Pink Crystal Bra by E L L A Z A H L A N
Black Pants by Karen Millen

Isis King, a model, actress, and fashion designer, gained recognition for being the first openly transgender contestant on “America’s Next Top Model. She is best known for her roles in the series “When They See Us,” “Good Trouble,” “The L Word: Generation Q, Shameless,” and most recently “With Love.” In “With Love,” King plays the spunky transgender oncologist Sol Perez, who quickly became a fan favorite. Being a huge advocate for human rights, King is on the board of the Ali Forney Center and FOLX Health and is an ambassador for GLAAD and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. You can catch Isis King in the new season of “With Love,” premiering on Amazon Prime June 2nd and see her character navigate love, friendship, family, and career.

Black Ruffle Mini Dress by Gaurav Gupta
Neck piece by Georgina Jewelry
Purple Heels by FRANCO SARTO

Who was your greatest inspiration growing up?
My mom, but also “Storm from the X-Men.” Everything about Storm made me want to be just like her: her strength and her regal-ness.

What drew you to modeling?
Back home in Maryland, high school fashion shows were really popular and I used to watch Tyra and Naomi on the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows as well. I wanted to be just like them. After college, I joined the ballroom scene, and made a name for myself in the runway category, which was where I perfected my skills.

How did you get your start in acting?
After Top Model, I thought the sky was the limit. I started by joining a few off Broadway plays that led me to being in a short film, which led me to flying to the Philippines solo to film an indie movie in 2011. That’s when I really knew it was something I wanted to do.

**Left:**
Black jumpsuit by NADINE MERABI
Black Heels by ALEVí Milano
Earrings by Guzema Fine Jewelry
**Right:**
Black Ruffle Mini Dress by Gaurav Gupta
Neck piece by Georgina Jewelry
Purple Heels by FRANCO SARTO

What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on? Why?
“When They See Us” and “With Love“ that I’m working on now. “When They See Us” challenged me emotionally, and “With Love” I never saw a character like Sol just be loved and happy.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists, particularly those in the trans community?
To never give up on their dream, and that manifestation is real so if you believe then it is possible. Carve out a space for yourself and create your art.

What attracted you to play Sol Perez in “With Love?”
I’ve never seen a trans character be loved by friends, family, a partner, and also have a booming career. That in itself is groundbreaking, and I wanted to be a part of it.

**Left:**
Black Bling Structural Dress by Zaffori
Earrings by Jadore Fine Jewelry
Purple Heels by FRANCO SARTO
Right:
Black jumpsuit by NADINE MERABI
Black Heels by ALEVí Milano
Earrings by Guzema Fine Jewelry

How has Sol grown since the first season of “With Love?”
Sol is more grounded in who they are, their fashion has elevated because of their career, and they are just way more confident in general. You’re going to see them this season really learn to stand up for themselves as well.

What similarities and differences are there between Sol and you?
We are different because Sol is an oncologist, and I will faint at the sight of blood lol. We are similar because we are the ones that people go to for advice, and I like to think that I have a gentle heart just like Sol and want to help people out.

Was there any preparation you had to do for the character?
Not really, I feel like this character resonated with me more than any other character I’ve ever had. Sol is such a sweet, gentle soul, and it’s so refreshing to see a trans character get to be this person let alone me having the opportunity to bring this person to life.

**Left:**
Black jumpsuit by NADINE MERABI
Black Heels by ALEVí Milano
Earrings by Guzema Fine Jewelry
**Right:**
Black Bling Structural Dress by Zaffori
Earrings by Jadore Fine Jewelry
Purple Heels by FRANCO SARTO

What do you hope viewers take away from the show?
I want viewers to see that inclusion as normal, that we all deserve to be loved, and we should all be able to coexist in harmony. I hope they also take away the importance of family and chosen family.

As an ambassador of GLAAD and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, how do you plan on using your platform to further their missions?
I’m doing it, sharing my story and normalizing who we are as trans people. To elevate the voices of others as much as I can, and be the most positive representation I can be for my community.

Why are these organizations important, and what impact do you hope they have?
I hope more than anything they help reach allies and people who want to stand with our community because sometimes the allies are the ones who are in the rooms and these organizations amplify voices even louder than we can individually.

What can fans look forward to from you in the future?
Hopefully more Sol, and the rest is up to the universe! The sky’s the limit.

Social Media.
Instagram: @msisisking
Twitter: @MsIsisKing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsIsisKing
Website: https://www.kingisis.com/

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Videographer: Zapman Creative Haus
Talent: Isis King
Fashion Stylist: KAIJ
Hair: Pavy Olivarez at Rouge Artists
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets by Daniel López Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Gabriela Gonzalez, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD STUDIOS