Jasmine Tookes' journey in the fashion industry began with a serendipitous discovery at one of her mother's showroom appointments. Born on February 1, 1991, in Huntington Beach, California, Tookes grew up in an environment that was steeped in fashion, largely due to her mother's career as a celebrity fashion stylist. This early exposure to the fashion world undoubtedly influenced her path. Her diverse ancestry, which includes African American, Brazilian, European, and West Indian roots, has contributed to her unique and striking appearance. This rich blend of backgrounds not only enhanced her appeal in the modeling world but also provided her with a broad cultural perspective that she carries into her professional endeavors.

From Gymnastics to the Runway

Before she ventured into modeling, Jasmine spent a decade honing her skills in gymnastics, which, alongside her participation in volleyball and softball, instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and physicality. These athletic pursuits became invaluable assets in her modeling career, offering her the physical endurance and poise necessary for the demands of runway and editorial work. Her entry into the fashion world was marked by a significant opportunity at the age of 15 when she was photographed by renowned photographer Bruce Weber for Abercrombie & Fitch. This early exposure set the stage for her future success in the fashion industry, providing her with a platform to showcase her natural poise and charisma, qualities that would become her signature in the modeling world.

Breaking into the Fashion Scene

Jasmine's professional modeling career began in earnest in 2010 with commercial campaigns for UGG Australia and Gap. These initial campaigns were pivotal in establishing her as a fresh face in the industry. Her breakthrough on the international scene came with a Spring 2011 campaign for DKNY and a layout in Vogue Italia, shot by Ellen von Unwerth, which was a significant testament to her burgeoning appeal. Her rising profile was recognized by Models.com, which named her one of the top 10 new models in September 2011. Furthermore, Style magazine highlighted her as a top new model in November 2011, based on her performance in the Spring Fashion Shows. These accolades were significant as they positioned her among the most promising talents in an industry that is both highly competitive and constantly evolving.

Victoria's Secret and Beyond

Jasmine Tookes' association with Victoria's Secret began in 2012 when she was one of eleven new models selected for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, aligning her with one of the most prestigious brands in fashion. Her career with the brand reached a milestone in 2015 when she became a Victoria's Secret Angel, a role that significantly elevated her status and visibility within the industry. In 2016, she was chosen to wear the prestigious Fantasy Bra, valued at $3 million, during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, making her the third black model to receive this honor. This opportunity not only highlighted her as a key figure within the brand but also underscored the increasing diversity within the fashion industry. Her tenure with Victoria's Secret was marked by several notable moments, including her participation in the brand's Super Bowl commercial, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in the modeling world.

Notable Campaigns and Recognition

Tookes has graced the pages of major fashion magazines, including Italian, American, French, German, and Spanish Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Numéro, W, and V. Her cover appearances include Elle France (February 2013), Vogue Espana (March 2016), Harper's Bazaar Vietnam (July 2016), Maxim (February 2017), and Elle USA (May 2017). These appearances reflect her versatility and appeal across diverse fashion markets. She has also been featured in campaigns for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein, Lancôme, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Victoria's Secret, showcasing her ability to embody different brand aesthetics. In 2016, Jasmine Tookes made her debut on Forbes' "The World's Highest Paid Models" list, ranking at No. 17 with estimated earnings of $4 million. She was also awarded the "Face of the Year" by the Fragrance Foundation in 2017 and was named the Most Beautiful Face in the World by TC Candler in 2022. These accolades highlight her impact and standing within the fashion industry, solidifying her reputation as a leading model of her generation.

The Private Side

Jasmine Tookes maintains a relatively private personal life. She was previously in a relationship with Danish model Tobias Sorensen. In September 2020, she announced her engagement to Juan David Borrero, the director of international markets at Snap Inc. and the son of Ecuador's former vice president, Alfredo Borrero Vega. The couple married on September 4, 2021, in Quito, Ecuador, at the historic Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, a venue that underscored the couple's deep connection to Borrero's heritage. They have two children: a daughter, Mia Victoria, born on February 23, 2023, and a son, Mateo Ira, born on October 28, 2025. Her family life, though private, is occasionally shared with her followers, offering glimpses into her personal world beyond the runway. These rare insights into her life reveal a balance between her professional commitments and personal joys, showcasing her as both a dedicated professional and a family-oriented individual.

Current Endeavors

Jasmine Tookes continues to make waves in the fashion industry. In May 2025, she launched her first beauty brand, Brunel, which has been well-received for its focus on inclusivity and diversity in beauty products. The launch of Brunel marks a significant expansion of her professional repertoire, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering individuals through beauty. Additionally, she opened the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while pregnant, marking a significant moment as the first African American model to do so. This appearance not only celebrated her personal journey but also represented a broader shift towards inclusivity and representation within the fashion industry. Her continued presence in high-profile campaigns and her entrepreneurial ventures underscore her influence and commitment to shaping the future of fashion and beauty.

Sources

Wikipedia

Jasmine Tookes

Quick Facts

On GetModel