Solange Knowles was in the audience Friday night to support her son, Julez Smith, as he took another major step in his modeling career. Smith, the son of Knowles and nephew of Beyoncé, walked the runway in New York City during a unique fashion event just days ahead of the 2025 Met Gala.
The event, titled Black Hair Reimagined: The New Era of Beauty, was inspired by the iconic Bronner Bros. hair show and organized by celebrity hairstylist Jawara Wauchope and Jrod Lacks of Echelon Noir Productions. The evening was hosted by actress and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross, founder of the haircare brand Pattern. It celebrated the artistry and cultural significance of Black hair with an immersive display of beauty, creativity, and movement.
Smith walked confidently down a mirrored runway, which was surrounded by dancers and illuminated by dramatic lighting. He wore a striking forest green coat covered in rings of hair, paired with combat boots, a necklace, and diamond earrings.
The runway featured standout hair designs by top stylists Cyndia Harvey, Malcolm Marquez, Vernon François, and Yusef Williams. Other models included well-known names like Paloma Elsesser, Anok Yai, and Imaan Hammam.
The event partnered with The Texture of Change, an initiative focused on providing hair professionals with education and training in textured hair care. Their goal is to ensure that stylists are equipped to serve all hair types, giving every client access to knowledgeable, skilled professionals.
With his continued rise in fashion and the strong support of his family, Julez Smith is quickly becoming a name to watch in the modeling world.
