The Bite Magazine - Spring 2016 - Issue 15

there doing nothing and having to deal with all the rejection." Despite her early success, Dunn’s career has not been without controversy. She appeared alongside Chanel Iman in Teen Vogue ’s November 2009 issue where not only did the two models discuss their previously competitive relationship and the challenges they faced as black models but Dunn also used the feature to announce her pregnancy. Dunn was just 18 at the time, causing the publica- tion to face a huge media backlash as they were accused of glamourising teenage pregnancy. However the tenacious young model didn’t let the pregnancy hinder her dedication to her work, modelling until she was six months pregnant (at which point her bump prevented squeezing into those pesky sample sizes). Jean Paul Gaultier, a designer who’s been known for courting the adverse even had Dunn walk the catwalk for his SS10 show, her significant baby bump accessorised with his famous conical bra. Known within the industry for her strong work ethic, Dunn has stated that since having her son she’s been doubly moti- vated to build on her success. Following the birth of her son in December 2009 Dunn quickly returned to work, walking at London Fashion Week for AW10 and she has credited motherhood with making her even more determined than before. "More than anything, having a son has made me realise I have to make sh*t work: I'm his voice, I'm his lifeline, and I have to be driven. I think he pushed me in the right direction. I've always been ambitious, but now I have more focus. I'm more hard-working." Since then she has continued to make waves, taking part in the Olympics Closing Ceremony in 2012 alongside Kate Moss and Karen Elson as well as landing the super prestigious gig of Victoria’s Secret Angel that same year. For Dunn life off the catwalk and away from photo shoots is just as busy. She’s currently hosting a cooking show, enti- tled Well Dunn on Jay Z’s Life+Times YouTube channel and is often seen cooking alongside celebrity guest stars such as fellow models Chanel Iman, Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls as well as musicians 2 Chainz and Wale. “It's a cookery show,” says Dunn, “but I don't want people thinking I'm a chef. I'm a mum. Cooking is something I have to do. It's something I like to do.”With such a strong presence on both the runway AND across social media, it’s safe to say that Dunn’s star won’t be fading any time soon. With 2016 set to be one of her busiest yet with campaigns and multiple catwalk appearances, she’s definitely got the longevity of the great supermodels, joining the ranks of Naomi Campbell and Iman and paving the way for a whole new generation of black models, ones who, hopefully won’t need to fight for the one lone spot open to them in a show. bitemodelprofile