Steven Klein’s New Age of Supermodels: James Turlington
James Turlington joins Steven Klein New Age of Supermodels for the cover of VMAN45.
This cover story appears in VMAN 45, which is now available for pre-order.
In addition to VMAN45 cover star, Shawn Mendes as seen in the Poetry of Pop, four additional supermodels also grace the cover of this year’s winter 2020/Spring 2021 special edition. One of which is James Turlington who joins Steven Klein’s ‘New Age of Supermodels’ for another rendition of VMAN45’s cover.
The model-photographer duo was already familiar with one another, having shot in unique circumstances during the pandemic for Zero Contact. Back for another collaboration, in these striking black and white photos styled by Patti Wilson, Turlington wears Givenchy, Guess, Tom Ford, and Dsquared2, highlighting the best of Spring 2021 fashion. Learn more about Turlington and his passions outside modeling, below:
VMAN Can you describe your experience shooting with Steven Klein?
James Turlington Steven is a very talented photographer who has created some of the most iconic images in fashion. We met during the pandemic under the strangest circumstances. I don’t think I will ever forget that experience or live it down with my family.
VMAN What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
JT My first passion was baseball. I had the chance to play at my dream school and played professionally for a few years, but that career was cut short due to injuries. It’s taken me some time to adjust to that not being my whole life. This career [in modeling] is definitely helping me open my mind and explore different parts of myself. How are you managing to stay sane amidst this year’s chaos?
The only way I feel balanced is if I’m active. I’ve been running, stretching, and working out a lot. I also took online courses from my college at UC Santa Barbara over the summer, so I can get closer to finishing up. The downtime was definitely an upside as far as that goes.
VMAN How do you think 2020 will impact the world of modeling looking forward?
JT You can already see the difference. Everything has more diversity right now, and the conversation around sustainable fashion is much louder than before. Fashion is a big platform, and I think the industry is moving in the right direction.
VMAN What is your dream modeling job?
JT I haven’t had the chance to work with photographers like Steven Meisel, Inez and Vinoodh, Mert & Marcus, and Mario Sorrenti. I have gotten to meet most of them but hope to have the chance to work with them someday for campaigns like Calvin Klein, Versace, Fendi, Dior, Ralph Lauren & Tom Ford.
VMAN What’s something about modeling that most people don’t know?
JT There’s always really good food on shoot sets and at shows. Then they make clothes too small so that doesn’t really make sense.
VMAN How are you managing to stay sane amidst this year’s chaos?
JT The only way I feel balanced is when I’m active. I’ve been running, stretching, and working out a lot. I also took online courses from my college at UC Santa Barbara over the summer so I can get closer to finishing up. The downtime was definitely an upside as far as that goes.
VMAN Do you see modeling as a long-term career or as a platform that leads to other things?
JT Like I said, I’m still new to modeling so we shall see what the future holds. This is my second career, after baseball. I was enjoying it, the traveling and meeting interesting new people especially. Without all that, I don’t know.
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