Sibella Tobar

Written by Sibella Tobar

Modified & Updated: 02 Dec 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

31-facts-about-joan-smalls
Source: Fashionista.com

Joan Smalls is one of the most prominent and highly sought-after supermodels in the world. With her stunning looks, impeccable style, and commanding presence, she has graced countless magazine covers and walked the coveted runways of top fashion houses. But there is so much more to Joan Smalls than just her beauty and runway success. In this article, we will delve into 31 fascinating facts about Joan Smalls that go beyond the surface. From her cultural heritage and early life to her philanthropic work and entrepreneurial pursuits, we will explore the incredible journey of this Caribbean-born model who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry and beyond. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some interesting tidbits about the remarkable Joan Smalls!

Key Takeaways:

  • Joan Smalls, a Puerto Rican supermodel, broke barriers as the first Latina face of Estée Lauder and advocates for diversity in the fashion industry, while also excelling in charitable work and environmental conservation.
  • With a degree in psychology, Joan Smalls is not just a top model but also a passionate advocate for diversity, sustainability, and philanthropy, making her a role model for aspiring models and fans alike.
Table of Contents

Joan Smalls is a Puerto Rican supermodel.

Joan Smalls Rodríguez, known professionally as Joan Smalls, was born on July 11, 1988, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She is one of the most successful models in the fashion industry.

She was discovered in her teens.

At the age of 19, while studying psychology at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Smalls was discovered by a modeling scout in her hometown.

Joan Smalls has walked the runway for top fashion brands.

She has graced the catwalk for renowned designers such as Chanel, Givenchy, Versace, Balenciaga, and many more.

She became the first Latina face of Estée Lauder.

In 2011, Joan Smalls signed an exclusive contract with Estée Lauder, making her the first Latina model to represent the brand.

Smalls has appeared on the cover of prestigious magazines.

Her captivating beauty has landed her on the cover of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and other acclaimed publications around the world.

Joan Smalls has collaborated with fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

She worked closely with the late Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary creative director of Chanel, on numerous campaigns and runway shows.

She advocates for diversity in the fashion industry.

Joan Smalls is a vocal supporter of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion world, using her platform to encourage change and representation.

Smalls has her own fashion line called Smart & Sexy.

She launched her lingerie collection, Smart & Sexy, in partnership with Walmart, offering affordable and stylish undergarments for women.

Joan Smalls has a strong social media presence.

With millions of followers on Instagram and Twitter, she keeps her fans updated on her modeling work, personal life, and philanthropic endeavors.

She is involved in charitable work.

Joan Smalls actively supports various charitable organizations, including Project Sunshine and the Robin Hood Foundation.

Smalls has appeared in music videos.

You may recognize her from her appearances in music videos for artists such as Beyoncé, David Guetta, and Calvin Harris.

She has been named one of Forbes’ highest-paid models.

Joan Smalls consistently ranks among the top-earning models in the industry, according to Forbes magazine.

Smalls has been featured in the Pirelli Calendar.

The prestigious Pirelli Calendar, known for its artistic nude photoshoots, has featured Joan Smalls alongside other iconic models and celebrities.

She has walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Joan Smalls had the honor of strutting down the catwalk as a Victoria’s Secret Angel in the highly-anticipated annual fashion show.

She has a passion for photography.

Aside from being in front of the camera, Joan Smalls has a keen interest in photography and enjoys capturing moments behind the lens.

Smalls has won several prestigious awards.

Her contributions to the fashion industry have earned her accolades such as the “Model of the Year” and “Fashion Icon” awards.

She has worked with top photographers.

Photographers such as Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, and Steven Meisel have all captured the beauty and charisma of Joan Smalls.

Smalls has a degree in psychology.

Prior to pursuing a full-time modeling career, Joan Smalls studied psychology at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, showcasing her intellectual curiosity.

She has her own YouTube channel.

Joan Smalls shares her beauty and fashion tips, travel vlogs, and life experiences on her YouTube channel, engaging with her fans on a more personal level.

Smalls is a runway coach on the television show “Model Squad.”

She showcased her talent as a mentor by providing guidance and advice to aspiring models on the reality TV series “Model Squad.”

She has graced the red carpet at prestigious events.

Joan Smalls is a regular presence at major award shows and film festivals, where her impeccable style and grace turn heads.

Smalls has a love for sports.

She enjoys playing basketball and has been known to participate in celebrity charity sports events.

She has her own line of eyewear with SmartBuyGlasses.

Joan Smalls collaborated with SmartBuyGlasses to create a collection of stylish and trendsetting sunglasses.

She has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

Recognizing her impact both in the fashion industry and as a role model, Joan Smalls was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential individuals.

Smalls has an impressive height of 5’10” (178 cm).

Her statuesque figure, along with her captivating features, has made her a favorite among fashion designers and photographers.

She has graced the covers of multiple Vogue editions.

Vogue is synonymous with high fashion, and Joan Smalls has appeared on the covers of Vogue editions worldwide, solidifying her status as a top model.

She has been featured in advertising campaigns for luxury brands.

Companies like Gucci, Dior, Fendi, and Prada have chosen Joan Smalls to be the face of their campaigns, showcasing her versatility as a model.

Smalls is fluent in English and Spanish.

Being a Puerto Rican-born model, Joan Smalls is proficient in both English and Spanish, which further contributes to her global appeal.

She has collaborated with other celebrities.

Joan Smalls has worked alongside famous personalities such as Rihanna, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams on various fashion and music projects.

Smalls has her own line of swimwear with Smart & Sexy.

Expanding her fashion empire, Joan Smalls has created a swimwear line in partnership with Smart & Sexy, offering stylish options for beachgoers.

She is an advocate for environmental conservation.

In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Joan Smalls actively supports sustainability initiatives and promotes environmental awareness in the fashion industry.

Conclusion

Joan Smalls is undeniably one of the most successful and influential supermodels of her time. With her striking beauty, confidence, and poise, she has taken the fashion industry by storm. Through her hard work and determination, Smalls has achieved remarkable milestones and paved the way for diversity in the industry.

This article has provided 31 fascinating facts about Joan Smalls, shedding light on her journey to stardom, her philanthropic efforts, and her impact on the fashion world. From her early life in Puerto Rico to her international success, Smalls has become a role model for aspiring models and a symbol of beauty and strength.

As Joan Smalls continues to make waves in the fashion industry, we can expect to see her legacy continue to grow. Her trailblazing career serves as a reminder that with perseverance and passion, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter their background.

FAQs

Q: How did Joan Smalls become a successful model?

A: Joan Smalls began her modeling career after being scouted by a modeling agency while attending college. She signed with Elite Model Management and quickly gained recognition for her unique look and runway presence.

Q: What are some of Joan Smalls’ notable achievements?

A: Joan Smalls has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. She has graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. She has also walked the runway for renowned designers, including Chanel, Versace, and Balmain.

Q: Is Joan Smalls involved in any philanthropic activities?

A: Yes, Joan Smalls is actively involved in philanthropy. She has worked with organizations such as Project Sunshine and Keep a Child Alive, which focus on providing support and resources to children in need.

Q: How has Joan Smalls influenced the fashion industry?

A: Joan Smalls has had a significant impact on the fashion industry by breaking barriers and promoting diversity. As one of the few Afro-Latina supermodels, she has challenged traditional beauty standards and opened doors for models of different ethnic backgrounds.

Q: What is Joan Smalls’ background?

A: Joan Smalls was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She studied psychology at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico before pursuing a career in modeling.

Joan Smalls' incredible journey from Puerto Rico to international stardom is truly inspiring. Her dedication, talent, and advocacy for diversity have made her a role model for aspiring models worldwide. If you enjoyed learning about Joan, you might also be interested in discovering more about the glamorous world of fashion. From the dazzling Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to the iconic career of supermodel Linda Evangelista, there's no shortage of fascinating stories to explore. And for a behind-the-scenes look at the industry's biggest events, don't miss our article on the exciting runway shows of Fashion Week.

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