With all the buzz in the Fashion World about the 2008 British Fashion Awards, I've selected this year's Model of the Year, Jourdan Dunn. Discovered in Primark while out shopping with a friend in 2006, Jourdan was practically an overnight success. Upon her debut, she walked for Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren and, in February of 2008, she was the first black model to walk for Prada since Naomi Cambell. That was ten years ago!
When considering her smashing success, the issue of the lack of diversity in the modeling industry always arises, Dunn herself being particularly vocal about it. And yet, on a personal level, it causes me to question diversity, not just in fashion, but in any creative field. But that's another rant for another time, back to Jourdan!
I simply adore this girl, not just because she can work a camera lens and leave it begging for more, but because she is totally aware of who she is for a person who is barely 18. Choosing a night in front of the television over high profile after parties and Chucks over high heels, Dunn gets the job done, putting most girls her age to shame.
"I hate staying in models' apartments... Most of (the models) are used to their mums running around after them and looking after them, so the house is a complete mess. I'm a clean person so it's hard to cope with other people's dirty habits."
Currently signed to Storm Model Management, Women Model Management and Nathalie Models, I am certainly looking forward to Jourdan's continued modeling success, already posing for numerous campaigns and editorials. She's also been featured on the covers of I-D, British Vogue, Pop and the ground breaking Vogue Italia - Black Issue (which I'm still digesting, love it so much!).
Jourdan Dunn, you better work!
More on Jourdan Dunn:
This gal here is beautiful. I'm loving the fact that she's a presence on the runway, but I'm waiting to see her more in print ads. Chanel Iman too...but this Jourdan girl is killing it dead, good pic homie !