Jimmy Pezzino : The It Boy

Jimmy Pezzino runs on New York energy — a fit model and performer whose competitive gymnastics background keeps him a force to be reckoned with. A proud member of NYC's queer community, Jimmy moves fluidly between two worlds: model-off-duty ease by day and full pop star drag as his alter ego Jamie CD by night. Rooted in early 2000s nostalgia and inspired by the freedom to show up exactly as yourself, Jimmy brings that same infectious confidence whether he's fitting for HOLD NYC or performing for a packed room.

HOLD - You are such a go getter and always down for a gig, what drives you?

Jimmy - Well thank you! I honestly love the New York hustle and when an opportunity comes my way, especially when it has to do with fashion or performing for an audience, I’m going to take it! I think my drive comes from growing up as a competitive gymnast. That intense passion and drive carried over into my adulthood.

H - What's something you can't leave home without right now?

J - Fragrance! Everyday is a different mood, and a different outfit. Whatever my look is for the day, I complement it with the perfect fragrance (I have a ridiculous collection) and I carry an atomizer with me to spray more throughout the day. 

H - Being a fit model, your body is literally a blueprint for clothing. What does it feel like to dress for yourself? 

J - Honestly it’s fun! Everything fits like a glove, especially if I fit for the brand. I know if I’m wearing a HOLD NYC piece the medium is my exact size and fits so well. The fun part is styling everything together to create the perfect outfit. 


H - You are such a chameleon, showing up in a baseball cap and jeans and turning into a total pop goddess in the same day - is there a form or style that feels the truest to you or do they all truly reflect different parts of yourself? Do you have a favorite right now?

J - In true Gemini form I 100% have two sides. One is Jimmy and the other is Jamie CD. Both represent me in different ways. I think day-to-day my style is “model off duty,” Casual, cool, chic. When I get into drag is when the pop star diva comes out. I love color, sparkle and to show lots of skin. I’m most inspired by the 90’s/early 2000’s fashion when it comes to dressing myself in and out of drag. That’s where all my inspiration comes from. That’s where I find my truest self.

H - We talked about how excited we are for the return of this 2000's A&F vibe happening right now - why are you so drawn to that era? 

J - We did! I’m excited because it just feels so nostalgic to me. Everyone’s bringing back those same early 2000’s styles and silhouettes. It was prep school cool and everyone wanted to be a part of that era. 

H - What does being a part of the queer community in NYC mean to you? How do you try and move that community forward in positive ways?

J - It’s really important to me. Especially when I’m in drag. I feel like we are moving the needle forward each time get into drag and show up! It’s the freedom to express yourself how you wish to do so. I know that when I’m performing for an audience in NYC I inspire at least one person to find the courage to really be themselves. It’s infectious and I love that about the NYC community!