Snapped & Caught

He's THE ONE

 Artist, rocker, designer, the sometimes sweet, sometimes tart JoJo Americo is Fashion Forward Men's latest It-Guy.

Let me take you to the world of my warped mind for a moment.  During the time I worked with JoJo I would always have a scenario play out in my head when I would see him.  In this fantasy, David Bowie and the members of the band Kiss all worked in a Science Lab together.  The gentlemen were given the task of creating a being in their likeness.  As a fly on the wall, I could see the musicians pouring cylinders of eye liner, sprinkles of glitter, a liberal amount  of jockstraps, garter belts, shoulder pads and  thigh high boots in a smoking pot, all while loudly chanting a song for a feisty persona.  The finish product would always be JoJo. 

Apparently knowing he was bound for greatness and wanting to be closer to a more vibrant scene, Mr. Americo packed up and moved from Yonkers to Manhattan in 1984.  Allegedly disco was about to die, and the infamous Studio 54 was on the verge of having its doors closed.  Even with all the drama and corruption going on, something was in the process of happening...the birth of Club Kid, and JoJo just happened to be one of the originals.   Although a great many individuals of this new era were practically unknown, this underground group of socialites not only carried a great deal of controversy, but possessed just as much talent as the more noticeable celebrities of disco.  

Growing tired of simply prancing around lip syncing other artists songs on stage, JoJo felt it was now time for club goers to actually hear his voice.  Teaming up with two of his dearest friends/artist, Paul Alexander and Nashom Wooden, the guys formed THE ONES.  Like any group, chances are their personal styles are going to be somewhat varied.  "Paul is more ethnic and elegant, and Nashom is more casual ," he describes.  JoJo goes on to tell me that although he and Paul tend to be the more crafty ones of the trio, the process is very diplomatic, and all three of them sit and make decisions regarding the groups overall image.  Frequently working with designer David Dalrymple, THE ONES costumes are bold, edgy, and ooze sex appeal.  

Diverting back to the topic of fashion was rather easy for me to do with JoJo, because I know its one of the things he lives for.  To no surprise of mine, the Fashion Forward-It Guy revealed that his favorite designers are Vivienne Westwood, and one of this sites personal favorites, Rick Owens.  I can actually see JoJo himself  practically modeling for either or both of them at any given time.  As far as his style icons, the performer takes his hat off to the legends David Bowie and Elton John , but also considers his mother and sisters to be very strong influences as well.  

Not that he has much spare time these days, but when he does, Americo enjoys painting.  And like his style of dress, his artwork certainly demands attention.  Whether it be the demon like faces that he is possibly more known for, or the colorful yet dark electric images he creates, JoJo's work definitely allows us to see a bit more of his many talents.  

 Always the one to stay busy, Fashion Forward Men learned that JoJo is working on a line of jewelry called 1919.  He also has plans of relocating to the other side of the world within the next five years.  Whether this is for personal or business choices remains to be seen, but as always, check back with FFM to find out.