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Jamaica Grace Jones, a Jamaican singer, songwriter, model, and actress, has established herself as an influential figure in music, fashion, and film, known for her distinctive style and impactful performances across various artistic platforms.
Grace Jones was featured as the new face of Wolford, a luxury designer brand, in their SS23 campaign, where she showcased her powerful persona in an immersive installation in Milan.
Jones partnered with Boy Smells to create her signature 'GRACE' candle, described as smelling of rainy Jamaica, which was sold exclusively on Boy Smells' website and select specialty retailers.
Grace Jones famously wore an iconic Armani suit on the cover of her 1981 album, representing a notable collaboration between the artist and the fashion designer.
The partnership between Keith Haring and Grace Jones was characterized by bold, vibrant artistic collaborations, notably Haring painting Jones head-to-toe for photographs and her role in the 1986 film 'Vamp'.
Grace Jones was among several stars, including Lou Reed and Miles Davis, who promoted the Honda Scooter.
Grace Beverly Jones was born on May 19, 1948, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Her early life was spent in a strict Pentecostal household, eventually moving to Syracuse, New York, with her parents when she was 13. She studied theater at Onondaga Community College and later moved to Philadelphia, immersing herself in counterculture movements and working as a go-go dancer. At 18, she signed with Wilhelmina Models and subsequently moved to Paris in 1970, where her unique, androgynous appearance quickly gained recognition. She modeled for prominent fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Kenzo and appeared on the covers of “Elle” and “Vogue Hommes,” establishing her as a distinctive presence in the fashion world, working with photographers such as Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer.
Jones transitioned into a music career in 1977, signing with Island Records. She became a central figure in New York City’s Studio 54 disco scene, releasing albums such as “Portfolio” (1977), “Fame” (1978), and “Muse” (1979). In the early 1980s, she shifted to a new wave style, incorporating reggae, funk, and post-punk elements, notably with albums like “Warm Leatherette” (1980) and “Nightclubbing” (1981). These albums featured collaborations with the Compass Point All Stars, including Sly & Robbie. Her hit singles during this period included “Private Life,” “Pull Up to the Bumper,” “Love Is the Drug,” and “Slave to the Rhythm.” Her stage performances were characterized by elaborate costumes and high theatricality. In 1982, her music video collection “A One Man Show,” directed by Jean-Paul Goude, earned a Grammy nomination.
Her acting career began with indie films before making a significant mark as Zula in “Conan the Destroyer” (1984) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and as May Day in the James Bond film “A View to a Kill” (1985). Both roles earned her Saturn Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She also starred in “Vamp” (1986). Later film roles included “Boomerang” (1992) with Eddie Murphy. Throughout her career, Jones has maintained a distinctive visual identity, often collaborating with graphic designer Jean-Paul Goude, whose stylized imagery contributed significantly to her iconic status. In 2015, she released her memoir, “I’ll Never Write My Memoirs.” Jones continued to perform and collaborate, curating the Meltdown Festival in 2022 and contributing to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” album in the same year, demonstrating her enduring impact on contemporary culture.
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