Meet Jazzie Bella

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jazzie Bella. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jazzie below.

Jazzie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I think it came from always knowing who I am. I truly have always known who I am, unapologetically, with honesty, and truly believing, not in myself… but in my vision- following what makes me feel alive… and it’s always been story telling. The mediums may have changed… but the concept always the same. Story telling

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Currently I’m gathering and working on my quarterly publication, FLESH to come to fruition. As much as my masthead that I have approached and shown my mock book to absolutely love our modus operandi and who we are, what we’re about and all of the above- capital is what we need as artists to have our projects to come to fruition of course. So each step I make, progress wise with FLESH is very exciting for me.
More currently than that, FLESH MACHINE, is a photography exhibit which I am preparing, in hopes I earn a grant to have the production of creating this exhibit come full circle. The concept is smart art… and the images are exciting and visually enticing, very visceral.. because I believe human beings and animals are becoming one and the same- so it’s the dehumanization of FLESH more or less.. I don’t want to give too much away except for I’m currently casting and very excited to see this take shape.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

three qualities…

1) Believing in yourself delusionally, Truly delusionally… is how I can even pretend that I have an iota of a career that I’m proud of..

2) Play to lose. My fearlessness has definetly been imperative of going after what I want, because you will never get what you want unless you ask… go for it. And what’s the worst that could happen? Someone say no? Then ok- it was a no to begin with so what have you lost? Absolutly nothing,.. so bravery… fearlessness is imperative. Not needed, or should have- no it is essential, imperative, without it- you will just be coasting with content… and I don’t do complacency. I just simply don’t.

3) No doesn’t mean you’re not talented. When the first person says no.. go to the next… and then the next.. and the next.. and the next. NO DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE NOT TALENTED!

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“The Giving Tree”. The message is so loud and clear, so simple, so true- and if we all practice just a little more kindness.. how far we can go. Absolutly love everything about that book.. what it stands for, the simplicity of driving the message of- be kind… be compassionate, be giving, loving, empathetic… give. I love it deeply on so many levels

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jazziebella.com www.theperfectliar.com
• Instagram: @the_jazzie_bella. @iamtheperfectliar
• Other:
  ‘the people that are crazy enough to think they can change the world… are the ones that do”

Image Credits

WARDROBE CREDITS

1. Suit- Gucci
Bracelets on right hand: Louis Vuitton
Bracelets on left hand: Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent
Ring on right hand Saint Laurent
Rings on left hand: Tiffany & Co., and Vida Kush

2. Bodysuit: Agent Provocateur

3. White floor length marabou coat: We are the perfect costume department
Heels: Carmen Steffans
Phone: stylists own

4. Dress: Balmain
Hat: Handmade from chopsticks by Jazzie Bella.
Heels: Jimmy Choo

5. Vintage Purple Suede and white Mongolian lamb fur trimmed coat: Lilli Ann
Necklaces: Models own

6. Vintage 80’s Chanel Bag, Stylists own
Leather gold skirt:
Tall black suede boots: Dolce Vita

7. One piece suspender lingerie: Vintage

8. Sequin and beaded coat: Vintage Lawrence Kazar
Panties: Hanky Panky

9. One piece vintage 1980’s heart print suspender bathing suit: we are the perfect costume department
Heels: Versace
Earrings: we are the perfect costume department
All hats hanging in background: We are the perfect costume department

10. Cropped top: Saturday School:
Lace one piece underneath: Honey Birdette
Vintage thick red crocodile belt: Stylists own
Jeans: Mother denim
Fishnets: Hue
Shoes: Dr. Marten

11. Silk oversized wide leg trousers: designed by Jazzie Bella
Scarf: Lace Trim from Michael Levine
Earrings: made by Jazzie Bella

12. (On left) Bodysuit: Wolford
Tall black suede boots: Raye
(On right) Sheer tunic: Rachel Zoe

13. Top: Hanes
Panties: Kiki De Montparnasse
Heels: Jeffrey Campbell
Silver ruffle socks: stylists own

14. Cropped cut sweatshirt: Saturday School
Swarovski handmade headband: MELAMED
Panties: Hanes
Boots: White Goat Fur Boots by Oscar de la Renta sport
Handbag: Vintage stylists own

PERSONAL PHOTO CREDITS

Jumpsuit: L’Agence
Heels: Givenchy
Bracelets: assortment of: Tiffany & Co. , Swarovski, Evil Pawn Jewelry, Pascal Mouwad, Vintage pieces, Vida Kush, Van Cleef & Arpel, and Chrome Hearts.
Rings:
Right hand- index finger, Pink and white diamond ring, designed by Jazzie Bella’s father, 2 rings on right hand, 4th finger, engagement ring of parents, and ring from grandfather.
Left Hand- Index finger, oversized Onyx ring by Evil Pawn Jewelry, Middle Finger- layered: Tiffany & Co., 14 Karats pave diamond spacer ring, top ring, emerald and diamond ring family heirloom from father.
Gold “Bella: name plate necklace: 14 Karats Beverly Hills
Custom necklace designed by Nate Merritt
Lariat Cross necklace: Chrome Hearts

Photographer: Adrienn Reico

Hairstylist: Jameel Anderson