Shaun Ross (model)

Shaun Ross

Shaun Ross (Life Ball 2014)
Born May 10, 1991
The Bronx, New York City, New York, United States
Nationality American
Occupation Professional fashion model and amateur actor and dancer
Known for The first male albino model

Shaun Ross (born May 10, 1991) is an American professional fashion model, actor and dancer of African descent, best known for being the first male albino model. He has been featured in photo-editorial campaigns in fashion publications including British GQ, Italian Vogue, i-D Magazine, Paper Magazine and Another Man. He has modeled for Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.[1]

Early life

Born in the Bronx, when he was growing up, Ross dealt with much discrimination for being albino. He was bullied frequently by his peers, called names such as "Powder", "Wite-Out", and "Casper".[2] 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

At 16 he was represented by Djamee Models in New York City. He was also signed by AMCK Models London.[1]

In 2009, Ross appeared on the Tyra Banks Show. He shared the show with fellow albinistic African American model Diandra Forrest; together, they shared their life stories about how different life was for them.[2] Later that year, Ross played a role in a short film by Yoann Lemoine which won a first-place prize in a contest sponsored by Italian Vogue. Ross also worked with other directors, such as Julien Seri, Jason Last, Jessica Yatrofsky and Ella Manor in both film and television.

Ross has appeared in music videos, including Katy Perry's "E.T.", Beyoncé's "Party"[3] and "Pretty Hurts",[4][5] Gold Field's "Dark Again", as well as Lana Del Rey's short film Tropico.[6]

Ross recently became the face of Ford Vehicles, with the slogan "Be Unique".

Personal life

Ross participates in the underground ballroom scene in New York, where he often vogues as a free agent.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Selasi, K. (April 8, 2010). "Shaun Ross – Model Moment". IFashionNetwork.com. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Redefining Beauty: Shaun Ross". Tyra.com. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
  3. ↑ Villagomez, A. (November 22, 2013). "Lana Del Rey Is Finally Ready To Debut 'Tropico', New Trailer: WATCH". NewNowNext. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  4. ↑ Hyman, D. (December 16, 2013). "How Beyoncé and Her Team Pulled It Off". Elle. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  5. ↑ Hislop, R. (December 13, 2013). "Beyoncé Brings Out The Minority Model A-Team For New 'Beyoncé' Videos". Global Grind. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  6. ↑ Lewis, R. (December 5, 2013). "Lana Del Rey's 27-minute short film 'Tropico'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 18, 2013.