Check out our exclusive interview with famously self-styled as America’s first supermodel Janice Dickinson.
Renowned for gracing Vogue covers worldwide and her role as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model” for four seasons, Dickinson expanded her influence to reality TV with her series “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency.” Shifting gears from her decades-long entertainment career, Janice is now making waves in the music industry and on social media, particularly TikTok, where her runway walk ratings go viral. Following the success of her debut EP “I Coined It,” which hit #1 on the US iTunes dance charts, she’s poised to release new music in 2024, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
Follow Janice on IG @janicedickinson & TikTok @officaljanicedickinson
Describe your sound in three words.
Old: Catchy, finger-snappin, cool.
New: Upbeat, beautiful, something new.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
Janice Joplin, Miles Copland, and Stevie Nicks. All of the above said, I just want to share how I feel with everybody else.
Do you ever get nervous?
No.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Hitting the note that I set out to hit.
How did you overcome challenges in the early stages of your career?
Practice.
Having witnessed the evolution of the fashion and modeling industry over the years, what are the most significant changes you’ve observed, and how do you feel about them?
We had more fun. The models today are cold-faced, with zero to say. We were always bragging about our careers back then. We never really hear what it’s like from supermodels today.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
Going to a photo shoot and waiting for the photos to come out in print is pretty rewarding. What isn’t rewarding is a bad sight of myself or some un-retouched photo.
Looking back at your illustrious career, what do you consider your greatest achievement, and is there anything you would have done differently?
Vogue covers, proud of that. I would have shown up more on time due to the effects of alcohol from the night before.
The most important thing when you are shooting is:
Having a sense of humor. Honestly, laughter is the key to everything.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in modeling?
When you’re a model, you eat, sleep, and crap modeling. You watch what you eat, go to the gym, and you’re constantly on the move to maintain squeezing into the same jeans you’ve worn since you were 19. Don’t drink and take drugs. It’ll show up on your face sooner or later.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Charles James because he draped the body so well. Isa Laurant from the 60s: I loved the way he did smoking jackets for the nighttime femme de la oui look (Woman of the Night). Asadine Aliah for present-day designers; his designs will rock on forever.
Models: Lauren Hutton – had the first Revlon contract, – love all her photos by Richard Avedon; when I look at those, they make me feel good. Iman Bowie – always love to see what she’s up to.
What’s next for Janice Dickinson in 2024?
Book 4 is calling out to me. Plus, new music in a new style.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Comfort with an edge.
Best advice ever given?
Drink water.
Do you support any charities?
The AIDS project.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Anything that’s on the radio – I think I can belt it out and sing it just as good – or I try to.
What do you think of social media?
Being that I wasn’t born into it, I feel that it’s taken me a while to catch up with the young folk. I rely heavily on someone who’s younger than I am and who’s quicker. I don’t know how to send all the buttons to where they need to be.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram @janicedickinson
TikTok @officaljanicedickinson
Quote: Treat em mean and keep em keen.
