Gillette Nina Oricci, a renowned runway instructor and LGBTQIA+ advocate, has been teaching modeling and ballroom runway classes since 2014. She has been an integral part of the Ballroom community for 15 years, earning the Legendary title for her mastery of the European Runway category. Gillette has graced the pages of magazines such as Vogue, TENz Magazine, and more. She’s also walked the runway for renowned brands like LUAR, Moncler, Bcalla, and Coach during NY Fashion Week.
She is the co-founder of the Royal House of Nina Oricci, featured on HBO Max’s Legendary Season 2, and actively supports Young MSMOCO (Men who have sex with Men of Color) in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. With a decade of experience as an HIV testing counselor, health educator, and program coordinator in the NYC/NJ area, Gillette continues to advocate for this community. Gillette is one of the iconic trailblazers highlighted in our “Ballroom LSS Trailblazers” Pride Listicle, which can be viewed HERE. In this interview, Gillette chats with MEFeater about some of her career highlights and her life as an activist.
Modeling & Fashion
What drew you to modeling?
G: What drew me to modeling was that I knew I was always different, but I’ve never been afraid of being different. I’ve always felt, “I can do that too.” Modeling is much more than just walking in clothing and being pretty; it’s a level of confidence and self-acceptance that shines when you walk into a simple room. I wanted to be that!
You have worked with so many iconic designers and brands; what’s your favorite collaboration to date, and what’s your dream collab?
G: In my career, I’ve been allowed to be in the spaces of so many up-and-coming designers, from modeling on the Project Runway Season Finale show to walking in multiple New York Fashion Weeks consistently. If I could say my all-time favorite show I walked would be the Beilharz fashion show in 2022 for 7 Runway New York Fashion Week, I loved the clothing, the designer, and the message he was displaying to the audience. It was such an honor to be a part of that show.
Activism
How and why did you become an activist for MsMOCO and what lessons have you learned through your activism?
G: My reasons for becoming an activist are simple. We, as a community, are all we have, and we must protect and keep our culture and community safe by any means necessary. So a person such as myself shows up in spaces and advocates for LGBTQ youth rights and the disparities they face. I will always stand up! Some lessons I’ve learned are to be more creative, and to learn how to support and show up for people in my community.
Let’s talk about Ballroom
Having been in the Ballroom scene for 15 years now, what are some of your highlights? Can you tell us about your journey as the legendary Founding Mother, Gillette Nina Oricci?
G: Whew! That’s a lot! Some of my highlights are sometimes going through old clips and looking at the younger Gillette growth to the Legendary Founding Mother Gillette Oricci now. I’ve had so many hard and some good times within ballroom. Some of my highlights are being able to hit the floor and show off my looks and talent. The claps and screams from the crowd feed my energy and make me go back for more.
One of my most notable moments was the Latex Ball 2018 when I went as the Egyptian black cat. A night I was so nervous to be walking out first. But it was just another moment to take a leap of faith, and the ballroom community embraced it so well.
Being a mother is one of my greatest accomplishments. Being able to teach, guide, and give love to those who are the younger generation of my community is so full circle for me. Teaching them the way of not only ballroom but everyday life skills and showing them unconditional love has been the highlight ever.
What do you believe makes/defines a trailblazer?
A ballroom trailblazer is someone who continues to understand the assignment and is constantly thinking outside the box in order to be an innovator in the scene. I am a trailblazer because I am constantly reinventing myself with whatever creative ideas come to mind.
Legendary Gillette Nina Oricci is Ballroom’s triple threat, dazzling one runway stride at a time. The trailblazer has dominated the scene and reigns supreme worldwide.
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