Jourdan Dunn: Is one of the TOP models reigning the fashion industry. She’s the newest face of Maybelline, runway royaly, besties with fellow british babe Cara Delevingne, & mother to adorable son Riley. She talks about the importance of social media giving models ‘voices‘, being a mom & basically being a kick-a** supermodel.
Dunn was discovered at age 15 by an agent from STORM Model Management – she made her catwalk debut at Marc Jacobs’ F/W ’07 show. Since then, her career has skyrocketed – in 2008 she became the first black model to appear in a Prada show in over 10 years, plus, homegirl has walked in over 75 shows in just ONE season, Jourdan has won the British Fashion Award: Model of the Year.
On the POWER of Social Media for Models: “Before, models were only to be seen and not heard, but now [thanks to social media] we have a platform, we have a voice. People want to get to know us, to get to know our interests. I feel that you have to use that to your advantage by becoming a brand.” Adding, “Social media has given me an amazing platform. People these days actually want to know about the girl behind the pictures. They want to know about what you do in your spare time, what your views are on this and that.”
On using her ‘model superpowers’ to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Anemia: “Before Riley, I didn’t enjoy modeling at all. I just did it because I liked the money and wanted to continue my shopping sprees. But my son has put it into perspective for me – I have to do this, I want to, to set him up for life. I took it for granted that I had a great career in front of me, but now I realize my opportunities – the fact that I can provide for my family and be an ambassador for sickle-cell disease and raise awareness.”
On behalf of Dunn, her famous friends; Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss, Naomi Campbell & Rihanna all showed support for ‘Cell for Gratitude’.
On discrimination within the fashion industry: “I don’t understand it. It seems crazy to me that this is even an issue that we’re facing in 2014. Yes, when it comes to shows, I’m seeing more ethnic girls on the catwalks. But when it comes to magazine covers, it’s still rare. I guess you’d have to ask the casting directors, modelling agents and magazines why that is still the case. That’s why it really is a dream come true for me to be named as the new face of Maybelline New York – particularly as it is now official beauty sponsor of London Fashion Week.”
On Acting: “Before modeling, I always wanted to be an actress. It’s great the position I’m in that the opportunity is there, I’ve been sent on auditions and I’m getting the feel of it. But I don’t want to get a role just because of who I am. Eventually, I want to take my acting seriously: get a coach, go to drama school. I’d want a role that would push me, to surprise people and make them take me seriously.”
On being the face of Maybelline: “It sounds so cheesy, but it literally has been a dream come true. I remember being asked what I’d like to do in the next five years, and I said, ‘walk for Victoria’s Secret, have a Vogue cover and I’d love a Maybelline contract.’ It’s always been Maybelline.”
On her son Riley: “It’s really hard to be away from him, but he’s beginning to understand. He’s my priority, so if he has a parents evening or it’s his birthday I’m going to pick that over a job. First and foremost, I’m a mum before I’m a model, so I’ll always put him before anything. There are opportunities that I’ve missed out on, but there’s always another one around the corner.”
Jourdan Dunn talks bestie Cara Delevingne: “Whatever Cara’s doing, I’ll support her, and vice versa. It’s a real, true friendship – she’s like my little sister.”
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