In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and journey of Jordan Torres, a remarkable model and actor, whose roots trace back to the Bronx. With a career that has taken him from the bustling streets of New York City to the glamour of Paris, Jordan shares his experiences, dreams, and aspirations. From his humble beginnings to gracing the cover of Yummy 8, he offers a glimpse into his life, passions, and aspirations that extend beyond the world of fashion. Join us as we get to know the man behind the captivating images and discover what makes him "yummy" in more ways than one.
Photo story by TORIAN LEWIN, interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
The images are cropped / made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue Eight
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hello, Jordan! How's everything going? We're thrilled to have you in Yummy 8.
JORDAN TORRES. Yo yo! Honestly, everything is absolutely amazing. You caught me at a great time. I’m thrilled to be a part of it; this is one of those covers that will be iconic for my career.
A.G.E. Before delving into your professional career, could you share some insights about your background and upbringing in the Bronx, raised by your mother?
J.T. “Only the strong survive.” It wasn’t easy growing up in the Bronx, but it made me the man I am today. I wouldn’t change anything about it. My mother was the rock in my life; the lady is a bit too tough for her own good, but she had no choice. The Bronx will always be my home.
A.G.E. You mentioned in a podcast that you wanted to do something to make your family proud. Was this a driving factor behind your choice to become a model? How did you first develop an interest in the fashion and modelling industries?
J.T. Good question, but to be honest with you, I didn’t know I'd become a model; it’s not something I aspired to do. I just wanted an outlet for my family, so whatever that was, I was going to be one of the best at it. I was an athlete one day, and the other I was in Paris, haha! But I was like, "Hey, maybe this is a way out for me and my family?" then I went full force.
A.G.E. I understand you were scouted at the age of sixteen, transitioning from playing rugby to modelling. Could you elaborate on how you were scouted and describe your experience transitioning from rugby to the world of modelling?
J.T. Yes, one day I was in Soho, NY, just walking and shopping with a couple of buddies. While my very first agent approached me and asked if I was a model. I giggled and said no. He was like, "Would you like to be one? You have an amazing face." I was like, "Uh, I guess," but I wasn’t sure if it was the real deal. The next week, I was in Paris for Givenchy. That explains a lot! So, from rugby to modelling, it came down to picking one. Rugby is such a tough game that requires getting hurt, and I had to be pretty more often. So, I had to make the best decision for me and my family. Now I’m on the cover of Yummy, so you can see which one I stuck with. No regrets.
A.G.E. You've achieved remarkable success as a model, working with prominent brands like Fashion Nova, Nike, and Versace. Did working with these brands make you feel like you had achieved your goals? What significance did these collaborations hold for your career, and how did they impact your trajectory?
J.T. Yes, absolutely, but because I’m a Latino from the Bronx, I wanted to show the kids where I’m from that anything is possible. I enjoyed a lot of those experiences, but I wanted to create a platform to show others that they can do it too. It’s funny, too, because once I do something, it seems bigger. It’s out of the norm for kids like us.
A.G.E. In today's multifaceted world, you're also venturing into acting. How do you feel about your career as an actor? What challenges have you encountered in this industry?
J.T. Probably the toughest switch I’ve made; acting isn’t for the weak. Especially for a model because I feel there’s a stigma behind it. Like, "Oh, you think you're pretty, so you should act?" Acting makes you deal with more NOs than anyone else in this world. I’ve walked into rooms for roles that could change my life in 24 hours and been told no; it wasn’t easy. But I felt there was a different plan for me. I utilise what I have and make the best out of it. I believe in my heart that there’s a writer out there writing a show for me. They’re going to see me on a beach or at an airport, and boom, there goes my first major role. Watch.
A.G.E. Beyond your professional endeavours, what are some of your favourite pastimes in your free time? Can you share something about yourself that not everyone knows?
J.T. I love hiking; I’ll go backpacking once a year. I’ll sleep in the woods for about five days with no phone, just go and disconnect from the world. If not, I’ll go to my island, Puerto Rico, and kick it at my house. Best feeling ever.
A.G.E. It's an honour to feature you on the cover of Yummy 8. What does this recognition mean to you, being both featured in our magazine and gracing one of our covers?
J.T. Very, very special. I’m honoured. As I said previously, this is a stamp for my career. Thank you; our audiences will appreciate this. Breaking boundaries. Live free.
A.G.E. Could you describe your experience shooting this stunning story with Torian Lewin? Despite your professional experience in photoshoots, was this your first nude shoot? How did you feel about the experience?
J.T. Amazing, I’m sexy. Be confident in your own skin. I love being free; Torian and I work well together. We had a vision, and it came to life. The shoot was great; we played Bad Bunny and got to work in my city, so it was a great day!
A.G.E. What does the term 'yummy' mean to you? Has your perception of it evolved since your photo shoot for our magazine?
J.T. Yummy = JT, hahaha! But for me, it definitely means tasty, like a full-course meal, you know.
A.G.E. Now, I’d like to ask you a few more spicy questions. You have a stunning physique, so I guess you must have so many people sliding into your DMs. What do people appreciate the most about you? What compliments do you receive very often?
J.T. That’s tough; I will say these big pecs! They love these melons. But honestly, people give compliments on my face, my hands, and even my neck. I’m grateful, but don’t let these looks fool you; my heart is just as beautiful.
A.G.E. From your point of view, what’s the key to taking the best thirst traps and sexy selfies? What could we find if we were to look in your hidden folder on your camera roll?
J.T. I will say when you're feeling sexy after a shower and you look in the mirror, capture that energy because how you feel is how the pic will look. Sometimes I even wake up and feel sexy, and I’ll snap a photo. As for my hidden folder, let’s just say I'd break the internet with those.
A.G.E. What’s your take on nudity? How do you feel about it? For example, do you sleep naked or practice nudity any other way?
J.T. I love it; be free. Who gives a f***? Personally, I love being naked by the water. There's no better feeling. I once rented a boat, drove out to the middle of the ocean, and just swam naked, tanned naked, and even ate naked for the whole day. It was amazing. It’s hard for me to sleep naked, surprisingly. Maybe after a drunk night after some nasty sex. Oops.
A.G.E. Lastly, I would like to know what your next goals in life are. You have a splendid career and a growing community, so what’s next for you? What do you hope to achieve in the near future?
J.T. Keep building; I thought at one point I was just chilling and I’m okay here, and then BOOM, I’ve gotten motivation like, no, let’s keep going and building. I’m getting into my prime. My biggest hope in the near future is to be the face of a major fragrance or a recurring actor in a series. But hey, I want you to know that if that doesn’t happen, I’m grateful for everything I have in my life. Peace out, JT!
Yummy Magazine ISSUE EIGHT OUR WINTER 2024 ISSUE
