My mom always tells me, 'Joan, you're the brightest star. Embrace your strength and your power when you walk into a room.' So I always have that in me to have that confidence. — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
I always remember my mom saying she wanted a son, so I basically filled that position, like, being outside and always having dirt underneath my nails. I was never afraid of getting dirty and grimy. — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
Back home I had always been comfortable around people. I was the troublemaker, always being funny - that's just who I am. I'm Latina; I've always had that extra little flavor. But when I got to New York, it became about being comfortable with myself in a place where I didn't know many people, and that was the big challenge.… — Joan Smalls Copy Share
I think it's nice to know that people in the industry are paying attention to all of the hard work you've done throughout the… — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
I felt most beautiful on the red carpet in Givenchy's sheer lace dress at a dinner hosted by Givenchy in honor of Marina Abramovich… — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
A career high was when I did a cover for 'W Magazine's July issue with Steven Meisel. So few girls shoot with Meisel in… — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
I don't diet. I'm Puerto Rican! You can never take my rice, pork, and beans away. — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
Fashion is part of our culture, and it's about more than just a pretty dress. — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
I remember when I started modelling and being the only non-white girl in the fashion show. I was grateful to be there, but at… — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
People hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, ‘Well, it’s just that designer’s aesthetic.’ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and… — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
I want to last in my career, and that relies on the way my body performs. So I need to take care of it. — Joan Smalls Copy Share Image
