Make Up: Val C
Stylist: Tiffany Dean
Hey, I'm where Google Maps said the address is but I don't see an entrance. Where exactly is the studio?" Melyssa asks over the phone.
Our studio in El Segundo is unmarked and harder to find than a DEA safehouse. The Taliban, the cast of Jersey Shore, or Mel Gibson's sanity could be hiding in our building and no one would be any wiser. Of all the six models we've shot there thus far, zero have found it on their first try. A phone call five minutes before the call time is an expected occurrence.
"It's kind of complicated, there aren't any signs. Do you see a roll-up door?" As I ask the question I hear an loud screech in the background.
"Oh crap! I gotta go!" Melyssa whispers. The phone goes dead.
Concerned, I try calling her back. No answer. I wait 10 minutes and try calling again. No answer. Another 15 minutes pass when I get a text from Melyssa: "LOL. Got pulled over in my hooptie drift car while I was talking to you. The window doesn't roll down so I had to open the door to talk to him. LOL. I'll be right there."
As I finish reading the message, a tri-colored S13 coupe with a blue body, black front bumper, and one red fender pulls up. The bumper is hanging off the radiator support and its right side skirt is hanging off to the side like KITT in Super Pursuit Mode (the original Pontiac and not the crap Ford version). There's no freaking way Melyssa's rocking this bucket . . .
The Nissan parks and out walks Melyssa in all her 5'10" glory. What followed was the oddest reaction. Normally, a dude rolling in something that unkempt would draw a clowning remark or two dozen, but this driver, being a smoking hot girl, made the janky 240 unbelievably cool. And for Melyssa, it upped her stock, making her endearing, and consequently, even hotter. I don't quite understand how the logic behind that works, but I think it has something to do with the different regions of the brain that process cars and girls overlapping.
Here's a fact: you're the first model to get popped for a fix-it ticket on the way to the photoshoot. What happened?
[laughs] I'm the proud owner of a beautiful masterpiece in the making, a '91 240SX, and the brake lights were out.
Did you buy the S13 to drift?
Yes and I love it! I asked around and sought advice from people in the drift scene on building a car and most of them suggested a 240SX. I searched online and checked out a few that were on sale. After I test drove this one, I knew I had to buy it. Ever since, I've been modifying it and making it more comfy to drive, yet still drift.
What modifications have you done?
Lowered suspension, Sparco Corsa seats and harnesses, and I got rid of the back seat and added a hot pink roll cage. It's girly and fun. Oh, and I have one of those pine tree air fresheners hanging from one of the hoops of the cage.
Have you tried drifting ?
I've taken Drift 101 lessons with Taka Aono. He is the best teacher ever!
How did you get into drifting?
Holding the title of 2010 Miss FD, I got to interview the drivers right after their winning run and I could feel their adrenaline and excitement. And just from the first event at Long Beach, I was hooked. Formula Drift created a drift monster in me. [laughs]
How's the Miss Formula D thing working out?
It's been great and I feel privileged. I really enjoy the atmosphere and sense of teamwork everyone has. Formula D is a very happy place.
What's your favorite moment to-date as Miss Formula D?
The days I make it through without tripping or falling out of my high heels. I fall a lot. [laughs] Besides that, it would be the ride-alongs. It's like the ultimate roller coaster ride.