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Jourdan Dunn: Biography

CategoryDetails
Full NameJourdan Sherise Dunn
Date of BirthAugust 3, 1990
Place of BirthHammersmith, London, England
NationalityBritish
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
AgencyThe Squad (London), Women Management (Paris/Milan)
DiscoverySpotted in a Hammersmith Primark at age 15 (2006)
Runway DebutNew York Fashion Week (2007) for Marc Jacobs & Ralph Lauren
Major AchievementFirst Black model to walk Prada in over a decade (2008)
Key AwardsBritish Fashion Awards: Model of the Year (2008, 2015)
SpouseDion “Sincere” Hamilton (Married/Partner since 2019)
ChildrenRiley (Son, born December 2009)
Health AdvocacySickle Cell Trait Awareness
Net WorthEstimated $13 million (as of 2026

Jourdan Dunn: The British Supermodel Who Changed Fashion Forever

From her humble beginnings in West London to gracing the covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines, Jourdan Dunn’s journey is one of resilience, beauty, and purpose. She is not just a model — she is a movement.

Early Life & Background

Growing Up in West London

Jourdan Dunn was born on August 3, 1990, in Hammersmith, London, England. She grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Ladbroke Grove, West London — an area known for its rich cultural diversity and creative energy. Long before the world knew her name, she was just a teenager navigating everyday life, with no grand plans of becoming a supermodel.

The Primark Discovery That Changed Everything

At just 16 years old, Jourdan Dunn’s life took an unexpected and extraordinary turn. She was spotted by a scout while shopping at a Primark store — a perfectly ordinary moment that led to a far from ordinary life. That chance encounter set the wheels in motion for one of the most remarkable careers in British fashion history.

Jourdan Dunn’s Modeling Career

Jourdan Dunn

Breaking Barriers at Victoria’s Secret

One of the earliest and most defining moments in Jourdan Dunn’s career came in 2008 when she walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway. What made this moment historic was the fact that she became the first Black model to walk in that show in over a decade. It was a powerful statement — not just for her, but for the entire fashion industry — and it placed Jourdan Dunn firmly on the global map.

She was signed with the prestigious Storm Model Management agency, which has represented some of the biggest names in the industry, and the move proved to be a perfect launchpad for her soaring career.

Dominating the World’s Biggest Runways

Once Jourdan Dunn stepped onto the international stage, there was no stopping her. She walked for some of the most celebrated fashion houses in the world, including Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Season after season, her presence on the runway was commanding, elegant, and unmistakable.

Vogue Cover & Major Brand Collaborations

In 2015, Jourdan Dunn made history once again when she became the first Black model to appear solo on the cover of British Vogue in nearly a decade. It was a milestone that resonated deeply with the fashion community and beyond.

Her appeal was not limited to the runway. Jourdan Dunn has collaborated with some of the biggest global brands, including Maybelline, River Island, and Tom Ford — proving that her influence stretches well beyond the catwalk and into mainstream culture and beauty.

Milestones & Achievements

Model of the Year and Industry Recognition

The year 2015 was particularly significant for Jourdan Dunn. In addition to her landmark British Vogue cover, she was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards — an honor that cemented her status as the gold standard of British modeling talent.

She has also been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, one of the most coveted appearances a model can secure, and has consistently appeared on lists of the world’s top-earning models. These achievements reflect not just her beauty, but her incredible work ethic and professionalism.

A Champion for Diversity

Throughout her career, Jourdan Dunn has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. At a time when the industry was slow to embrace change, she spoke up, showed up, and proved through her success that representation matters — both on and off the runway.

Media & Entertainment

Television and Hosting

Jourdan Dunn’s talent has never been confined to print and runway. She has made several TV appearances and taken on hosting roles, demonstrating a natural charisma and on-screen presence that translate effortlessly beyond the modeling world.

YouTube and Social Media

With a loyal and engaged following on social media, Jourdan Dunn has also built a strong digital presence. Her YouTube channel gave fans a glimpse into her life, personality, and behind-the-scenes moments — a side of her that the high-fashion world doesn’t always show. She connects with her audience in a refreshingly real and relatable way, which has only strengthened her brand over the years.

Brand Ambassador Work

As a brand ambassador for major global names, Jourdan Dunn has continued to expand her reach. Her work with Maybelline in particular gave her a high-visibility platform that introduced her to millions of people who may not have followed the fashion industry closely, but certainly knew her face.

Jourdan Dunn’s Personal Life

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn’s Son: Riley

One of the most important roles in Jourdan Dunn’s life is that of a mother. Jourdan Dunn’s son, Riley, was born in 2009, and she has spoken openly about how becoming a mother at a young age shaped her perspective and fueled her drive. Rather than stepping back from her career, she pushed forward with renewed purpose — balancing motherhood and a demanding modeling career in a way that inspired many young women facing similar challenges.

Riley has grown up with a seriously impressive mum by his side, and Jourdan Dunn has never shied away from showing the world just how much he means to her.

Jourdan Dunn’s Husband

When it comes to Jourdan Dunn’s husband, the model has kept much of her romantic life relatively private over the years. She was in a long-term relationship and later married Dion Hamilton. The couple tied the knot in 2019, and Jourdan Dunn has shared glimpses of their relationship on social media, giving fans a peek into her personal happiness alongside her professional success.

Health Challenges

Jourdan Dunn has also been refreshingly open about her health. She was diagnosed with sickle cell trait, a condition she has spoken about publicly in order to raise awareness. Her willingness to discuss it has helped reduce stigma and educate others — another example of how she uses her voice for more than just fashion.

Jourdan Dunn’s Height

For fans and aspiring models curious about Jourdan Dunn’s height, she stands at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). Her statuesque frame has been one of her defining physical attributes, giving her a powerful presence on the runway and in front of the camera. Combined with her striking features and confident stride, her height has made her one of the most visually commanding models of her generation.

Jourdan Dunn’s Net Worth

Thanks to a career spanning over 15 years of high-profile runway shows, magazine covers, brand deals, and media appearances, Jourdan Dunn’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $6 million to $8 million. While exact figures are difficult to verify, it’s clear that her consistent presence at the top of the modeling industry, combined with her savvy brand collaborations and entrepreneurial ventures, has allowed her to build a very comfortable financial foundation.

Her earnings reflect not just her modeling fees but also her work as a brand ambassador, TV personality, and social media influencer — making her a true multi-hyphenate talent in the modern entertainment and fashion landscape.

Social Impact & Advocacy

Empowering Black Models

Jourdan Dunn has never been quiet about the challenges she has faced as a Black model in an industry that was — and in some ways still is — not always designed with her in mind. She has been vocal about casting discrimination, lack of diversity on runways, and the need for the industry to reflect the real world.

Her visibility and success have directly opened doors for other Black models and models of color, making her one of the most important figures in the push for a more inclusive fashion industry.

Giving Back

Beyond fashion, Jourdan Dunn has been involved in philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. She understands that her platform carries responsibility, and she has used it to give back — whether through charitable work, mentorship, or simply being a visible role model for young girls growing up in neighborhoods like the one she came from.

Legacy & Influence

Redefining British Fashion

Jourdan Dunn’s legacy is one of transformation. She arrived at a time when the fashion industry needed to change, and she helped change it — not by asking politely, but by excelling so undeniably that the industry had no choice but to take notice.

Her influence on diversity standards in high fashion cannot be overstated. She was a pioneer before the term became fashionable, and her impact will be felt for many years to come.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For countless young girls — particularly young Black girls in the UK — Jourdan Dunn is proof that the fashion world has a place for them too. She has shown that talent, perseverance, and authenticity can break down even the most stubborn barriers.

As the industry continues to evolve, Jourdan Dunn remains a relevant and respected voice — someone who shaped what British fashion looks like today and will continue to inspire what it looks like tomorrow.

Also Read: Chris King Rapper: The Crown, The Sound, and the Rise of Hip-Hop’s Next King

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