Julez Smith Jr., the son of singer-songwriter Solange Knowles, cut a chic figure at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at the UBS Arena on Wednesday in New York.
The 19-year-old made a statement in a Wales Bonner Homecoming Varsity Jacket, paired with archival Études trousers, and finished off the look with beige shoes.
Julez is quickly emerging as a rising star in the fashion world, following in the footsteps of his influential family. Just a few days before the VMAs, he walked for Off-White on September 8, and then again for Luar on September 10.
Smith made his runway debut at Luar’s Fall 2024 show in February, where his family, including his mother Solange, aunt Beyoncé, and grandmother Tina Knowles, were there to cheer him on from the front row. His runway success continued in June when he walked for Bluemarble during Paris Fashion Week.
In a Vogue interview, Julez discussed how his family’s work ethic inspired him.
“Growing up, my mom and aunt were doing photo shoots every other week, and I saw how jam-packed and busy it was. It’s good to already understand, Okay, you’re going to have to get up early, be on time, and work long hours. And everything moves really fast. It’s work, but I like it.”
He also shared insight into his evolving style: “I wear mostly streetwear and lots of baggy stuff, but I’m starting to get into high fashion—the Dries Van Noten, the Prada tees, the Loewe jackets. I like to be comfy but still fly. I rock sweats probably five days out of the week.”
The 2024 MTV VMAs, hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, celebrated music’s top talents, with standout performances from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lenny Kravitz. The evening’s highlight was pop icon Katy Perry receiving the prestigious Video Vanguard Award.
