NEW RULERS: JORDUN LOVE

In an exclusive VMAN digital cover interview, model and creative, Jordun Love details navigating the industry as a queer Black man, the steps he’s taking to uplift his community, and how the pandemic has fueled his artistry.

This feature is a VMAN digital exclusive

 

If you’ve been paying attention to fashion’s new crop of male models, then Jordun Love is a face you’ll definitely recognize. While strutting the runways of top luxury fashion houses like Givenchy and gracing the pages of Vogue Italia, the 24-year-old model developed quite the reputation for his unmatched flair for movement which derives from a background as a trained dancer. With early ambitions of stardom, it’s no wonder that Love is on the path to dominating all realms of his artistry–but this wasn’t an overnight occurrence. In an exclusive digital cover interview for VMAN, the budding creative details navigating the industry as a queer Black man, the steps he’s taking to uplift his community, and how the pandemic has fueled creative abilities. 

Jordun wears all clothing and accessories throughout stylist’s own

Read the full interview below.

 

VMAN: Where are you in the world right now? For our readers who might not know you (yet!), how would you introduce yourself? Give us a quick one-liner that sums up the essence of Jordun Love! 

 

JORDUN LOVE: I am currently living here in sunny California! I am known as a top model but overall, I am a creative ass human being who’s using each day to discover more about himself. (Laughs)

 

VMAN: Love that, such a strong statement to start with! Where does that come from? What was your childhood like? Can you share any formative experiences that lead you to the path you are on career-wise as a model or creative? 

 

JL: I was born & raised in Philadelphia. As a child, I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer. I grew up watching TV shows and music videos, studying the stars which became the fuel for me to go after my dreams. My mother instilled in me that anything was possible. So with that mindset, I took it and started dancing which then put me on the path of fashion. 

 

VMAN: And that energy is something that definitely translated from your childhood to adulthood. You seem to have this unapologetic sense of self and own every bit of your queerness, femininity/Masculinity, and blackness…How did that manifest?

 

JL: There was a point in my life where I truly just stopped giving a fuck about what other people saw as “cool and masculine” or whatever society’s standard is for Black men in general. I started feeling like I was living my life to please other people and didn’t want to piss anyone off by being who I am. There have been so many moments where I have shied away from the spotlight or doing exactly what it is that I wanted to do out of fear of not being accepted. Even at times, I wouldn’t even be comfortable wearing certain shirts or even listening to certain songs outside of my headphones because I was afraid of being judged. But what I didn’t realize is that the more that I share my authenticity, the more love generated around me and from me.

VMAN: And with being a queer, black man in the fashion industry, what has your experience been like? What are some obstacles you have had to overcome in order to reach the point that you are currently at?

 

JL: There have been many ups and downs over the years that I have been in the industry. The biggest obstacle I had to face was understanding what success is to me. Sometimes the industry only allows a limited amount of spaces for black people to shine at a time. Within this pandemic, I feel like we all have tapped into our power to create our own outlets for ourselves to give the flowers we deserve. Redefining success has helped me continue to walk my path in hopes to inspire others to do the same. 

 

VMAN: How have you used your platform to address some of those issues in the industry. What are some changes you’d like to see the industry make. 

 

JL: I plan to continue to make others aware of all the worldly issues that we face today and forever. My nonprofit organization, Love in Light, will be launching this year. Our intention is to build direct services that will earnestly impact the quality of life for at-risk individuals. My dream is to see the industry continue to grow with its inclusivity all year round. Not just for one month, but every day of the year. 

VMAN: Along with being a model, I know you identify as a creative. What are some artistic realms you are tapping into? 

 

JL: As a Gemini, it feels like I’m never not tapping into something new. During quarantine, I started studying music a lot. Learned how to DJ but even more excitingly, learned how to play the Theremin! It’s been my therapeutic hobby. There’s a book full of ideas that’s starting to come to life. Even some merchandise will be released soon. 

 

VMAN: That’s amazing, quarantine definitely left many up to their own devices. I’ve found that a lot of people have come out of it with a newfound hobby or appreciation for something. Since you mentioned your time in quarantine, let’s discuss a major part of it which was the protest. Uplifting your community is obviously something that is important to you. You have a foundation that you are launching, on top of being vocal in regard to BLM. Can you share what it has been like to use your voice and platform to address the injustices that black people in America face? What prompted you to speak out?

 

JL: As a black man it is a no-brainer to be involved. We face a lot of injustice & inequality with not much coverage or support. Activism isn’t something that takes much of a thought for me. We are in a day of age where activism is “cool” but in reality, it’s about genuinely caring about the struggles we are facing on and off-camera. It’s important to help amplify one another’s voice as we go through life. 

VMAN: That’s definitely something that I and a lot of people relate to. How has the pandemic affected your work? 

 

JL: This pandemic has given me a new outlook on life. We have been pushed to create new avenues that we use to wait for others to create for us. I’ve learned how to demand the quality of work I want for myself that’ll help me achieve my goals. Every day I remain grateful for the flow of work during these times. Even when my agent and I aren’t working, I’m still on the side putting together mood boards for future projects. As an artist, creating is an all-day everyday thing. 

 

VMAN: Bringing this conversation full circle, let’s take a moment to look ahead. What’s next for you? What are some of your major goals for this year and beyond?

 

JL: My biggest goal for the year is to continue to keep up with myself while creating a healthy balance between my work and personal life. 

 

 

Learn more about Jordun Love here!

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