I haven’t done before. When I evolve as an artist, my modelling side will follow suit.”
This year, fans of Uglyworldwide should look out for…
“A couple of fashion collaborations and the launch of my very own business. What that business is, I won’t say just yet, but I’m super excited to tell everyone when it’s ready.”
The future of fashion should…
“Understand that inclusivity is the only way forward.”
The future of Jazzelle…
“Is unknown, but bright.”
Photography Franco Schike, assisted by Emilio Tamez Styling Ian Bradley/The Wall Group MakeupYuui Model Uglyworldwide
This story first appeared in Female’s April 2019 issue.
