Jullien's 20 Today-Is It Possible?

 

photo by: Pino Gomes

 

20 years ago today, I gave birth to a long, skinny, string bean baby boy, with huge lips and dimples. A persistent little bugger who wouldn't let me out of his sight. 

Bright and early I called my son, Jullien, to wish him a Happy 20th Birthday. As the words were leaving my mouth, my mind screamed, "How is this possible?" What's even harder to comprehend...he's been gone for 3 years already, since he was 17 years old, when I sent his pictures to a Top New York modeling agency. They swept him off to the Big Apple, Paris & Italy two days after graduating high school.

British Elle Magazine 25th Anniversary w/Supermodel Coco Rocha/Jullien Herrera

Jullien with his girlfriend-model Nichelle

 

 Jullien Herrera in Pierre Cardin 60th Anniversary Runway Show

Imagine, my little guy, Juju, who spent his life hiding and scowling from the camera, now making a living gracing the pages of magazines, video's & strutting in front of hundreds of flashing camera lights on the runway.

He perfected the intense look he's famous for on the football field, baseball field & basketball court. He has an inner intensity that pushes him to excel, and succeed at whatever he puts his mind to. He learned to be an achiever by having to compete with kids a year or two older than him in every sport. He started school when he was 4, (which to this day, I never hear the end of.) But I think it has helped him realize that in life, everything requires hard work and dedication, no one is going to hand you anything. 

After an accident this past year which left him potentially scarred & possibly ending his career, he stayed strong, did what he could...finally completely healing. After getting his start and being represented by Red Models for two years, (whom he is very grateful to and continues to maintain a close friendship w/agents George & Dave) he decided he needed a fresh start. He received several requests from Top Agency's to sign with them and finally decided to go with the very large, well established, worldwide agency,  Major Model Management,...once again succeeding.

He has made me so proud! Even during unforeseen life set backs, he picks himself up, brushes it off and moves on...refusing to give up. These are the same characteristics he has displayed since he was a toddler. Persistence. It's who he is. It's an inner personal drive that is undeterred. It's what makes him special. A leader. An example. 

Today I celebrate a special gift from God, my son Jullien. I Love You & am proud to be your mother! 

Our 'Brady Bunch' family several years ago 

 

Streetwear Today Magazine - photo by: Stephan Kallaus

 

Sid Magazine - photo by: Reno Ranger

 

Details Magazine - photo by: Eric Ogden

Sisley (Campaign) - photo by: Terry Richardson

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY JUJU! 

   

Hey, It's Me!

I haven't updated on my son, Jullien Herrera, who is a model, (Red Model Mgmt) living the jet set life that I can only dream of. He recently returned to New York from Paris & Milan. This time around, I sent him off with a new camera (Christmas present that I told him is a must!) he was required to take pictures for me. He said it was really hard because he had so many castings and spent his time running around trying to find the places & communicate with the French and Italians for help.

Milan Agency-.Fashion-show card

Paris Agency-Marilyn MGM-show card

But he managed to take a whole day in Paris and said he got some AMAZING pictures for me. Unfortunately he dropped his laptop & now it wont turn on...so I'm still waiting for him to get it fixed and send me my pictures!

He has been to Paris before but this was his first time in Milan. As he stepped off the plane & walked through the airport, he was surprised to find this huge picture of a campaign he did for Sisley, shot by Terry Richardson, in the store window.

Jullien Herrera for Sisley Campaign
photo by: Terry Richardson

He said, it felt pretty cool and a little weird seeing his picture in Italy. He stopped to snap it with his camera phone to send to his mommy (yes I love it!).

Unfortunately he had to return a little earlier than expected, and wasn't able to do the Paris shows due to the passing of a friend that he went to High School with. He'd just hung out with her over Christmas. He was pretty shook up. He's had a lot of friends pass away and it never gets any easier to handle especially when kids are dying so young, and needlessly at the hands of prescription drugs and alcohol.

He's doing much better now and is back in New York with his girlfriend, Nichelle (also a model) and his comfort zone, which helps when you need support.

Jullien & Nichelle (Central Park last summer)

He's continuing to work and go on castings...New York Fashion Week's coming up.


more Sean John




photos by: Vincent Dilio

He will be heading off to Hong Kong in a few months...more pictures for me! yaya! What wonderful life experiences for my young 19 year old son!