IN CONVERSATION WITH JULEZ SMITH

INTERVIEW BY ELISABETH KIKO & LEONIE KAMPEN

Julez Smith – despite coming from a truly musical family, the 21-year-old tried his hand at several different mediums before making his modelling debut two years ago.

Growing up in New Orleans, he aspired to become an NBA player for the longest time, then tried out music, and finally found his love for fashion – which led him to study Design at Parsons. From there he kickstarted his modelling career and has since walked for LUAR, Versace and, most recently, GmbH during Berlin Fashion Week.

He is the new face of UGG’s winter campaign, alongside Tyson Beckford – known as the first male supermodel of the 90s – beautifully uniting two generations of models in a single campaign.

In conversation with Numéro Berlin, he talked about creative pursuit, his impression of Berlin, and his favourite memory with UGG.

Leonie Kampen: You grew up in an incredibly creative family, in a very strong female household, and you’ve spoken about how close you are with your mum. When you think back to growing up, could you actually feel that creativity and ambition in the room? Was there a sense that making things was simply part of your daily life?

Julez Smith: There was always a lot of creativity around me growing up. My family was full of strong ideas,
unique perspectives, and big visions, and I feel really blessed that I was able to absorb so much of that from an early age. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how much it was shaping me. It wasn’t until I got out of high school and started finding my own path that I realized I had all these same ideas and creative instincts within me. I just had to learn how to trust them, develop them, and apply them to my own life.

LK: Did you always know you would take a creative path? And with that, do you feel a certain pressure because of the ambition around you, or more a sense of being uplifted by it?

JS: Not always. I grew up following in my dad’s footsteps as an athlete and was on a basketball court almost every day from sixth grade through my senior year. There was definitely pressure to be the best, especially with my dad being an elite athlete. When I found fashion, I had nothing but support from my family, but I knew I still had to work hard and earn my place. The discipline I learned through sports has definitely carried over into my career.

LK: You’ve explored music too, but fashion seems to be where you have really found your own voice. What made fashion feel like the right medium for you?

JS: The thing with me and music is that I actually always loved being behind the scenes—production, management, and bringing ideas to life. Growing up, I was also exposed to fashion from all over the world. As I developed my own sense of style, it felt natural to take that interest and explore fashion on a larger scale.

LK: You’re not only forming your own voice in front of the camera and on the runway, but you’re also a designer yourself. Having studied design at Parsons, and now experiencing these very different fashion worlds, from Luar and Versace to GmbH, do you find yourself observing how the designers work and how the garments feel? What do you take from those experiences into your own design practice?

JS: Yes. I’ve really taken the time to sit back and learn the details and meticulous work that goes into running a brand. I’ve learned that everything in fashion takes time, effort, and patience. Clothes are important, but a brand is ultimately a business, and you have to treat it like one. I’m
always in a constant state of learning, absorbing, and evolving.

LK: We last saw you here in Berlin closing the beautifully staged GmbH show. What was that experience like from your side?

JS: It was amazing! I loved the venue they chose for the show—it was beautiful. I also loved the looks, my favorite part of my fit was my UGG’s. I was genuinely excited and honored to walk for GmbH.

LK: Was this your first time in Berlin, and how did the city feel to you? Especially the electronic music, art and creative scene?

JS: No, it wasn’t my first time there. I’ve always loved the architecture in Berlin and how different it feels from back home. There’s something really inspiring about being in a place that feels so
different.

LK: GmbH partnered with UGG for their show, and now you’re the face of the new UGG campaign alongside Tyson Beckford. What does it mean to you to be representing the new generation next to someone with his legacy?

JS: It’s truly an honor. Having two incredible experiences like this means a lot to me, especially because Tyson has always been one of the OGs I’ve looked up to. One of my biggest inspirations is knowing that there are young men like me who can see what I’m doing and realize there are no limits to what they can become. I want to show that you don’t have to follow
one path or let barriers define you—you can go out, chase your goals, and create your own way.

LK: UGG is one of those shoes that people often have a very specific memory attached to. Do you have a specific memory of them? Were they around in your house growing up?

JS: Yes! I remember the black UGG high tops from when I was a kid. I have such vivid memories of running outside to help my mom with groceries or move things around, and whenever I was in a hurry, I’d just slip those UGGs on and get the job done. It’s funny how those little moments stick
with you.

LK: Growing up in New Orleans and spending a good amount of time in Houston, would you say those places have a clear influence on your personal style today?

JS: Yes, majorly. The South has shaped so much of who I am today. I’ve always loved how differently everyone dresses, and where I’m from, people don’t really follow trends— we just wear what feels right to us that day, that’s when I think real freedom and creativity meet.