James Turlington

James Turlington entered modeling after a professional baseball career, bringing an athlete’s working habits to an industry he knew through his aunt, Christy Turlington. His family resemblance attracted immediate attention, but his route into fashion began with the end of a different ambition.

James studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. A pitcher who competed under the surname Carter, he spent three years in the organization’s development system. Arm injuries shortened his baseball career, and in 2019 he signed with IMG Models and began working in fashion. His early runway appearances included Rag & Bone and Brandon Maxwell during New York Fashion Week that September.

Photographic work soon gave him opportunities beyond the runway. In 2020, he collaborated remotely with Steven Klein and stylist Patti Wilson for a VMAN editorial, part of the industry’s adaptation to working during the pandemic. Advertising followed across American menswear and designer fashion, including AG Jeans’ holiday 2023 campaign, photographed by Karim Sadli.

Ralph Lauren became a particularly personal connection. In a 2024 interview with The Rakish Gent, James recalled walking the house’s Hamptons show alongside his aunt, cousin Grace, and girlfriend Paula, with his mother watching from the front row. A profession introduced through family had become a setting in which they could work together.

His account of professional advice was practical. “Be professional & be on time! Study the industry,” he said, emphasizing preparation and knowledge of the people behind each assignment. Those priorities connect the two careers: learning the work, respecting a team, and arriving ready to contribute.