Julez Smith is ready for his close-up!
The 19-year-old son of Solange Knowles and nephew of Beyonce, made headlines in February when he walked the Luar fashion show.
Serving as his runway debut, the much-praised performance kicked off a modeling career he says he is working hard to establish.
In a new profile feature for Vogue Magazine, Smith poses it up and opens up about his foray into fashion.
Full story below…
On Getting Into Fashion:
“It came pretty naturally.
Growing up, my grandma was doing costumes for my auntie and my mom, and I think my mom is one of the best-dressed people in the world. I just wanted to be fly and keep up with them—but I wanted to be on the modeling side.”
On Previous Career Aspirations:
“I went to school. I played basketball growing up, so that was always a big factor when picking a school. I always wanted to play for the school that had the best team. I was really a hooper—I thought I was going to the NBA.”
On Breaking Into Modeling:
“I’ve been wanting to model for a couple of years, it just never really worked out. Luar was really my breakthrough. I was actually interning with them for a couple of months, and maybe like a week before the show they were just like, “Come to the casting.” So I went to the casting and I got it.”
On What He Did While Interning at Luar:
“Anything they needed. Helping them out around the office, helping them style people, boxing things up; regular intern stuff.”
On His Feelings Stepping Onto the Runway for the First Time:
“It was jam-packed and nerve-racking, but it was a lot of fun. It was good to have my family there to support.”
On Preparing for His Debut:
“Growing up, my mom and aunt were doing photo shoots every other week, and I saw how jam-packed and busy it was. It’s good to already understand, Okay, you’re going to have to get up early, be on time, and work long hours. And everything moves really fast. It’s work, but I like it.”
On the Music He’s Listening To:
“I’ve been listening to a lot of Cleo Sol and Marvin Gaye. I’m a pretty chill person for the most part, but rap wise, I listen to a lot of Veeze and Babyface Ray—a lot of guys from Detroit.”
Julez grew into a handsome young man, but I don’t see model material in him. He is a perfect example of who his family is. At this moment I don’t see a model. He needs to tone up & get more definition in his face. I believe they’re using him for click bate money bate
Facts! Getting things in life because of your aunt not your actual ability is the story here. I don’t see model either, just a handsome young man. I hope he’s able to make a name for himself.
handsome my ass.. are you blind?
Nepo baby vibes. He’s not modelesque or interesting. He better thank his auntie and mama….
He is way too short to be a model. the face is boring…
He looks HIGH as hell and half-asleep. He gives greasy corner boy dressed up in nice clothes bought by his white sugar daddy. Nepo Bottom.
Just because you have light skin and green eyes, and Beyoncé is your Aunt, doesn’t mean you can model.
I’m interestingly surprised by these comments..wasn’t expecting this at all..wowww
You and me as well KeyLoLo. (Some) People truly are disgusting, miserable beings. Like….wow.
He seems extremely grounded, courtesy of the beautiful women in his life. I’ve always liked Solange and must say sling with her village…they raised a hard working, humble young man.
Lol this funny looking boy wouldn’t be anywhere near Vogue w/o the Knowles connection. He isn’t particularly handsome nor is he a good model based off of the pics posted. Ijs.
Joanne the scammer
In this photo I see a young man thats sad eyed and full of emotional He looks like he has been crying alot and trying to hold back the tears. It appears to me by him crossing his legs like a woman, his masculine side has been downplayed protraying a more softer femine male image. I am conflicted. Normal and real classy men do not totally cross their legs like a female would but halfway cross them in an angle. Period.