Isn’t it funny to observe the twists and turns that our paths take as we grow older? When Julez Smith was in high school, he was certain he’d become a professional NBA player. But fast forward to 2024, and he’s debuting as a runway model for none other than New York royalty — Raul Lopez’s Luar. It was this past Spring/Summer 2024 season that Smith stepped onto the runway for the first time and made his family proud — they were sitting front row and rooting for him, of course: his mother, Solange; his aunt, Beyoncé; and his grandmother, Ms. Tina Knowles.
After such a successful debut, he barely had time to rest and celebrate and took off to Milan, where he walked for Versace. Oh, and he’s also shot his first magazine cover! Which is, naturally, one of his proudest achievements so far — “Something that I can hold and have in my house forever is really huge for me,” he tells METAL in this interview. Paired with an exclusive photo shoot by Max Hemphill and styled by Justin Ramirez, we get to know Julez Smith better, from his new year’s resolutions to his new hobbies, to his upbringing and relationship to fashion.
Growing up in a family like yours must be pretty entertaining, to say the least. I guess you’re constantly surrounded by artists, singers, producers, designers, and other creatives, in addition to attending numerous events. What was your upbringing like?
My upbringing was unique. Growing up in New Orleans for most of my childhood was amazing. Everything felt like home — the people felt like home, the food felt like home. I also experienced traveling the world at a young age, which I am always grateful for. I had the strongest and most beautiful role model in my mom.
You’re carving a name for yourself in the fashion industry, debuting as a model for Luar’s Fall/Winter 2024 show. How do you recall the first time you stepped onto the runway?
The first time I stepped on a runway was an adrenaline rush. I remember the first step out onto the runway, I was nervous; then, my second step, I went into a zone. Everything was silent, and all I could focus on was my next step.
From there, you’ve also walked for the likes of Versace, Jil Sander, and Off White, starred in an editorial for Vogue, and made it to the cover of At Large Magazine — impressive! How are you navigating your first professional experiences, and what are some of the learnings you take from them so far?
I would say I'm learning how to actually create content. I always loved fashion and looking fly but never cared to take pictures or capture the moment. Now I know if I have an outfit or a body of work that is worth showing, I will show it.
Fashion is a form of self-expression, and I see you have an impeccable style — can’t get over your Luar suit for the MET gala. What role does it play in your daily life, and how has your relationship with it changed now that you’re part of the industry?
Being a model has changed the way I dress as a whole. As a kid, I never used to care how I dressed. Now that I'm older I try to dress the best I can for any situation I’m in. Even when I go to the grocery store I put on an outfit.
Besides fashion, you’re also into sports (especially basketball) and I read somewhere that you were also learning to produce music. What are your current interests and hobbies?
I started to design last year and I'm really enjoying it. I still go play basketball any chance I can. The newest of my hobbies is trying to learn how to cook, that’s been taking up most of my time.
2024 has been a highly successful year for you. What are you most proud of? And most grateful for?
I’m most proud of my magazine cover. Something that I can hold and have in my house forever is really huge for me. I’m most grateful, of course, to Raul and Luar as they gave me a chance to start my career and it turned out better than I could imagine.
Are you a New Year’s resolutions type of person? What are you manifesting for 2025?
I’ve never been a resolutions person, but the thing I'm going to work on the most this year is my patience.
Shirt JACQUEMUS.
Suit set ENTIRE STUDIOS, shoes GH BASS.
Jacket and shirt MAGLIANO, trousers ACNE, shoes GH BASS, sunglasses ELISA JOHNSON.
Full look JACQUEMUS.
Tank top SAINT LAURENT, shorts JACQUEMUS.
Shirt and shorts JACQUEMUS, boots DRIES VAN NOTEN, sunglasses ACNE.
