If you haven’t heard of Jordan Daniels, it’s time to get acquainted. The 5-foot-11 model was first discovered in Milan as a Prada runway exclusive for Spring-Summer 2019. Shortly after, the New Zealand native made appearances on the Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Off-White runways.

After a successful season in Europe, Daniels aimed to make a name for herself in New York  – mission accomplished!  She walked for Khaite, Longchamp, Jeremy Scott, and Brandon Maxwell, and was cast by Katie Grand for the wondrous Tomo Koizumi show held at the Marc Jacobs Madison store.

Still on a high from her whirlwind NYFW experience, we caught up with the emerging model to reflect on her rise to the top of the industry.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa, but I was raised a kiwi in Auckland, New Zealand!

Where do you live now?

New York!

What drew you to the fashion industry, and to work as a model specifically?

Honestly, I was thrown into it by chance, and I didn’t know I would get half as far as I have today! Working as a model specifically has always looked so incredible…to see the world and travel as much as I do has always been a dream.

What has been your most memorable runway show, editorial shoot, or campaign you’ve shot so far?

My most memorable runway show would be Prada SS19, and editorial would be a great project shot in Los Angeles that will be published soon – I just can’t reveal anything yet!

How does it feel to make your NYFW debut? Was there any show that stood out to you?

NYFW was so fun! This season, I unfortunately came down with a terrible flu and pneumonia, so it cut my fashion week short by a lot. It was really disappointing having to cancel so many shows due to being ill, but everyone of course understood the situation. Hopefully, next year I’ll be back and in better health to get more shows! The few shows I did do, however, will be in my memory forever!

The show that stood out to me the most was probably Jeremy Scott. Jeremy is such an amazing creative and such a sweet, loyal, and honest person. It was so beyond special to walk his show for the first time! I just walked Moschino last night in Milan, and seeing his dedication to both brands come to life is incredible!

Are there any goals you hope to accomplish within the modeling industry?

I wouldn’t say I have any goals in particular. I want to book everything that’s meant for me, and do the very best that I can for myself. I would love to one day branch out from modeling too, and maybe start designing or even acting. Let’s see where it all takes me!