Discovery of a Rising Star
Jourdan Dunn was discovered at age 14 while shopping at a Primark store in Hammersmith, London by an agent from Storm Models. Storm Models also represents famous supermodels like Kate Moss. Dunn recalls feeling excited about being spotted and having the potential to model for such a prestigious agency.
Despite Dunn’s impressive height of nearly 6 feet, she struggled with body image issues and not feeling curvy enough while growing up. Coming from a Jamaican background where curvier body types are embraced, Dunn felt self-conscious being tall and skinny. Her family, including her mother and two younger brothers, would even teasingly call her “skinny girl.”
Making History on the Runway
In February 2008, Dunn made headlines after becoming the first black model in over 10 years to walk the runway for Prada. Her appearance sparked major discussion about diversity in the fashion industry, especially in London where fashion week casts are predominantly white.
Dunn went on to have a breakout year, scoring over 70 runway shows during the Spring/Summer 2009 season. She caught the eye of top photographers and designers like Steven Meisel, Matthew Williamson, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Her rising star status was cemented after winning Model of the Year at the 2008 British Fashion Awards.
Becoming a Supermodel
Over a decade later, Dunn remains one of Britain’s most successful exports with dozens of magazine covers and advertising campaigns to her name.
Major career highlights include walking the runway very pregnant for Jean Paul Gaultier in 2009 and appearing alongside fellow British supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony.
Most recently in 2019, Dunn landed the cover of British Vogue’s November issue. She also walked the runway for luxury brands like Burberry, Balmain, and Off-White. Dunn splits her time between homes in London and New York while represented by top international agencies.
Hopes for Industry Change
Despite her immense success breaking barriers, Dunn hopes to see more diversity and inclusion of different ethnicities in fashion. She aims to inspire younger girls of color who need role models in magazines and media that they can identify with.
While Dunn made a huge splash back in 2008, only time will tell if her groundbreaking Prada moment represents real, lasting change for diversity in the industry. For now, Dunn continues leading by example and bringing her infectious personality and spirit to runways around the globe.
