Shaun Ross (model)

Shaun Ross
Shaun Ross in 2014 at the Life Ball charity event
Born (1991-05-10) May 10, 1991 (age 33)
New York City, United States
NationalityAmerican
Occupations
Known forThe first African-American male model with albinism
Websitewww.shaunross.co

Shaun Ross (born May 10, 1991) is an American model, recording artist, and actor. He is known for his work in the fashion world as the first professional male model with the congenital disorder albinism.[1] Ross has worked with various fashion designers, magazines and campaigns, including Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Vogue, GQ, Nylon and others. In 2018, he collaborated with designer Nina Athanasiou for the "In My Skin" clothing line to bring awareness to albinism.[2] He has also appeared in several videos from music artists, including Beyoncé's "Pretty Hurts", Lana Del Rey's short film Tropico, and Katy Perry's "E.T".

Ross released his debut single "Symmetry", featuring Lizzo on background vocals, in November 2017.[1] He released the single "Chrysalis" in August 2018, and opened for singer ionnalee in Los Angeles. He made his first music festival appearance performing with What So Not at the Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival. In 2019, he performed at LA Pride. He performed his song "Good Vein" for the Recording Academy original performance series Press Play, and a cover of Cher's "Believe" for the Recording Academy's Reimagined series.[2][3]

In 2021, Ross released his first full-length LP on JEX Records, entitled "SHIFT". Its second single, "You Care" was featured in HBO's "The Legend of the Underground", a documentary highlighting Nigerian legislation that discriminates against the LGBTQ community. In May 2021, Ross was the subject of a New York Times Style Section profile piece.[4]

Early life

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Ross is of African-American descent. Born in the Bronx, when he was growing up, Ross dealt with much discrimination for being a person with albinism. He was bullied frequently by his peers, called names such as "Powder", "Wite-Out", and "Casper".[5] After training at the Alvin Ailey School for five years, Ross was discovered on YouTube and crossed over to the fashion industry in 2008 at 16 years old.

Career

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At 16, he was represented by Djamee Models in New York City. He was also signed by AMCK Models London.[6] In 2018, he collaborated with designer Nina Athanasiou for the "In My Skin" clothing line to bring awareness to albinism.[2]

Ross has appeared in music videos, including Katy Perry's "E.T.", Beyoncé's "Party"[7] and "Pretty Hurts",[8][9] Gold Fields' "Dark Again", Issues' "Coma", two music videos from Steve Aoki's extended play 4OKI ("ILYSM" with Autoerotique and "Kids" with Morten),[10] as well as Lana Del Rey's short film Tropico,[11] Leona Lewis' "Fire Under My Feet", Duke Dumont's "Red Light Green Light", and Charli XCX's "Boys".

He released his debut single "Symmetry", featuring Lizzo on background vocals, in November 2017.[1] In August 2018, he released the single "Chrysalis", and opened for singer ionnalee in Los Angeles. He made his first music festival appearance performing with Australian electronic artist What So Not at the Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival. In 2019, he performed at LA Pride. He later performed his song "Good Vein" for the Recording Academy original performance series Press Play, and a cover of Cher's "Believe" for the Recording Academy's Reimagined series.[2][3]

Personal life

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Ross participates in the underground ballroom scene in New York and Los Angeles, where he often vogues as the west coaster father of the famed House of Ninja.[12][13] He is openly gay, and announced his engagement to model and actor David Alan Madrick on August 10, 2022, via Instagram and People Magazine.[14][15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Model Shaun Ross Explains Pivot to Music With Debut Single 'Symmetry'". Billboard. November 3, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "Shaun Ross Sings His Ethereal Equality Anthem "Good Vein" For Press Play". Recording Academy. July 18, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "ReImagined Returns With More Exclusive & Unexpected Cover Performances All Summer Long". Recording Academy. July 9, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  4. ^ Hawgood, Alex (28 May 2021). "Model Shaun Ross Charts a Musical Path". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "Redefining Beauty: Shaun Ross". Tyra.com. 2009. Archived from the original on November 2, 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2015. This short piece covers Banks's meeting Ross which led up to the episode. The site is now defunct, and no video is available from it (or even images), though the episode can be found on YouTube and similar sites. Exact airdate uncertain.
  6. ^ Selasi, K. (April 8, 2010). "Shaun Ross – Model Moment". IFashionNetwork.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2010. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
  7. ^ Villagomez, A. (November 22, 2013). "Lana Del Rey Is Finally Ready To Debut 'Tropico', New Trailer: WATCH". NewNowNext. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  8. ^ Hyman, D. (December 16, 2013). "How Beyoncé and Her Team Pulled It Off". Elle. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  9. ^ Hislop, R. (December 13, 2013). "Beyoncé Brings Out The Minority Model A-Team For New 'Beyoncé' Videos". Global Grind. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  10. ^ Diaz, Jordan (June 12, 2016). "Steve Aoki & Autoerotique unveil artsy "ILYSM" music video". Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  11. ^ Lewis, R. (December 5, 2013). "Lana Del Rey's 27-minute short film "Tropico"". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  12. ^ Bowen, Sesali (January 24, 2019). "Teyana Taylor's Ballroom Take On Cinderella Sees Lena Waithe As Prince Charming". Nylon. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  13. ^ Street, Mikelle (January 24, 2019). "13 Ballroom Notables Teyana Taylor Cast For Her WTP Video". Out. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  14. ^ "SHAUN ROSS on Instagram: "@people /// He said "YES" !! I have known @davidalanmadrick for 11 years, and in those 11 we have both watched each other blossom into different versions of ourselves. I knew from the moment I met David that something about him was familiar, like a twin flame, home. We weren't quite ready yet at the moment, but I knew there was something more than what our eyes could see. He has made me feel beyond myself , safe and at home in every fiber of his being, and then the picture became more clear to me that it wouldn't be complete without him in it. He continues to be by my side in the brightest and darkest of times, and most importantly, he allows me to be unconditional. I can't wait to marry you, Mr. Madrick, and make you a "Ross. " I can't wait to grow finer with you and explore new horizons that God has in store for the both of us. Here's to a sea of sunsets and a mountain high of sunrises. I love you till the end of time. I want to thank @jeandousset for custom-making this Zoe lab-grown eco-friendly diamond ring to ensure no one was harmed in the process and showing beyond sustainability in the health of our world today. I chose this eternity band to represent our eternal love. Thank you to all of my friends and family who watched us both blossom together, so you know the love is beyond real. We have a wedding to plan, and you have one to attend. Photos by @laikenjoy Lighting by : @e.films Styled by @cosstores #strongblackmen #blackgay #blackgaycouples #blackqueer #blackgayweddings #engaged"". Instagram. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  15. ^ "Model Shaun Ross Engaged to Actor David Alan Madrick — All the Details on Their At-Home Proposal". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-04-17.
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