For the Courage issue of RUSSH, our ‘New Faces’ were asked to share a quote or message that was close to their heart.

Meet Tissa Fernando, who like a true Cancerian and always speaks the truth, promptly replied with ‘It’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees’. Discovered en route to work in Marketing & Construction, he quickly found his place on the other side of the lens and walking down the runway for Men’s Fashion Week. Here, we ask Tissa about what he stands for and what courage means to him.

My name is ... Tissa Fernando.

But my friends call me ... Floob.

My star sign is ... Cancer.

It suits me because ... I don’t know much about star signs, but I think it suits because of my supportive nature.

The first thing you should know about me is … I’m kind of goofy.

“Better to die on your feet than live on your knees” means it's better to live with your own beliefs than follow someone else’s.

My energy/vibe is …  fun.

Outside of modelling I …  used to work in marketing and construction management but nowadays I try and keep myself occupied with sports, music or with friends.

My secret talent is ... I can one handed clap.

I truly care about ... Giving to those in need and support others less fortunate.

Something I believe in is… Karma.

I stand for … equal treatment of people and animals.

I believe in the power of … coming together to overcome obstacles.

Someone I look up to is … Josh Kesselman.

Something outside of my comfort zone is … confined spaces.

Tell us about the message on your shirt ... “Better to die on your feet than live on your knees” means its better to live with your own beliefs than follow someone else’s.

Tell us about a moment or time (no matter how big or small) where you had to be courageous ... Walking down the runway for the opening of Men’s Fashion Week.

SEE FULL FEATURE IN THE COURAGE ISSUE.

Film prints shot using instax WIDE 300 by FujiFilm. 

PHOTOGRAPHY Gabriela Hidalgo & Vienna Fornolles @ Redscope
MODEL Tissa Fernando wears customised BASSIKE top; model's own jeans
HAIR Daniel Jianing Liu

Shot at Usfin Atelier.