Jordan Barrett: Shadow of Drug Trafficking in the Fashion World

May 29, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, few stories are as gripping and transformative as that of Jordan Barrett. Born on December 2, 1996, in Byron Bay, Australia, Barrett has become one of the most recognizable male models of his generation. From being a rebellious teen caught stealing matches to becoming the face of global luxury brands, his story is one of contrast, perseverance, and undeniable charm.

A Discovery Born in Chaos

Jordan’s entry into modeling was anything but conventional. At just 14 years old, he was spotted by a talent scout from IMG Models—not during a casting, but while attempting to steal matches from a convenience store to light a cigarette. The scout was captivated by Jordan’s messy blond hair, tall frame, and especially his striking blue-green, almond-shaped eyes, often described as a mix between Leonardo DiCaprio and River Phoenix. Although Jordan initially fled, mistaking the scout for security, it was his mother, Julie, who later contacted the agency through the internet, ultimately launching his career.

Rise to Stardom

Barrett's early assignments took him from Sydney to Japan, and by the age of 18, he was shooting in Miami with legendary fashion photographer Bruce Weber. That shoot marked a turning point. Soon after, he was cast in major campaigns for Tom Ford, Balmain, Dsquared2, Moschino, Versace, Coach, and Calvin Klein.

In 2015, he became a sensation after appearing in VMAN and Arena Homme+ SS, both shot by Steven Klein. The following year, Models.com crowned him "Model of the Year", and Vogue dubbed him “The Male It Model of the New Era.” His success was cemented with the GQ Style Award for "Man of Style."

The Face of Iconic Campaigns

Barrett’s androgynous yet rugged appeal made him a perfect fit for fashion’s boldest creative visions. He became the male ambassador for Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million fragrance, and his portfolio grew to include editorial and runway appearances for Maison Margiela, Michael Lo Sordo, and Calvin Klein PRIDE campaigns.

In recent years, he’s maintained momentum with standout work:

Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024 – Captured by Sasha Kasiuha
CK PRIDE 2023 – Shot by Dan Beleiu
MISBHV x Jordan Barrett – In collaboration with Hugo Comte
The Leopard Magazine Cover (2023)
Vogue World 2023 Show in London

His agency representation includes IMG New York and Chapter Management London, and he currently resides in London, though his lifestyle is distinctly global.

Beyond the Runway: Artistic Soul

Fashion is only one facet of Jordan’s multifaceted identity. He has a strong passion for photography, participating in exhibitions and even publishing a book in collaboration with Collier Schorr titled “I BLAME JORDAN”, showcased at MoMA PS1 in New York. With a bohemian spirit, a tattoo reading “Gypsy” on his left arm captures his self-image as a wandering creative. His interests extend to DJing, surfing, and filmmaking.

His creative aspirations are clear: “Modeling isn’t my dream,” he once shared. “One day, I’d love to open an eco-hotel somewhere tropical, maybe in Costa Rica or Brazil.”

Film Appearances and Cultural Footprint

Barrett’s growing fame also led to film and video appearances:

Kanye West’s “Wolves” music video (2016)
“Double Dutchess: Seeing Double” (2017)
“Suki Waterhouse: Good Looking” (2018)
Short film “Carte Blanche” (2018)
“Wetiko” (2023) – Shot in Mexico

These ventures have showcased his versatility and evolving role in the fashion and entertainment industries.

Controversy and Redemption: A Past He Doesn’t Hide

Despite his glamorous trajectory, Barrett’s background has frequently drawn attention—particularly his family history. His father, Adrian Barrett, was convicted in 2013 for running one of Australia’s largest marijuana trafficking rings, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence.

Jordan has never denied the past but offers a grounded perspective: “To me, my dad is wonderful. When I read ‘drug cartel leader’ in the media, I think of weapons and hard drugs, but growing up in Byron Bay, it was just a lot of weed.” He remains close to his mother and siblings, and he’s been clear that he’s never been involved in his father’s criminal dealings.

His ability to separate his personal narrative from his professional identity is a testament to his resilience. Rather than being defined by his lineage, Jordan has crafted his own legacy through work ethic, authenticity, and charisma.