Jourdan Copeland is a model in London walking the fashion runways and appearing in fashion spreads in magazines. Who knew that he has Jamaican roots?

Rising black male model of Jamaican parentage 20-year-old Jourdan Copeland is walking a fierce trail on the runways and appearing in fashion spreads in London. A relative newbie in the modelling industry, Jourdan has nevertheless already walked for Neil Barrett, Kenzo, YMC, Astrid Anderson, Dsquared2 and Christopher Raeburn, among others. Discovered on the train on his way to work as a pastry chef, Jourdan admits he did not return the call to accept the offer for weeks. It was his mother, Sandra Copeland, who gave him the nod of approval to chart this new journey. It’s not all glitz and glam for Jourdan, but he is prepared to make the best of the experience with his brother, Troy Copeland, who walked the runway with him at the Astrid Anderson Fall/Winter 2013/2014 fashion show. Jourdan shares with SO, “I wouldn’t say there’s any rivalry; it’s all good. It’s another thing to talk about at home.” Their supportive father, Eustace Copeland, who hails from Kingston, is proud of his son’s achievements.

Jourdan confesses he loves food, but modelling is growing on him. It’s no idle boast! Industry authority Models.com published Jourdan as model of the week back in October 2012. A huge feat for the model, who was hardly aware of the industry prior to being discovered. Indeed, he’s not looked back and has become a constant fixture on London fashion runways. The lanky 6’3″ model is philosophical about the whole thing. “Luck is on my side at the moment,” he shares with SO. “Models are seasonal like fashion trends; one day you’re in, and another, you’re out!”

Sadly, that’s the harsh reality of a fickle industry. For the time being, however, Jourdan’s exotic features — small eyes and uncanny resemblance to R&B sensation Usher — will, we reckon, put him in good stead. A few things will, however, remain constant: Jourdan’s decidedly Jamaican palate — his favourite meal is curry goat and rice, with jerk pork, coleslaw and salad on the side — and his passion for football club Arsenal.

SO looks forward to tracking his runway progress and, like him — an Arsenal fan — applauding the best football club.