Waterhouse TEEN Jermaine Downer aka JD is the man of the hour. From the moment the 17-year-old hit the runways in major fashion capitals, London, Milan and Paris, he instantly became a hot commodity, booking some of the biggest shows in the world and walking for some of the most well-known designers. Before we delve into JD’s awesomeness, let’s see how he does with our teenAGE Casual Questions (TCQ’s):TCQ1: If you could have any superpower what would it be?JD: I would like to talk to under water animals, like Aqua Man, because I can’t swim so if I am drowning I can call animals to help me.TCQ2: What’s the most trouble you’ve been in with your parents?JD:  I’m a really shy guy. I haven’t been in any trouble with my parents. I go by the rules.TCQ3: Which of these kids are you in high school: the nerd, just a part of the crowd, or the popular kid?JD: I’m nerdy and dramatic.TCQ4: What is the most teenAGE thing you do on a daily basis?JD: Watch movies and text on my phone.

JD’s friends can testify of the TEEN’s longstanding interest in fashion. He says that he would always tell them of how much he wanted to become a model, though he didn’t think the opportunity existed in Jamaica. However, his dreams would come true  when an employee of Saint International came scouting at his high school, Penwood High.

“One of Deiwight’s workers, Andrew, and a really tall girl came to my school. I didn’t know what it was all about so I walked out of the class. Then I heard that they were looking for me. My friend showed them me and said, ‘This guy has always wanted to become a model.’ They said to me: ‘You know we’re going to have a meeting this Saturday, you should come.’,” JD explained.

The rest, as they say, is history. He would enter the Caribbean Fashion Face of the Caribbean in March after undergoing training, but only placed third. Even so, Saint CEO, Deiwight Peters saw JD’s potential and proceeded to post photos of the model on his Instagram account.

Since then, he has been receiving loads of attention from international model agencies and is now signed to D1 Models London; Premium Models, Paris and Why Not Models, Milan. 

In June of this year, he did pre-casting in Paris, followed by casting in London, resulting in him being chosen to walk for JW Anderson in London Fashion Week. The same week, the TEEN walked for award-winning designer, Grace Wales Bonner.

“I walked in two looks for her. That was a very big deal for me because I am a new face and I closed her show,”  said JD, who was spotted by vogue in the Top Five Males to Watch from London Fashion Week.

In Milan, JD walked for Missoni, Damir Doma and Diesel Black Bold, and was again spotted by Vogue, this time in the Top 15 Faces to Remember from Milan Fashion Week.

His Paris trek saw him walking for Officine Generale and Paul Smith.

“I loved that show, because I got to smile,” he said of Paul Smith.

Downer also revealed that he will be on the cover of Vogue, posing for his favourite designer Grace Wales Bonner, whose father is Jamaican. The designer is winner of the prestigious LVMH Award. 

Downer says the best thing about being a model is travelling the world.

“The best thing is that we get to travel the world. It’s an awesome experience for me. I’m young and a lot of people want this opportunity that I’m getting right now. Even to go to places like Paris that almost every human being wants to go. To see the Eiffel Tower [and] go to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa.

“I haven’t had a bad experience as a model. Everything is on point. Model life is perfect,” he continued.

The fifth form student, who wants to pursue an international acting career as well, says that what sells you as a model is your personality.

“Once you’re a model, you have to understand yourself. Your personality should be on point. It’s about having fun in your work,” says the super confident and energetic model.

–Aldane Walters

Photos: Bryan Cummings