Joan Smalls
Profession: Model
Born: July 11, 1988
Age: 37 years old
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hatillo, Puerto Rico
Known for: As the first Latina face of Estée Lauder.
Biography
Joan Smalls Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican supermodel well known as the first Latina face of Estée Lauder, and also for her international runways. She was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Her father, Eric Smalls, is of West Indian descent, and her mother, Betzaida Rodríguez, is a Puerto Rican school principal. Joan is of mixed ethnicity and has been able to do exploit in the fashion industry with her multicultural background.
Smalls earned a degree in psychology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and later moved to New York City after her education, to pursue modeling. She had worked behind the scenes, where she interned at modeling agencies, before making her own mark in the industry.
Joan had her breakthrough in 2010 when she was chosen by Riccardo Tisci to walk exclusively for Givenchy’s couture show. That opportunity brought her to the global stage, and led to collaborations with some of the most prestigious fashion houses. She became a regular on runways for the likes of Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Balmain, within few years. Her walk and versatility made her one of the most in-demand models of her generation.
She had a major turning point in her career in 2011, after being named by Estée Lauder as the brand’s first Latina global spokesperson. She became a face for diversity in fashion, and also celebrated for breaking barriers while opening doors for other women of color in modeling.
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Joan has been consistently ranked among the world’s top models throughout the 2010s. She made appearance in editorials for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W Magazine while gracing multiple international covers. She also secured campaigns with major brands like Calvin Klein, Versace, H&M, and Tom Ford. She has been regularly listed by Forbes among the world’s highest-paid models.
Smalls also expanded her career into television and philanthropy. She appeared as a guest judge on “America’s Next Top Model” and collaborated with designer Wes Gordon on special collections.
Joan who is passionate about giving back to the society, launched the Joan Smalls and True Model Foundation initiative to support children’s charities.
Joan Smalls journey from a small town in Puerto Rico to the world’s most prestigious catwalks talk much about her resilience, and impact in the modeling world.
Career Timeline
- 2010 – Exclusive for Givenchy Haute Couture runway.
- 2011 – Named Estée Lauder’s first Latina global spokesperson.
- 2012 – Ranked #1 on Models.com Top 50 Models list.
- 2013 – Featured on the cover of Vogue Italia, Vogue Japan, and Vogue Paris.
- 2014 – Walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
- 2015 – Appeared in Balmain x H&M campaign.
- 2017 – Landed major campaigns for Moschino and Versace.
- 2019 – Walked for Fendi, Tom Ford, and Mugler.
- 2022 – Featured in Michael Kors and Givenchy campaigns.
Personal Details
- Alternative name: Joan Smalls
- Nationality: Puerto Rican
- Height: 5 feet 10.5 in (179 cm)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Eric Smalls (father), Betzaida Rodríguez (mother)
- Siblings: Erika Smallz, Betsy Smalls
- Partner: Bernard Smith
- Official Websites: joansmalls.com, Instagram.com
Trivia
- She began to model at the age of 19.
- She was discovered after being booked to walk in the Summer 2010 cats show walk for Givenchy Couture.
- She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- She has three children.
- She has been consistently ranked by Forbes among the highest-paid models in the 2010s.
- She has walked in more than 200 runway shows worldwide.
- She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
- She appeared in Beyoncé’s music video for “Yoncé.”
- She co-hosted MTV’s fashion series “House of Style.”
- She enjoys boxing and fitness training as part of her lifestyle.
- She is worth over $25 million.
