Shaun Ross : Rebel with a cause 2 8 Transformation and Triumph of a Misfit Shaun Ross not only paved the way for albino models within the industry. He also starred in campaigns for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Nike (just to name a few), and appeared in Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts” music video. After the release of his debut single “Symmetry”, he is now determined to make his mark on the music industry with his second single “Chrysalis,” a song about the beauty of transforming into the truest version of yourself. We asked Ross to share his views about transitioning from the runway to the recording studio, and what to expect from him in the near future. SHAUN ROSS: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Shaun Ross People Interview by Elliott-Alfred Attia Photo by Johnny Kitsune EA You’ve been a prominent frontrunner for inclusion within the fashion industry for quite some time now. What have you learnt most from your personal career journey, and what advice would you give to others joining the fashion industry? SR My dream was never to jump into the fashion industry, at first my passion was dance. I was very inspired for years about being a performer, and fashion found me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I’ve made mistakes not knowing so along the way. I would definitely tell someone inquiring about the fashion industry to be cautious of the relationships you create and nurture them as if you know them well. Never fear others’ opinions they may place upon you, and stay true to the vision. EA Who are your role models, or who inspires you within and also outside the fashion industry? SR I get mainly inspired by those around me who sometimes chime in to give their opinion on what I’m trying to do, in inspiring the world we live in, and to create a better and brighter future for diverse cultures. EA What is the biggest challenge you have had to face so far and how did you overcome it? SR I used to have issues with validation from an industry I wasn’t accepted into, therefore I would always look past it, allowing myself to push my face in the spaces where it wasn’t wanted. I then noticed that I was valid and had my own personality, so why not continue. EA H&M made waves in late May when it launched its first ever Pride collection, featuring a range of items with rainbows and pro-LGBTQ+ phrases. You were involved as a model. How important do you think your display of pride is to your following? What has the response been to this? SR It was amazing working with the team at H&M. They have a great eye for diversity. They’ve always been inclusive towards others and I wanted to be a part of this matter. The response has been amazing from fans all over. EA At the end of 2017, you debuted your first single ‘SYMMETRY”. How challenging has it been establishing yourself in this new creative outlet—did you always know the direction you wanted to go in, if you were to delve into making music? SR At first, I thought it would be extremely complicated due to the fact that most people know me from fashion, so I was a little bit hesitant. Then I realized that it’s all a part of the creative process, so I decided to do it anyway, no matter what people say or think. It was very nerve-racking, I must admit. EA Do you think there is a difference in making a career in fashion vs the music industry? SR They are both two different industries underneath the same umbrella of entertainment. They are both extremely different but also the same; they both take creative power and thought. EA You have been a face to many campaigns, videos, runway shows—often collaborating with the creators. What has been your favorite collaboration in your career/ personal life? SR Honestly, I don’t have a favorite— they’ve all been a part of my life/career, some better than others but more importantly, I’m happy to make an impact on the world. EA Do you think the fashion industry has in fact become more diverse on and beyond the runways, or has it just picked a trend? SR When I started in fashion, models like myself and Diandra Forrest created this shift in today’s fashion industry in looking at sexuality differently. We just knew how to be ourselves and it was just us at that moment in time. I think the fashion industry loves a good trend and charity story, which is fine because it sells, but I do believe they should take more time to try and understand it to the core, and they don’t. EA You claim transformation (and triumph) as one of the essential cornerstones of your life—can you give us more insights into the meaning of this in conjunction with your own biography and “Chrysalis”? In terms of transformation—what kind of effect does “Chrysalis” have in regard to your own life, and what do you wish it to have for the audience? SR I’ve completely transformed in so many ways, even down to the way I inspire the world. Some things don’t take that much of a touch and it shouldn’t. I used to feel so insecure, not about my look, but the way others perceived it. 2 I learned to understand people will think what they want and it’s okay, it’s their logic. 9 EA I have the impression that “Chrysalis” is just the overture of something bigger or more to come. Do you think you have finally found your own way or “language”, so to speak, to express yourself and the topics which seem important to you to share with your audience? SR Absolutely not, but I’m getting closer by the day, and it feels good to figure out my own voice and language to connect with people in. SHAUN ROSS: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Change language