Issue 3: SIMONE TISCI

Read The Story: SIMONE RISING

the cred.

Starring: Simone Tisci, @JapaneseFaces

Photographer & Creative Director: Derek Blanks, @MrDBlanks

Fashion Stylist: Paris Chea, @ParisChea

Makeup: Simone Tisci, @JapaneseFaces

Hair: Trjko, @IAmTrjko

Words: Kelly Plourde, @Kelly_In_CT

Executive Producer: EJ Jamele, @EJ_Jamele

Production: Chris Paschal, @KPaschal4

Music: Kevin Jz, @KevinJzProdigy

SIMONE RISING

by Kelly Plourde

We first met Simone Tisci on season 2 of HBO’s hit show Legendary where she solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with, not only by being one of the best dancers ever to grace that stage, but by standing up for her art and her housemates against harsh critiques from the judges. She isn’t one to let anyone tell her who she is.

“You aren’t anything anyone says about you unless you believe it.”

Simone, the glorious phoenix rising from Japan (Japanesefaces, her MUA alter-ego) she sees herself as, a “mixture of both feminine and masculine energy that’s real and true and not going to be silenced.”

This ethos of outspoken-ness has been tempered by experience and the passion in her soul has been able to flourish as she designs a future for herself in line with who she is as a human; one who seeks to educate leading with kindness and impress with her myriad of creative outlets. Simone is not only an accomplished model and dancer having been featured in Dance Magazine, but also a celebrity MUA who has worked on campaigns with the likes of Angelica Ross, Ashanti, Ryan Destiny and Teyana Taylor.

“I had so much fun working with Teyana Taylor, she’s like my spirit animal.”

Her experience working with the incomparable Derek Blanks was unlike any other for her for a few reasons. On this shoot she was able to take the lead as Creative Director as well as beat her own mug for the gods while she was at it. She was so honored to be able to work with Derek and raved about the experience saying,

“We created magic together.”

In talking about the shoot, she described an atmosphere of ease with everyone involved, and that those collaborative efforts added to its success.

“The set was so comforting, everyone was so cool. He (Derek) is a legend in the game, and to have him listen to me is a big thing; to trust my vision and to actually see it come alive was amazing.”

Simone’s background as a dancer gives her a unique insight to how her body moves and looks on camera, creating compelling contortions contrasted by her celestial countenance. She is more than just another pretty face though. She recognizes that to move the world forward in a positive way we need to educate ourselves and others.

“People are so focused on how to bring each other down instead of learning about each other. All humans have challenges and on the other side of that is educating yourself so you can love people for who they are and maybe then, we can learn something from each other.”

“I’m always learning, there are so many things I want to do. I’d like to create more for myself, creating art and timeless, untainted moments. I want to continue to create photos that make people go crazy, like Amanda Lepore; she’s so unique and she just decided one day to showcase it. I take inspiration from that mindset.”

Being on the set of Lovecraft Country and getting a chance to work with the late, great Michael K. Williams was an experience she holds near and dear to her heart.

”I’m so happy I got to be in his presence, he was such a sweetheart.”

That experience added to her already growing interest in acting and seeing where that path might lead.

“I love acting and seeing myself as another character. I can change my voice a million times, I’ve wanted to get into voice acting for cartoons and voice overs so I am preparing for those opportunities.”

“I’m in the process of putting together a documentary of my life,” she said, “I have a story, darling.” She’s been writing her memoir for years and is now taking steps to bring that story to the masses.

“I think it’s important for LGBTQIA+ and cis people alike to hear my story because from the outside looking in, nowadays with social media, people don’t look at you like a human, everything is perfect and peachy on the gram like you shouldn’t have a moment where things aren’t right. I want people to see the real me including the imperfections.”

The real Simone is a person who has a deep held philosophy of self love; she loves herself unconditionally and encourages others to do the same.

“Work hard for yourself first, and love what you do. When you do that, you show others what it looks like. Part of this whole thing (society) changing is you being part of the change.”