STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Julez Smith Aspired to Go to the NBA Before Fashion Model Career

The 19-year-old recently marked his Vogue magazine debut.

Julez Smith's career might have taken a different turn if he hadn't pursued the fashion world.

On Tuesday (April 23), the son of Solange Knowles marked a major milestone by debuting in Vogue magazine. While discussing his life as a high fashion supermodel, Smith, 19, also revealed he once had hoop dreams.

The confession came when asked if he attended or private school growing up.

Wait, What?!: Photos Of Solange Knowles' Son Julez Smith Go Viral After Fans Notice How Mature He Looks

"I went to school. I played basketball growing up, so that was always a big factor when picking a school. I always wanted to play for the school that had the best team," he said.

" I was really a hooper—I thought I was going to the NBA."

In February, Smith marked another debut while walking his first runway for Luar during New York Fashion Week. His mom, Solange, grandmother Tina Knowles, and aunt, Beyoncé, attended that show.

"I’ve been wanting to model for a couple of years, it just never really worked out. Luar was really my breakthrough."

His connection with the brand developed before the runway. At one point, he interned for the brand while doing "Anything they needed around the office." He also helped the brand style people.

"I was actually interning with them for a couple of months, and maybe like a week before the show they were just like, “Come to the casting.” So I went to the casting and I got it," he explained.

Smith said he learned to walk like a model by watching runway videos on YouTube and spending "a lot of time walking on the street like I was on a runway, and walking around my house."

He also told the outlet his mom and grandmother motivated him by saying, “Practice, practice, practice.”

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.