“I’m the real cat,” Jordyn Woods says, looking back on her decade-plus time in the public eye. “I’ve lived seven different lives.” Fans who’ve followed her since her days on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Life of Kylie can probably count off a few of them: model; reality star and professional bestie; entrepreneur; a brief tabloid subject; a face of body positivity. “I think I was forced to grow up really young, which is fine,” says Woods, who was also grieving the loss of her father in 2017. “I am in this position for a reason. But I was definitely living an adult life at a young age.”
This time, she’s in the zeitgeist on her own terms, as a recent handbag icon and one half of a year-defining power couple. Her fiancé, Karl-Anthony Towns (the real KAT), helped lead the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship win in more than 50 years, a playoff run that saw both their stars rise. Fans flocked to Woods’ intimate social media portrayals of life on the sidelines, from joining the 7-footer on the road to putting together her courtside ’fits. After she started carrying a bright orange clutch, from her own label Woods by Jordyn, fans jumped aboard, dubbing it the “lucky bag” and embracing it as the team’s good luck talisman. Not only has Towns himself credited it with the win, but the $125 “Tux Clutch Mini” was also recently on display at the Guggenheim. “The bag was pretty epic, because that was the most organic marketing I could have ever had. I couldn’t even pay for marketing like that, it just happened,” she tells me. “I don’t think I’ve really processed how crazy that whole thing is.”
Even when discussing her biggest pinch-me moments, Woods is poised and serene. At only 28, she’s lived enough life to not be surprised by anything: “Everything feels so big when you’re young,” she says. “And then when you get older, it’s like the things that you thought you would care about you don’t care about at all.”
Ahead, Woods opens up about what she’s learned from being in the spotlight, why she won’t catch the Ozempic “bug,” what makes her and Towns’ relationship work, and how exactly you can get your hands on your own lucky bag.
I’d imagine you’re still coming down from the championship. Besides your bag going viral, do you have a favorite moment from the experience?
Winning was exciting. The parade was one of the most insane things, seeing all the people in the streets. This is weird to say, but you know the movie Inside Out when something becomes a core memory? It was one of those. I just kept crying. I’m like, “How did you guys do this?”
But what felt the most impactful to me was not, like, you guys got a trophy. I’ve had so many people say things like, “I got to experience that with my dad. This was always a dream of ours.” It’s more for everyone that it healed. It brought people together in such a genuine way. Even seeing some of the older guys who are [Knicks] alumni — they never got a ring, and now they felt like they got a ring through that moment. It was crazy. I think for the next two years, I’m going to think it’s not real. New York is the greatest city in the country right now.
What sort of spectator are you? Are you nervous or locked in or…?
I’m so calm, cool, and collected. I’m naturally a calm person, but when things get super crazy, I get even more calm. Everyone’s like, “How are you so chill right now?” And I’m like, “Honestly, when I’m freaking out, I can’t be too crazy.” I’m locked in. I can tell you everything that’s going on.
I want to hear all about the bag. How did the bag happen?
I had this clutch for my brand. We made it in a couple different colors, but I really wanted an orange and a blue version of it. I started wearing it and became really superstitious during the playoffs. I started making TikToks, and my “Get Ready With Me” [videos were] part of my superstitious routine. And everyone started saying, “Where’s the bag? Where’s the bag?” So then I felt like a responsibility to everyone to keep bringing the bag.
Fast forward to when Trump came to the game and I couldn’t bring the bag [because only clear bags were allowed], and it’s the only game they lost. And it really caused hysteria. Then I was able to bring it to the next one — we won. I don’t like to take credit for the Knicks team. They’re super talented, and they all work so hard to be there. But it was really fun how many people genuinely felt like we won because of this bag.
“The same way the bag has been so organic, our relationship is so organic.”
Do you have multiple, or just one?
I had just one. It was the same bag. Now that we’re starting to get a little bit more in production, I have a few.
Are you ramping up production?
We have a made-to-order model because we’ve always pushed the more sustainable approach. There is no way we can produce so many bags in the timeline that we had. So, it’s custom-made, and then we’ll decide which direction to take it from there.
During his interviews, your fiancé always mentions the bag and really boosts you up. How does it feel to have such strong support from him?
He’s incredibly selfless. He gives full credit to Woods by Jordyn. He doesn’t just say, “Oh, Jordyn’s bag.” He promotes the brand every chance he gets. I’m so thankful. I’m not a big fan of attention. I get a little shy when he does that, but having someone so supportive is amazing. He’s always my biggest advocate.
How did you two meet?
We met one summer through mutual friends and became best friends over two and a half years. Adversity brought us together. My dad passed away when I was 19, and then his mom suddenly became ill and passed away. Our friendship turned into a relationship because we understood each other’s pain. You can be there for someone in a different way when you’ve experienced loss. Just like how the bag came about organically, our relationship is also very natural. Now, after six years, we’re getting married.
Did you have any say in the ring?
None at all. I was pleasantly surprised. I never expected a proposal during the season. I thought it would happen in the summer, but he surprised me with a ring — and then got one himself, so it’s a good sign.
Have you started planning the wedding yet?
I’m in the process. Life has been hectic lately. I’m trying to figure out what I’ll wear and all that. Nothing is set in stone yet. We are getting married, that’s for sure, but no specifics yet.
You mentioned being shy, but you’ve been in the public eye for a long time. Did you ever imagine this is what you’d be doing when you were younger?
Not really. My friends and I were really into social media when it first started. We were around 13. We were among the first people on Instagram. But I actually wanted to become a doctor. I had dreams of going to Stanford. My email was Stanford.14@yahoo.com. I thought I’d go to college and pursue a medical career.
You can still do that!
You’re right. I could. Will I? No — after losing parents and spending time in hospitals, I don’t think I have the emotional strength to work in that field.
So you were scouted to become a model.
Yes, it was a fun experience. I moved to New York, and it was completely different from living in New York now. I lived in model apartments, lugging heavy bags up six flights of stairs by myself. I’m grateful for that experience because it helps me appreciate where I am today.
Reflecting back, what advice would you give your younger self or young women experiencing tough times today?
When you’re young, everything feels monumental. Your friend not inviting you to a party might seem like the end of the world. But as you grow older, you realize those things aren’t as significant. With social media, these small issues can feel amplified. I would tell my younger self: “Your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Life is unfolding for you, not against you.” Your mindset is crucial, and having a supportive circle is important. Journaling helped me a lot. Developing healthy habits and working out can also make a difference. Focus on improving yourself each day. Life is challenging for everyone, and we’re all dealing with our own struggles.
I remember watching your Red Table Talk interview and being impressed by how composed and self-assured you were at such a young age. How do you think you were able to maintain strength in that moment?
It was a serious situation that required me to mature quickly. Reflecting on my composed demeanor, I credit my self-awareness and steadfast intentions in life for allowing me to confidently walk with my head held high, staying true to myself.
Since childhood, I have always felt like an old soul, remaining unchanged until the loss of my father prompted a temporary identity crisis. However, taking the time to confront my emotions and work through my broken pieces facilitated a healing journey that ultimately led me to a place of self-discovery and purpose.
Following the initial chaos, my focus shifted to prioritizing my mental well-being and family, rather than career concerns. My primary goal was to improve myself for the sake of my loved ones and maintain a strong support system.
As a vocal advocate for size inclusivity, I have witnessed setbacks in the current societal landscape that favors thinness. Despite external pressures, I embrace my fluctuating weight as a testament to my humanity and continue to advocate for diverse representation in the industry.
Looking ahead to my career, I am most excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on others, whether through fostering confidence or creating meaningful change. My ultimate goal is to connect authentically with my audience and engage in community-driven initiatives that leave a lasting impact beyond material possessions.
In the grand scheme of things, my purpose transcends personal achievements, aiming to inspire and uplift those around me. I envision a future where my actions have a ripple effect, making a tangible difference in the lives of others and leaving a legacy of compassion and empowerment.
(Photo credit: Ackime Snow; Stylist: Tyler Okuns; Writer: Stephanie McNeal; Editor-in-Chief: Charlotte Owen; Editorial Director: Christina Amoroso; Creative Director: Karen Hibbert; Hair: Tahirah June; Makeup: Mayerling Cintron; Video: Marshall Stief; Photo Director: Jackie Ladner; Production: Kiara Brown, Nayelie Diaz-Paz; Fashion Market Director: Jennifer Yee; Fashion: Stephanie Sanchez, Ashirah Curry, Noelia Rojas-West; Features Director: Nolan Feeney; Social Director: Charlie Mock; Talent Bookings: Special Projects) Change the following
