"TribBey"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where are you from?
TribBey: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
Copa: Where are you from?
TribBey: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
Copa: What school did you attend?
TribBey: I attended Virginia State University & the Fashion Institute of Technology. I did not finish my schooling at either institution. Nonetheless, I love learning, just not in the traditional methods.
TribBey: I attended Virginia State University & the Fashion Institute of Technology. I did not finish my schooling at either institution. Nonetheless, I love learning, just not in the traditional methods.
Copa: What was your first modeling assignment and photo shoot and how did you handle it?
TribBey: I was about 18 yrs old, completely inexperienced and naive. I loved fashion, yet I despised taking pictures. I thought if I could avoid the camera I would be fine. My greatest desire was to be on the runway. That's it, nothing else. In order to be a model images are necessary. With thst said; my first photo shoot was a disaster. I used my dance experience, yet I neglected to build a connection with the photographer or the camera. I am a serial blinker, as well. I still have yet to rid myself of this flaw. After that experience I truly had to reassess if I desired to pursue print modeling. It is not as easy as it appears in magazines.
TribBey: I was about 18 yrs old, completely inexperienced and naive. I loved fashion, yet I despised taking pictures. I thought if I could avoid the camera I would be fine. My greatest desire was to be on the runway. That's it, nothing else. In order to be a model images are necessary. With thst said; my first photo shoot was a disaster. I used my dance experience, yet I neglected to build a connection with the photographer or the camera. I am a serial blinker, as well. I still have yet to rid myself of this flaw. After that experience I truly had to reassess if I desired to pursue print modeling. It is not as easy as it appears in magazines.
Copa: The DMV and New York, what's your opinion on both fashion scenes, should they really be different and why?
TribBey: They are different. Every city has its own culture of fashion and style. For it to be exactly alike, is boring. Fashion has no limits. I am excited that more cities are claiming an identity and pushing for recognition in this industry. There is room for everyone. No city needs to be excluded from the fashion scene. Yes, we all know NYC is the hub for all things fashion. However, fashion lives wherever there are fashionable people.
TribBey: They are different. Every city has its own culture of fashion and style. For it to be exactly alike, is boring. Fashion has no limits. I am excited that more cities are claiming an identity and pushing for recognition in this industry. There is room for everyone. No city needs to be excluded from the fashion scene. Yes, we all know NYC is the hub for all things fashion. However, fashion lives wherever there are fashionable people.
Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
TribBey: That's a hard question for me. I am a thifty, frugal mother. So, I am more concerned about saving my dollars than what I am wearing. If I have to take down the curtains to stitch a dress, I am self-confident enough to do it. I will say, leaving New York has affected my sense of style. This surburan, car lifestyle does not excite me. Dressing in NYC was an ordeal. Being seen by the masses is a motivating factor to be unique.
TribBey: That's a hard question for me. I am a thifty, frugal mother. So, I am more concerned about saving my dollars than what I am wearing. If I have to take down the curtains to stitch a dress, I am self-confident enough to do it. I will say, leaving New York has affected my sense of style. This surburan, car lifestyle does not excite me. Dressing in NYC was an ordeal. Being seen by the masses is a motivating factor to be unique.
Copa: Who are your favorite designers and what are your favorite colors?
TribBey: I don't have a favorite. I am fickle. I love creative individuals that make impractical garments look and feel normal to the everyday women. That leaves me open to many. I love Orange. It looks amazing against my skin tone.
TribBey: I don't have a favorite. I am fickle. I love creative individuals that make impractical garments look and feel normal to the everyday women. That leaves me open to many. I love Orange. It looks amazing against my skin tone.
Copa: What would be your 'fashion fantasy' photo shoot be, and which photographer would you choose to shoot it?
TribBey: I am a lover of artist nude imagery. Especially, black & white imagery. I am horrible with scaling down to one choice. I would love to shoot with Brooklyn based photographer by the name Shamayim. The location would be the dessert. All I need is nature as my back drop and him capturing me.
TribBey: I am a lover of artist nude imagery. Especially, black & white imagery. I am horrible with scaling down to one choice. I would love to shoot with Brooklyn based photographer by the name Shamayim. The location would be the dessert. All I need is nature as my back drop and him capturing me.
Copa: Who are three of your favorite models?
TribBey: Me, myself and I. I don't have a favorite model. I admire many women for various different reasons.
TribBey: Me, myself and I. I don't have a favorite model. I admire many women for various different reasons.
Copa: What does the future hold for TribBey?
TribBey: I plan on modeling until I am old and grey. At one time I thought age would stop be. Not anymore! I plan on traveling abroad to expand my market. I am working on building my brand MDLFMedia, with my partner J Marcus Howard. We produce a web series called, "A Model Life" The concept explores my journey in this industry and my desire to share the stories of artist and talented individuals that use their God given talent to make a difference in their communities. Modeling is not just about being seen, it gives me an opportunity to give life to my dreams, while inspiring others to do the same. This platform is about being a role model in any genre or passion that motivates you to reach back and bring someone else along for the journey. I have endless projects that keep me happy and excited about life. I sell jewelry and I am working on handmade accessories. As long as I have my hands I will use them to create.
TribBey: I plan on modeling until I am old and grey. At one time I thought age would stop be. Not anymore! I plan on traveling abroad to expand my market. I am working on building my brand MDLFMedia, with my partner J Marcus Howard. We produce a web series called, "A Model Life" The concept explores my journey in this industry and my desire to share the stories of artist and talented individuals that use their God given talent to make a difference in their communities. Modeling is not just about being seen, it gives me an opportunity to give life to my dreams, while inspiring others to do the same. This platform is about being a role model in any genre or passion that motivates you to reach back and bring someone else along for the journey. I have endless projects that keep me happy and excited about life. I sell jewelry and I am working on handmade accessories. As long as I have my hands I will use them to create.
-PORTFOLIO-
~Copa