Supermodel Roots: Joan Smalls Takes Vogue Back To Puerto Rico | British Vogue

Joan Smalls tells Vogue how it all began for her and takes us from her home and present day life in New York City to her family house in Puerto Rico. Meet the people in Joan's life that matter the most and delve deep into the everyday world of a fashion superstar.
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Supermodel Roots: Joan Smalls | British Vogue
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[@ananya8071]

That's who we call a supermodel. She reached where she's now on her own. We stan strong women.

[@dariofontana6040]

Exactly! Nowadays, the Supermodel title is now handed to just about any model that manages to book a good show or two like Halloween candy, it's ridiculous (Kendull Jenner comes to mind).

[@sandyg.8318]

Exactly! No family clout to enhance her career either

[@katerinapatiniotis5598]

Sandy g. Like K.Jenner, Kaia Gerber and Cara Delevine..

[@annarousiadou784]

Ananya yes exactly and she deserves it . Not like others who were rich and got it thanks to their connections

[@joannaherodotou1491]

@@dariofontana6040 Supermodels aren't like they used to be now models are usually famous because of their famous parents. Kendall Jenner is a pretty girl, however, she's only famous because of her family, there are girls much more beautiful that never make it but this is unfair. The models of the early 90s were the real Supermodels today anyone can be a model if they have a famous parent!!!

[@lolagreydottir6429]

less of the staged 73 questions, more of this

[@latefanelum1303]

We can have both, so why not?

[@lelecarrington9243]

totally agree with you! 73 questions are so so so staged makes me feel so uncomfortable!

[@camillemarie8147]

amen.

[@BubbleGumzKorner]

I like the segment. Not all are amazing. The Simone Biles one was CRINGE

[@esmemckinnon-evans1735]

the way that she effortlessly swaps between Spanish and English is so beautiful

[@tickled41]

Honestly British Vogue has the best online content of all the Vogues. Loved this. A true model of our time.

[@ermengerda01]

Some online Vogue's are better than their paper equivalent. I want to find the one with more artistic, political influence - Polish one is quite good in this aspect (although maybe I'm biased because I know the language ;)). I have to look through British once more, though. This video is so well done because it's almost without the background music and it gives the opportunity to the model to speak her mind. It made me feel really in touch with Joan. She is humble and diligent, I love these traits in people.

[@stargirl5881]

I agree wholeheartedly!

[@esmemckinnon-evans1735]

wow her dad was such a cute coach!!

[@jimone732]

her dads look and sound haitians

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

her father's actually is west indian from San Thomas!

[@msmunoz7499]

jim one her dad is Crucian

[@Lommy9999]

This country looks so beautiful. And her dad is awesome.

[@josephrod1993]

Is Puerto Rico

[@kevindiaz4769]

It is, trust me, i loved this video so much

[@GabbieGaba]

It is! My Home❤️🇵🇷

[@lamoskgr]

Her loyalty towards Puerto Rico is breathtaking. Puerto Rico is a part of the States but they weren't treated like one after the hurricane. They fight in the military for their country but their country didn't have their backs. They didn't have water, electricity neither Internet. It was heartbreaking to watch

[@pukaantonella2395]

Very true each of your words, I wish everyone looks us like you do... Thanks 🇵🇷♥️

[@franceslopez36]

indeed it was just like that. I was there. I am Porto Rican and very proud of Joan!

[@mrjamila88]

Yes true words! Respect to my Puerto Rican brothers and sisters. I hope one they day they can get more respect and treated better by the U.S. government etc. even though I’m not Puerto Rican I hope they gain independence. I know though it’s so complicated but they deserve to be independent and have it as own country.

[@jeannetterodriguez4663]

They have always been treated as second class. Their is the history that they teach and the truth. The truth of what US has done to Puerto Rico and its citizens is deplorable.

[@ShaniTheBurningTree]

We never were a consideration. From birth control testing to now

[@gigihadid3745]

Joan Smalls' dad should teach all the models today how to walk LOL

[@damienabsalon]

Lol yeah especially you Gigi

[@omarurquidezz]

And Kendall

[@DaniellaTello]

Papa Smalls knows whats up

[@katerinapatiniotis5598]

And Cara Delevine, who walks like a rich, spoilt brat with the arrogant smirk in the face.

[@hungershub5863]

,

[@nenepch]

I've seen her face quite a lot but never thought she would be this sweet

[@ahwbitt150]

i meaaaaannnn her dad is legit !

[@owenbeharry8478]

i remember seeing him in vogue a few years ago and saying this is where she gets her looks from.

[@ahwbitt150]

@@owenbeharry8478 hilarious

[@Azure_Oases]

When she hopped over the fence, before the gate opened. Let me know shes really from the Island lol

[@kawaiicordero0707]

Anonymous Checkbox yess I still do it 👀

[@gside772]

lol

[@fopifopfopifop3540]

Omg her dad is the coolest dad in the world, periodt

[@shodannadohs4045]

WOW! as we say in Puerto Rico, British Vogue threw the house through the window with this one! Simple, non pretentious and with no artificial flavors. Beautiful work! Kudos.

[@TheTVSol]

Liked how Joan's friend said: "We are selling confidence when we actually have low self esteem". That's a good point. And actually inspires!

[@siviremix4305]

We need less Questions and more of THIS

[@Lommy9999]

Totally

[@latefanelum1303]

I don't think one stops the other...

[@ladyfightsoctopus8166]

I think Vogue America is the only one that does it. British Vogue has a rather different approach to these types of videos

[@balegdah6115]

a self made supermodel 🤗 not brought up by nepotism like some other girls

[@MsNamzieMol]

When Joan jumped over the fence to enter her parents farm, I was like YAAAAAAAS!!!!

[@jropr824]

Namzie Mol hahaha

[@felicitefelton8434]

Lol ...I’ve done that a lot when I grew up in Madagascar ... cool to see that a supermodel still does it!

[@valeriatsukino]

Puerto Rican pride!!! Thank you British Vogue for visiting my country and producing such a beautiful video! There will never be another supermodel like Joan, she's one of a kind!

[@MarcosCarreraPhoto]

Wow, what a beautiful way to portray Joan and Puerto Rico, everything looks magical! Love seeing this, keep it up British Vogue!!!

[@vidusimistry4211]

How parents invest in their kids. It's just lovely!!!!! I cried I laugh and I got inspiration!!!!!!!!

[@FORTHEBY_BY]

I like the fact that she embraces both sides-Black AND Latino.

[@factsfeiten2977]

@ok 01 there's a lot of racism and colorism in the latin community and one thing from that is that it's bad to associate yourself with being black. So it's takes a lot for them to shake off that mindset and embrace themselves

[@ShaniTheBurningTree]

There are no sides. We are boriqua never forget.

[@factsfeiten2977]

@@ShaniTheBurningTree I- okay sis

[@MrSivram28]

Ignorance. How can you be black and Latino? latino is not a race. She's a black person from "Latin" America. Simple

[@factsfeiten2977]

daniels latina is puerto Rican and black is african descent.... happy now?

[@asprilladt]

I truly enjoy this video and hope it turns out as a series. Joan herself makes this video gratifying because her cultural background is so rich and that I've never heard or seen before. Please expose this kind of stories more often.

[@sadiesadie6343]

💖

[@rensol6806]

More models like Joan please. Less Jenner/Hadids/Baldwins.

[@nicw3251]

Ren Sol yesssss

[@valeriadelgado6768]

Baldwin isn’t a model for me 🙄 I found it very unfair when I saw her for the first time a cover of vogue.

[@rensol6806]

@@valeriadelgado6768 Exactly. 😉 I don't know why many consider her a model. Same thing with Kendall and the Hadids. #stopnepotism

[@itsme-oe8ud]

forreal!!!

[@lashjamir9252]

Valeria Delgado sameeeeeeeee

[@princesscharlott1983]

What a beautiful girl inside and out x her family must be so proud - and her too of her family x

[@valvacious2793]

Your POPPA was full of wisdom when he said finish your degree..... modeling may not last forever because it is based on the Physical. Your education, your knowledge continues forever... keep learning, keep growing, keep giving back!!!

[@victoriaporsiempre]

That girl lives in paradise! 😍😍 btw her dad could make a great model! 😁

[@MrAllstar]

A very poignant and nicely shot video, thanks Vogue. It's always refreshing to get a glimpse behind all the media and advert glamour and see that there truly is a real and whole person there.

[@sumo7387]

Best model video I have ever seen.They seem so normal and relaxed.Not like their glamour persona at all.

[@jasmina808]

This video was SO GOOD. Puerto Rico is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world

[@zuleikarodriguez2379]

Hermosa representación de Puerto Rico 🇵🇷❤️ very proud that Joan is Boricua ✨👏🏼

[@candygirl20048]

I always knew that she was Puerto Rican, but to hear her speak in Spanish--Woo! Su acento es muy puertoricaña. :)

[@GirlBossBeauty]

I liked after her Papa’s definition of modeling. Such great parents and a great woman!

[@stacyjang]

Love Joan! A supermodel indeed! ❤️🦋

[@gc_871]

A supermodel we need!

[@nurtured-channel2953]

Wow this video is sooo good .... Joan is such a beautiful person inside and out ... this video reminds me of my childhood back home... and its all about the simple things that really matter in life... meaningful relationships 👏😍 ...her dad is a wise man. Vogue this is such a beautiful work

[@juliaedi111]

Her dad is awesome, her family is beautiful. Lovely video.

[@joshuasantiago7764]

As a puertorrican fashion photographer this video make me proud! Just like Joan I don’t live in Puerto Rico at this moment so I can feel what she said about the island. So proud of Joan and so proud of mi isla! 🌴

[@PHlophe]

Josua we need to see how many afro pr girls you have in your portfolio. that's where the real test it.

[@sumimaind]

No shade to other vogues but this is the reason I subscribe to the British Vogue only and not to the other ones!

[@evangelineloves9]

The content we actually deserve. Thank you.

[@anniejuliet6920]

She is so amazing and down to earth! Really real!

[@lightuponlight6727]

wow.. Ms Smalls I've seen you walk the runway for Tom Ford and others, in that Beyonce video, fashion mags and always admired your confidence, powerful presence and striking beauty but I just had no idea how real, down to earth, smart, hard working and kind you are. You are so beautiful inside and out and your family and home country are just exquisite. Thank you for sharing with us....

[@seahlilly]

Her parents are so beautiful, she really looks like both of them 😍

[@renegade619]

I randomly watched this because Puerto Rico but Joan's papi's words at 7:13 on walking with your head up, with pride and giving respect are timelessly true for all occasions.

[@rm5492]

I‘m so in love with her since ever! She‘s got the whole package, clever, humble and beautiful

[@viviansoto76]

Thank you British Vogue for making this video, it mean a lot to me. I live in Puerto Rico.

[@celinanunez8789]

Wow Joan is honestly just the most down to earth person . This is hands down one of the best videos published by Vogue!

[@avitalgoldin2225]

I'm sorry but the real star of the video is Joan's dad and his catwalk commentary. Sorry Joan :)

[@vpoetic]

Definitely one of the best Vogue videos that I have seen. I love Joan Smalls and enjoyed seeing her family, especially her dad and his model walk.

[@jsalinas1d]

Joan is so sincere and pure in her love for her home it’s heartwarming

[@amymooney9248]

Her friend IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!

[@TheTVSol]

Joan's family was and is a great support to her. She has good parents who went through life difficulties together. They are her true strength. It was warming and beautiful to watch.

[@piyumie7529]

Everything about this video is beautiful. The country, her story, her family, and Joan herself, inside and out ❤

[@cecilia3415]

This video is everything! It’s motivating, refreshing and I didn’t know Joana is such an upbright and genuine person! And yes Puerto Rico seems so vibrant and peaceful here! Thank you Vogue for a great production! And thank you Joana for being so inspirational ❤️🥊

[@xoxot9497]

Your PAPA he is Super start..Best papa.. Blessed u and ur family gurl👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tsmith1307]

This is why its so important to show the person behind the face and the glitz and glam .... in love with her personality and inner beauty !!!! Great job Vogue

[@Janexcalibur]

I've seen a lot of her work and thought she's a great model; never knew she's Puerto Rican!

[@Nairah912]

Viva el caribe !!! There's so much talent in our little region, loved this video 👏🏾👏🏾

[@culture3787]

Her home is beautiful, Puerto Rico is so beautiful! I was there this summer and the air is so fresh, you breath real fresh air, so peaceful.

[@NicholeOlivia]

loved seeing this! she seems so sweet and Puerto Rico looks so magical❤️

[@paolabueso]

Joan’s dad was great! 🙌🙌🙌

[@maroulio2067]

This is the best British Vogue video I have ever seen. Joan Smalls is a compassionate, intelligent woman and a fantastic role model. Also, the family visit and the beauty of PR is astounding. Just absolutely wonderful to see.

[@lubna4149]

"We are selling confidence when we have the lowest self-esteem. "

[@Sotina.]

I NEVER comment. But this is beautiful! Please do more on Joan! Longer! Weekly! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@NicholeOlivia]

Puerto Rico looks beautiful. This was so well put together and enjoyable to watch.

[@alexccen]

This was SO authentic - refreshing to see this content from a supermodel

[@katpizo]

alright vogue, you convinced me...joan is my new girl crush that is all

[@diamondsanglitz1]

Her dad is still very handsome!

[@irishrosiesx3]

Joan and her friend are so beautiful!!! 😍

[@thebirds2406]

So Lovely!! I Love Puerto Rico so much too!!! those beach for surf and kite flying🙌🙌🌹🌹 watching this just bring back so much memories. Puerto Rico is really similar to my country in fact many of South America countries but more the Pacific Indios land. I thought Joan was Brazilian but she was actually Puerto Rican hehe, She is an African Latina and she has the soul of Native American. Even her father, funny when you are modelling you walk like this hahaha😁😁😂 Like native American spirit She loves her roots, and proud. And how far she will go she does not lose or forget who she is just like Lima, or Isabeli. Native wisdom: "This world can tell you who you are, rewrite your story. But you will not lose yourself, always remember who you are" ... So modelling job have helped and made their life better, her parents life better. So Proud to watch a Girl and a fighter like you. you went by yourself there build your dreams and your goal JOAN SMALL and life is beautiful , Now she is not small she stand out in the crowds and whole world loves her, and watch her. Very proud and inspired from uou Joan!! 🙌🙌🙌♥🌹

[@vivimariegarcia98]

The Birds gracias hope you can come and enjoy the island.

[@maryanndickson107]

Your comment is beautifully crafted. Thanks

[@mindfulpathwiththalissa]

This short-reportage about Joan Smalls is so refreshing and real. Nicely done Vogue ! More of inspiring content like this ! She is one humble and gorgeous lady !

[@esthersantiago7152]

So proud of Joan as a puertorrican and as a woman. She is proud of her roots, Viva Puerto Rivo🙄😄 yo soy boricua pa' que tu lo sepas!!!

[@hannahyingzi]

Really happy to see this episode of Vogue, it really touched my soul. Please interview more people like Joan Smalls.

[@idealistmoon]

thank you British Vogue please keep this type of content coming. You guys are my favorite channel out of all the vogue channels. I teared up when Joan teared up. I love her chickens and dog Karma is so cute 😄😁

[@kentybeauty]

Ughh I love her and have so much respect for her. What a beautiful country. Makes me miss my home in PNG.

[@florenceandthemakeup]

She is just breathtaking

[@Ashleywood24]

This is amazing! She makes us Puerto Rican’s so proud. Such a beautiful soul. I mean who had the nerve to dislike this video smh

[@beily4921]

I cried and laugh at the same time that’s all I’m gonna say 😂 Love her she’s so humble Love our island 🇵🇷🥰

[@hmmmm8227]

These kind of models are the ones who deserve the most recognition, should be the real role model of the youth. So real, humble and smart.

[@connemarahandcraftedglass4059]

Love, Love the footage with her precious Daddy. And the tears, the tears.... priceless!

[@ginofever8233]

This is so so so pure! I feel her! Greatest video Vogue has ever published!

[@queenkgr4413]

Wow I am in tears 😭 this is so beautiful and I am so happy to see this beautiful woman who I share my heritage with showing our beautiful island to the world. My heart is so filled with love thank you vouge 💙

[@katem331]

So authentic, so real and so many important lessons and messages. Very well done Vogue. Joan, your vulnerability is beautiful ❤️

[@bellalafemme5693]

I salute you mama!!! A great example of knowing where you come from and working hard to get where you want to go. Would love to see more of women like you modeling.

[@hottafyah663]

Beautiful Black and Afro Latina women! So inspirational and the West Indian father tho lol --- that's every Caribbean parent !

[@Mook215philly]

@mark daniels Puerto Ricans are West Indian.

[@Wanderer25]

Her father sounds like he's from another island though. Maybe it's just me.

[@susiq1121]

@@Wanderer25 yes i hear a trini accent

[@susiq1121]

@mark daniels Ummm, you may need to do a google map search *ASAP*. According to Bitannica the West Indies is divided and 3 sections and PR is apart of...: "the Greater Antilles, comprising the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico". It is the Guyanese that are culturally closer to the West Indies/Caribbean, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. They were British dominated, English speaking and do not have a large Latin presence. Stop trying to divide and exert some sort or pseudo-superiority and educate yourself. Your ignorance is on a level of concern.

[@susiq1121]

@mark daniels Ummmm, let me reword this.....Guyana is a part of South America that was controlled by the British, not the Spanish or Portuguese. It is a mixture of East Indian, black Africans and Native Indians. The dominant language is English. The Guyanese culture is closer to that of the Caribbean/West Indian culture, hence their presence in West Indian events such as carnivals and their foods. Culturally, Guyanese are closer to the Trini culture, than a South American culture despite their location. Ask a Guyanese. If you had personal interactions with Guyanese ppl, this is not news. Suriname is another South American country that is not culturally Latin dominant, as their main language is Dutch and they too have a large population of East Indians.

[@epie6]

This made me happy today.. such genuineness. I wish her family a lifetime of happiness 😇

[@nataliea.s.4595]

I absolutely love the authenticity and initimacy of this video. Adoro a Joan Smalls!

[@P3tra63]

I adore her 😍😍😍 By that I mean her humour, personality, not just looks, her mindset. Everything

[@polyprinz]

I have more respect for this model now more than ever. Way to go Joan, you made your parents proud. God bless you and your family!!!

[@Anointed_Bone]

Wow...I’m really impressed by this young, brave woman and her love for our country. You are a beautiful both spiritually and physically. Thank God for your mom and Dad. I wish you lots of success.

[@lubonachibwa6328]

Between this and the model series I'd like Vogue to refund me for my tears. I cry all the time

[@meshzy13]

So real and resilient. Always love her. Watched her on Runways and campaigns and followed her on Insta and never looked back :)

[@Sweetlovefnw]

Te amamos Joan! You are so beautiful and such a role model! Los jibaros estamos orgullosa/o de ti!!! 🇵🇷🐸

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

She is gorgeous and loved her talking to her friend at the beginning

[@MrDaijon79612]

I like Joan more after watching this interview.

[@Jkntdc27]

戴致洋 I can totally relate

[@xanikacovington]

Please do more supermodel roots! This is the best thing you’ve ever done.

[@ZenBenzineX]

Beautiful video... Proud afro latina. Am living for this!!!

[@mariavalentin5263]

Thank you for this beautiful video 🖤🇵🇷

[@sophiadavenport3959]

The scenery looks so beautiful and sounds peaceful.

[@NilaTheMakeUpBully]

Beautiful content. This was a breath of fresh air. 💕 Joan is gorgeous 👑✨

[@leoonthego5077]

she is sooo beautiful and down to earth! This "super model roots" is such a beautiful idea! Thanks Vogue!

[@sweetnothings7484]

Incredible video, wonderfully done and inspiring. I'm from Puerto Rico, also lived a dark moment during Hurricane María, it was like an apocalypse that lasted a very long time. It fills me with so much pride, compassion and love to see this. Thank you.