Just in time for Halloween, Jordan Leftwich takes on a darker look, and still manages to light up every frame. Shot in our Los Angeles studio and in our hillside garden, among the dry autumn grasses and old trees, the mood is dark, romantic and a little mysterious. It is a fitting look for the actress who plays Sasha in Coven Academy. Jordan started modeling at five, and she recently walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, counting down backstage with the other girls as Gigi Hadid gave them a few words of advice before the show. She talks to BELLO about what really happens behind the scenes, which of Sasha’s powers she would borrow for a day, and what she has learned about staying true to herself.
Jordan Leftwich @jordanleftwich
Photography: Ben Duggan @duggangram
Creative Direction & Styling: Bleu Drake @styledbybleu | @mastermindmgmt
Glam: Gilbert Soliz @gilbert_soliz | @agency_paradis
Hair: Jet Presley @jetpresleyhair
Production & Location: BELLO Media Group × Maison Privée @bellomediagroup × @maisonpriveepr_la
Special Thanks: Erin Patterson at AM PR Group @amprgroup
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Take us behind the scenes. What was happening backstage that the audience at home never got to see?
Supermodel reunions, women supporting each other and women screaming behind the scenes, cheering each other on. The Angel community is really supportive and so is everyone else, including the staff. You see it on TV and YouTube however, to experience it is amazing!!
Was there a moment during the show when it really hit you that you were walking the Victoria’s Secret runway?
Yes! When the show started all of the VS pink girls were sitting down watching backstage, and we all counted down together. I could feel my heart beating faster and once we lined up, I was just praying not to fall on the runway. But I was so excited and right before we went on stage, Gigi Hadid gave us some advice. And then it was show time…….
How do you prepare for a show as big as the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, both physically and mentally?
Personally, I wanted to feel as happy and healthy on the runway as possible. Considering I have Crohn’s disease, it’s natural for me to eat intuitively! I made sure to fill my body with the proper nutrients for an event of this caliber. I was just on a press tour, so it was a little difficult to find a consistent gym routine, but my floor workouts and ab routines I learned in dance growing up never failed me.
After all the preparation, fittings, and rehearsals, what was the most unexpected part of the experience, and how did you celebrate once the show was over?
I didn’t expect the show to be so on top of Victoria’s SECRET! Everything was very top secret. Unknown locations, heavy security, secret entrances, all of it. But considering the fantasy bra made a legendary comeback at 50 million dollars… it makes sense!
Coven Academy
If you could borrow one of Sasha’s powers for 24 hours, which would you choose, and what would you do with it?
I think it could be pretty cool to read minds for a day. I’d most likely go shopping or run errands and just casually see what people are thinking. Who knows, I just might learn some important info!
Coven Academy explores a world where power, secrets, and attraction collide. What do you think makes Sasha such an interesting character, and what are you most excited for audiences to discover about her?
Sasha is such a strong, independent and fierce character. The trauma in her life brings some major plot twists into the show, but I think the way she handles it all is what really makes her interesting. She’s a silent observer who notices more than people realize. I’m so excited for people to discover a new character they feel like they can resonate with and enjoy watching!
Fashion & Modeling
What’s the biggest misconception people have about being a model?
So many people think it’s an easy job! I started modeling when I was 5 and had to adapt from child modeling to adult modeling. This meant practicing for runways, tons of test shoots, studying brands, etc. I set goals for myself and made plans with my agents to figure out how to achieve them. It’s more than just one quick photoshoot or one fun runway moment. This is years of dedicated hard work, and everyone’s journey looks different!
Who are some of your favorite models, and what do you admire most about their work or personal style?
I have so many, it’s hard to choose! When it comes to fashion, there are two models on my very long list who stand out. Anok Yai’s fashion is incredible, from her Met Gala looks to her street style. I’ve loved so many of the outfits she has put together. As well as Ashley Graham! The second I saw that Ashley Graham made her own clothing collection, I had to check it out and immediately bought my mom everything in her size that was still in stock. So much was sold out!
Personal Growth
When you have a difficult day, what helps you reconnect with yourself?
When I have a difficult day, the best way to reconnect is a good reset. I love a long hot shower, an LED face mask, and body care. An extra cherry on top would be ordering some comfort food and watching my favorite movie “Alice in Wonderland,” the 1951 version.
If you could give $1,000 to a younger version of yourself, at what point in your life would you give it to her, and what would you hope she would do with it?
I would definitely give that money to my 18-year-old self and pray she invests in the right company. Financial literacy is a great thing to start early!
What’s a lesson you’ve learned about yourself that you wish you’d understood earlier?
One of the greatest lessons I have learned about myself is that I do my best when I focus on me and allow my light to shine. I wish younger me could’ve understood earlier that not everyone will understand the path that I’m taking and it’s best to keep true friends around that are genuine in their support and celebrate each win like it’s their own and vice versa.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited to explore in the next chapter of your career, both in acting and fashion?
I feel like there’s so much more to come, the limits are endless. I’m excited for it all.. more runways, exploring more challenging acting roles and partnerships of all kinds. I’ve been modeling since I was 5 so I love to see how creative sets can get. Although acting may be a new addition to my journey, I can’t wait to show my depth and all the hard work I put in to be able to add acting into my career.