James Turlington: The All-American Athlete Turned High-Fashion Star

In the fast-paced world of fashion, few newcomers have turned heads quite like James Turlington. With a family legacy tied to one of the most iconic supermodels of all time—his aunt Christy Turlington—James could have easily coasted on name recognition. But instead, he's forged his own path, combining a disciplined sports background with undeniable style and charisma that’s making him one of the busiest male models on the scene in 2025.

From the Baseball Field to the Fashion Runway

Born in 1994 in Danville, California, James Turlington grew up immersed in sports. His early years were dominated by baseball and basketball, with athletic idols like Kobe Bryant and Barry Bonds shaping his competitive spirit. After a successful college career at UC Santa Barbara, where he studied sociology and played Division I baseball, James was drafted into the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. For over three years, he worked his way through the minors as a pitcher—until injuries, including a serious elbow condition requiring Tommy John surgery, brought his baseball career to a close.

But what seemed like an end turned into a new beginning.

The Launch of a Modeling Career

Turlington’s shift to modeling didn’t happen overnight, but it came naturally. Growing up in a family deeply embedded in the fashion industry—his mother is Christy Turlington’s sister—James was no stranger to the world of photo shoots and haute couture. In fact, he had appeared in editorial shoots as a toddler, playing Christy’s son.

In 2023, with encouragement from his aunt and after sending his photos to IMG through casting director Evelien Joos, James signed with IMG Models. Today, he is represented by IMG New York, IMG Paris, IMG Milano, IMG London, and IMG Los Angeles, along with Sight Management Studio in Barcelona.

A Meteoric Rise: Campaigns, Covers, and Catwalks

James Turlington has quickly become a regular on the world’s most prestigious runways. In 2025 alone, he’s made standout appearances at:

• V Magazine #154 Summer 2025 Cover (May 2025)
• Todd Snyder F/W 25 Men’s Show (February 2025)
• Georges Hobeika Haute Couture Spring 2025 (Paris, January 2025)
• Brunello Cucinelli F/W 25 Presentation and Show (Milan, January–February 2025)

In 2024, he walked for powerhouse names like:

• Giorgio Armani S/S 25 in New York
• Ralph Lauren S/S 25 in Bridgehampton
• Todd Snyder S/S 25 in New York
• L’Oréal Paris Show (Paris, September 2024)

Turlington has also been the face of campaigns like the David Yurman DY Madison® A/W 2024, shot by Philipp Cherichenko, and made a strong impression in the Etro campaign alongside icons such as Lauren Hutton and Alton Mason, shot by Cass Bird.

Not Just a Famous Name: A Distinctive Presence

While comparisons to Christy are inevitable—especially given his classic features, green eyes, and sharp cheekbones—James is very much his own brand. At 6’3" with an athletic build, his look bridges old-school elegance with a modern, rugged edge. He describes his personal style as “comfortable” and believes that less is more, both in fashion and life.

He’s also incredibly down-to-earth about his rise, often crediting his aunt and mother—who are best friends and live a block apart—for mentoring him. “Be professional & be on time,” he says, repeating some of the most important advice he’s received. “Study the industry. Know the work of the creatives you’re working with.”

A New Star in Fashion's Firmament

James Turlington's modeling journey has taken him across fashion capitals—from New York to Milan, Paris, and London—often appearing alongside the industry’s biggest names like Bella Hadid, Lucky Blue Smith, and Sean O'Pry. His presence at the Brandon Maxwell runway and the Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards cemented his status as a rising star to watch.

A particular highlight? Walking the Ralph Lauren S/S 25 show in the Hamptons with his girlfriend Paula, aunt Christy, and cousin Grace, with his mother watching proudly from the front row alongside actress Naomi Watts. “It was really special,” James recalls. “Then we had dinner at the recreated Polo Bar. That night will stay with me forever.”

What’s Next for James Turlington?

James keeps future plans close to the vest, teasing “exciting projects” in the pipeline. But he’s also realistic about the long-term arc of a modeling career. With just five courses left in his history degree, he plans to finish his studies and is already eyeing a transition into acting down the line.

For now, though, the fashion world is all his.

“This life is new to me,” he says. “Going from baseball, which was my passion for over 20 years, to this… it’s a huge shift. But I’m embracing the ride.”

Why James Turlington Matters

In an era where legacy models often struggle to emerge from the shadows of their famous relatives, James Turlington has broken the mold. He combines athletic discipline, refined elegance, and a grounded personality that resonates with fashion editors, casting directors, and fans alike.

His ability to bring a story to every photo shoot and a strong presence to every runway is turning heads not just because of where he came from—but because of where he’s going.