About
Slick Woods, born Simone Thompson on August 13 1996, is the gap-toothed, shaved-headed force who turned fashion’s polished image on its head. She rose from walking Los Angeles streets in thrift-store finds to front-row fame thanks to a fearless look—tattoos, buzz cut, no eyebrows—and a social-media voice that feels like texts from a candid friend. In less than a decade she has opened shows for Fenty, posed for Calvin Klein, and starred in the indie film Goldie while staying true to the raw humor that first grabbed followers online.
Before Fame
Childhood was anything but glossy. Woods grew up between Minneapolis and Los Angeles, largely in her grandmother’s care after her mother was sent to prison when Slick was four. Life included motel rooms, shelters, and long stretches of homelessness, experiences she credits for her hustle today.
Her break happened at a bus stop when British model Ash Stymest spotted her and urged agencies to take a chance. The call that changed everything came soon after: Kanye West wanted her in his Yeezy Season 4 show in 2016. One gritty runway later, the industry’s doors swung open, and campaigns with Moschino, Marc Jacobs, and Fenty Beauty followed.
Trivia
- Labor on the runway: In September 2018, Woods strutted Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie show nine months pregnant, then went straight from backstage to the delivery room, welcoming son Saphir hours later.
- Cancer warrior: A 2019 Instagram post revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy for stage 3 melanoma; she asked fans not to treat her “like a victim” and continued modeling between treatments.
- Screen debut: Critics praised her “stunning” first acting role as a tough older sister in the 2020 indie film Goldie.
- Top-50 model: Models.com placed her on its coveted Top 50 list in 2018, solidifying her status among fashion’s elite.
- Open about identity: Woods identifies as bisexual, champions body positivity, and often jokes that she arrived “pre-bald,” so cancer couldn’t steal her hair.
Family Life
Woods’ mother, Vonnya-Leah Mason, regained freedom in February 2019 after 17 years behind bars—a reunion Slick celebrated with tear-soaked Instagram photos titled “Fresh out.”
Her son, Saphir, was born September 13 2018. His father is Ivorian-Canadian model and musician Adonis Bosso, with whom Woods co-parents despite busy, globe-hopping schedules. She often posts videos of Saphir chattering in French, his dad’s first language, while she cheers from behind the camera.
Associated With
- Rihanna: Woods became the face of Fenty Beauty in 2017, walked Fenty x Puma, and credits Rihanna for showing her that authenticity sells more than polish.
- Kanye West: His Yeezy casting launched her career and pushed her onto Instagram—she once said West insisted she finally open an account.
- Marc Jacobs: The designer booked her for multiple runways and beauty campaigns, praising her “electric energy.”
- Adonis Bosso: Beyond being Saphir’s dad, Bosso credits Woods for helping him feel comfortable enough to come out as sexually fluid.
- Industry icons: Woods has shared projects with Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, and Diddy, including the all-Black 2018 Pirelli calendar that celebrated diverse beauty.
