Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazzie Bella.
Hi Jazzie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was made abundantly clear to me at a very young age, age 5 to be exact… I supposedly led a “revolt” in kindergarten … (it was my turn to go down the slide- teachers called everyone in but it was my turn and I hadn’t gotten a turn yet…. Not my fault the teachers turned around and kids were hanging off jungle gyms, monkey bars and so forth. Logically in my mind, and until this day. It was my turn, and I was just going down the slide to go back to class.
It was clear at a very young age I had my own POV, and was never afraid to voice my opinions. Storytellers,,, that’s what artists are, We tell stories, hoping to be able to engage as many of your senses to invoke the response that we want…. how we want you to feel- but the imagery we create. The pages we fill with words, the sounds that you hear,,, the touch of the fabric… or the taste that lingers on your tongue your crave for again all your life of your Nana’s stew for example. That scent that makes you feel safe for a moment because it was your dads… and you’re not able to hear him say your name anymore and it’s all you long for. This is my personal opinion that I truly believe with all of my heart… artists- we are the most important and influential people in the world…. because we decide how we want people to feel.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t know what a smooth road would even look like – the closest to one would be the runway at Palais de Tokyo in Paris during fashion week… and to get to be able to see and experience these defiles as they’re called in French… the road there would break and bruise me externally- but I am far too determined to make my vision, and my dreams come to fruition. And know that I have already two hits against me before I even walk in a room… besides my gender… it’s the way I look. a petite little blonde with those “Bambi” eyes and petite stature, which yes I agree to be in front of the cameras at times, when either other friends of mine whom are photographers ask me, certain clothing lines, and publications ask or hire me. But my talent is overlooked and ignored consistently and constantly… because the ones writing the checks are unfortunately, I would say in at least the 84% of the jobs I’m up for… the ones that will write my check, are men. And it’s exorbitantly difficult when I walk in the room for a meeting with a potential job, and have anyone in that meeting hear me,, and not just look at me. But I am a girly girl and think it’s “giving in” if I shave my head- wear potato sacks and gain as much weight as my body could handle so that I “get the job”. No. Which is why Europe, specifically Paris is where I have been and am happiest, and am looking forward to reaching out to and set up meetings with some agencies there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What do I do…. I’m just a creative kid that loves art, and to create exciting visual imagery- that makes you want to tear it out of the book and tape on your walls because it excites you so much. Started ballet at AGE 4,, So that’s where my journey first started- or learning how to tell a story- scream one without saying a word… then at age 8, what I thought was just a homework assignment in class, to write a poem… Sita Stienberg, could never forget her… published my poem in a book called a Childs recipe for enlightenment. I was in third grade doing poetry reading and signing books at barnes and nobles when I just wanted to know if I could go to see my horse Ramon yet (I rode competitively for years and I say it often and I mean it- I love animals passionately and deeply. I love animals more than humans, They can’t speak up for themselves so it’s our job to take care of them.) I got to creative direct and have an amazing editorial I got full production backing on to be able to create. (but my preferred method of storytelling… and I believe I am strongest- and the most in love with is behind the lens… is where I thrive because I see things in a very different way, and didn’t realize what an asset that was until later in life.
I’m really proud that I play to lose, Always, And someone who has nothing to lose is a dangerous creature… we’re fearless… I want to and will launch my own publication, we are called FLESH… as backing is difficult- and I said I need to secure the names at the top of my masthead to make this worthy of the gravitas that FLESH will create, and my idol is Alejandro Jodorovsky, I took my savings, this was over 10 years ago? and told my dad- daddy I’m going to Paris to present to Alejandro my mock book of FLESH. I said it so matter of factly … he asked me how exactly was I going to find this iconic presence ? What leads did I have? People I knew? believing in myself delusionaly, which is something you must do to succeed. And I knew we would have a similar view of the world and appreciation for one another’s work… I remember my dad said ok so let’s pretend you find this legend- if by some absurd chance- to which I kept interupting him and saying “WHEN I find him” as he would finally give in and just said ok Bella, if- sorry I mean “when you do” , (as I traveled with that large 3 ring binder halfway across the world, clutched in my arms as I knew how life changing this was going to be), he then asked me, what if he says no baby? And my response just left a beautiful silence because he knew he had raised a kid, his babygirl… and she had zero fears, believed in herself without question , and was never following to the beat of another drummer… she was dancing to the music in her head instead.. and I said “Daddy… then he will have said no to my face”. And that gave him peace, understanding and then respect for me- of how much I want my dream and that I have a voice and point of view that is important… and will move and shake things… because the people that are crazy enough to think they can change the world…. are the ones that do.
oh! And on 11.11.,2011, is the first and only time so far I cried so hard because I was so happy. I was walking down the street at some Los Feliz outdoor market, and I bumped into my girlfriend Rhianna (the designer for Vida Kush- another stunningly talented friend of mine), and this petite beauty, who’s name happened to be Sisilia… asked if she could shoot me- just candidly doing my shit around my place, and some set up shots. That day- it was announced I was Vogue Italia’s photo of the day, and Franca Sozzani- the editor in chief, may she rest in piece… curated an exhibit at Palazzo Citterio in Milan, of Vogue’s 100 most influential photos… and there I am.. with curlers in my hair, wearing my lynx fur coat, and these Giuseppe Zannoti cut out sculptural platforms that I’ve tried to have fixed and repaired numerous times… chopping tomatoes (as I truly was starting to make dinner), a cigarette dangling from my lips. and a glass of red wine next to me. I had no idea what Sisilia was doing but asked me if I was to title that piece… what would I call it? and I said “The Bourgeois Butcher”.. and it is still in Vogue Italia’s gallery, with the prints still for sale. And had no clue about that aspect until a friend of mine I hadn’t heard from in years,.. Laura Poladsky- sent a text message… of her standing next to my photo… and sent video and I found out that the authenticity Sisilia captured- I’ve always been very comfortable with cameras around… and the legend Franca Sozzani felt that image was worthy of being in vogue Italia’s 100 most influential photos. I was just chopping tomatoes… in curlers in my favorite coat… with these shoes that are truly art… and that is actually very typical for me. You might wear Uggs… sometimes my tall black long goat hair boots are just a bit more fitting… it’s a bit chilly? that might call for a hand beaded cape… more than a hoodie or something of that sort. I play dress up and take pictures and people give me money to do that. I never grew up because no one made me, they paid me instead….
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am fearless to the extent it scares some. I truly believe in my vision… because it will never happen unless you believe it will. And I don’t believe in the word impossible. The only things that are impossible to me- my personal belief is: being able to spend time with those, even 15 seconds with those we love that have passed. And being able to travel backwards in time. Everything else… if you want it bad enough… you can make it happen. and it won’t be easy at all.. I’m extremely tenacious… to a point I remember the women that raised me and was like my mom… Dr. Toni Martha Bernay… said Jazzie what scares me about you but excites me for you terrifies me for you. If you want something to happen…. it will. And she said that she prayed I would only use it for the good. I can’t say that I stayed true to that and didn’t have any of Toni’s fears come true because I did. But my passion… it’s something you cannot buy. The three most important things in life, to me… are time, love and passion. And there is no card black enough to be able to buy those few minutes you crave for your dad to hold your hand, and I cannot make out a check large enough- ever… for someone to truly and authentically love me. And passion? you cannot buy it…. you either have the fire inside or you don’t.
As Jack Kerouac found just the right words to make the words on the page dance in your head as you close your eyes when you hear that excerpt from On The Road if I’m not mistaken:
“because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jazziebella.com , www.theperfectliar.com
- Instagram: @the_jazzie_bella. , @iamtheperfectliar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jazziebella6317
Image Credits
1) Caroline, vintage Moschino Jumpsuit, sleeve full of watches purchased at the flea market earlier that day, 5 euros for the box.
2) Christina, Chelsea Hotel New York, All lingerie: Agent Provocateur, Heels: Saint Laurent
3) Madison: asymmetrically cut fringe cowl neck sweatshirt: Zara, Layered fishnets: Hue
4) Lindsey Wixton, I-D magazine. Sweater Dress: Balenciaga, Thigh high suede boots: Gucci
5) Aubrie, mint bralette: Cosabella, trousers: Kut by Kloth, Earrings: Vintage
6) Rebecca L’Amore for Cake Magazine, story: “Blue Jean Baby”, Top: Hanes, Briefs: Hanky Panky, Heels: Jeffrey Campbell,
sheer silver socks: Urban Outfitters,
7) Madeline walking down Rue de Rivoli: Bodysuit: Alaia, Boots: Balmain, Hat- made by Jazzie Bella using wrapping paper,
cardboard, and spray mount.
8) “Last Call” for Jacques Magazine. Top: Vintage Gucci. Shoe: Pleaser. Jewelry on silver tray: Vida Kush, and Evil Pawn
Jewelry, Shot at the Madonna Inn
9) Molly, Jacket: Chanel, Shorts: Fleet Iiya, Shoes: Marc Jacob, Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs, scarf around neck: Saint Laurent
10) Cassandra Smith, for ‘Off The Rails’ magazine, story “LOVE BITES” vintage bodysuit, custom denim vest, and Officer hat,
all from we are the perfect costume department, Bag: Fredericks of Hollywood, Layered rings, Dollar King, Custom
made layered feather earring: Free People, Leopard print pony hair ankle boots: Christian Louboutin
11) Cassandra Smith, for ‘Off The Rails’ magazine, story “LOVE BITES” vintage bodysuit, custom denim vest, and Officer hat, all
from we are the perfect costume department, Bag: Fredericks of Hollywood, Layered rings, Dollar King, Custom made
layered feather earring: Free People. Leopard print pony hair ankle boots: Christian Louboutin
12) Georgie McBride for Careste Fall Winter 2024 ad campaign.
13) Mandy, in vintage fur coat, Pants: Mother Denim, All jewelry: Alexis Bittar
14: Allyson, Top: Kenzo, Briefs: Victoria Secret
15: Molly for Carmen Steffans handbag campaign. Blazer: Adolfo Sanchez, Sunglasses: Celine, purse: Carmen Steffans
16) Kirsty for Quandro Magazine, story “tEeTHerED.iN.LeATher” Top: Hanes, Skirt made entirely out of belts by Melamed,
John-Paul Gautier belt with silver metal loops, snakeskin belt worn as necklace: melamed. Boots: Raye
17) Cassandra Smith for “Off The Rails” magazine story, “THE BENDER”
Denim skirt worn as cape: Ann Taylor, Denim Eyelet Bralette: Christoper Kane, Elbow length leather gloves, Saint
Laurent, Boots: Dr. Marten
18) Georgie McBride for ‘Cake Magazine’ story “Love Her Madly”
Leather Pants: Theory, Bathing suit top: Forever 21, Boots: Dr. Marten, Jacket: vintage Miller beer, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
19) Justice, Black beaded fishnet top from we are the perfect costume department, High Waist Shorts: Zimmerman, Boots:
Justin
20) Andi, for Polaroid series. Dress: Vintage Christian Dior, modified for shoot.
21) Jess Mellow, for ‘Artego Magazine” story “RED xxx ALERT” skirt worn as dress: Capezio, Belt: Melamed, Shoes: Y.R.U, earrings:
we are the perfect costume department, Sunglasses: Stella McCartney
