Shaun Ross (model)

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".

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

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]

Early life

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".[4] 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.[5] 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"[6] and "Pretty Hurts",[7][8] Gold Fields' "Dark Again", Issues' "Coma", two music videos from Steve Aoki's extended play 4OKI ("ILYSM" with Autoerotique and "Kids" with Morten),[9] as well as Lana Del Rey's short film Tropico,[10] Leona Lewis' "Fire Under My Feet" and Duke Dumont's "Red Light Green Light".

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

Ross participates in the underground ballroom scene in New York and Los Angeles, where he often vogues as a member of the famed House of Xtravaganza.[11][12]

References
  1. "Model Shaun Ross Explains Pivot to Music With Debut Single 'Symmetry'". Billboard. November 3, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  2. "Shaun Ross Sings His Ethereal Equality Anthem "Good Vein" For Press Play". Recording Academy. July 18, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  3. "ReImagined Returns With More Exclusive & Unexpected Cover Performances All Summer Long". Recording Academy. July 9, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  4. "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.
  5. Selasi, K. (April 8, 2010). "Shaun Ross – Model Moment". IFashionNetwork.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2010. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
  6. Villagomez, A. (November 22, 2013). "Lana Del Rey Is Finally Ready To Debut 'Tropico', New Trailer: WATCH". NewNowNext. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  7. Hyman, D. (December 16, 2013). "How Beyoncé and Her Team Pulled It Off". Elle. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  8. Hislop, R. (December 13, 2013). "Beyoncé Brings Out The Minority Model A-Team For New 'Beyoncé' Videos". Global Grind. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  9. Diaz, Jordan (June 12, 2016). "Steve Aoki & Autoerotique unveil artsy "ILYSM" music video". Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  10. Lewis, R. (December 5, 2013). "Lana Del Rey's 27-minute short film "Tropico"". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  11. Bowen, Sesali (January 24, 2019). "Teyana Taylor's Ballroom Take On Cinderella Sees Lena Waithe As Prince Charming". Nylon. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  12. Street, Mikelle (January 24, 2019). "13 Ballroom Notables Teyana Taylor Cast For Her WTP Video". Out. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
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