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Katie Price, formerly known by her modelling alias “Jordan,” emerged as one of the UK’s most recognisable glamour models in the 1990s. Her rise to fame was far from accidental; it was a calculated journey marked by bold decisions, media strategy, and an unmistakable public persona.
But how exactly did Katie Price’s younger modelling years influence her long-term fame? This blog explores her early career, the culture of glamour modelling at the time, and how her early choices shaped her media empire.
What Was Katie Price’s First Step into Modelling?
Katie Price began modelling in her teenage years, around the age of 17. Born Katrina Amy Alexandria Alexis Infield, she was scouted by a photographer while still in school. Her striking appearance and confidence in front of the camera quickly earned her attention in the modelling world.
She soon adopted the professional name “Jordan”, a rebranding decision that helped her establish a distinct identity within the glamour industry. Her earliest shoots, often featured in local publications and commercial campaigns, laid the groundwork for a career that would take her to national fame.
How Did the Glamour Modelling Scene of the 90s Influence Her Career?
The 1990s marked a peak in British glamour modelling, especially with publications like The Sun’s Page 3 playing a central role in defining beauty standards. This was a time when glamour models were household names, and the line between modelling and celebrity began to blur.
Katie’s debut on Page 3 in 1996 skyrocketed her public profile. The Page 3 platform was a cultural phenomenon, and being featured consistently placed her in front of millions of daily readers. She quickly became a staple in the glamour world, leveraging that exposure to build a loyal fan base.
The 90s glamour scene was unapologetically bold, and Katie’s confident, often provocative poses aligned perfectly with what editors sought. The environment provided the perfect stage for her to evolve from a fresh face to a dominant figure in UK pop culture.
Why Did Katie Price Choose the Name “Jordan” and How Did It Impact Her Brand?
The decision to adopt the name Jordan was strategic. It separated her personal life from her professional persona and gave her an instantly recognisable brand. In the modelling world, where identity plays a key role in marketability, having a catchy and memorable name allowed her to stand out.
The name “Jordan” was edgy, mysterious, and perfectly suited to the glamour modelling image of the time. Media outlets quickly latched onto the moniker, and it became synonymous with daring photo shoots, media buzz, and tabloid features.
This dual identity enabled Katie to eventually reintroduce herself under her real name, separating her glamour modelling past from her ventures in television, fashion, and publishing.
How Did Her Appearances in Tabloids and Magazines Shape Public Perception?
Katie Price’s constant visibility in magazines like FHM, Loaded, and the British tabloids gave her an advantage few models enjoyed unfiltered public exposure. While her appearances were often sensationalised, they also cemented her as a household name.
Her image became one of boldness, controversy, and confidence. The tabloids followed her modelling journey with intense interest, often blurring the line between personal life and professional achievements.
This exposure wasn’t without its downsides, as she frequently faced criticism and judgement. Yet, she skillfully used the media attention to sustain relevance, promote her projects, and even launch her own reality shows.
What Role Did Her Physical Transformation Play in Her Media Rise?
Katie Price has always been open about her cosmetic procedures, which started early in her modelling career. From breast augmentations to facial enhancements, her physical transformation was often the subject of media headlines.
These changes were not simply aesthetic they became part of her personal brand evolution. Her dramatic transformations aligned with the glamour industry’s changing beauty standards and sparked public debate, keeping her in the spotlight.
Far from derailing her career, her physical changes only seemed to fuel public curiosity and media attention. In doing so, she reinforced her image as a fearless and unapologetic figure willing to take control of her body and career.
How Did Her Early Fame Lead to Broader Media Opportunities?
Katie Price’s early success in modelling opened doors to television, publishing, and business. In the early 2000s, she transitioned from glamour model to media personality, appearing on reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and later launching her own series.
Her modelling fame gave her credibility and an existing fan base, making her transition into new platforms smoother. She capitalised on her notoriety to write autobiographies, children’s books, and launch beauty and lingerie lines.
All these opportunities were deeply rooted in the fame she built as a young model, showing how that early exposure created the foundation for her multi-faceted career.
In What Ways Did Katie Price Influence Future Glamour Models?
Katie Price’s modelling journey became a blueprint for aspiring glamour models and influencers. She showed how modelling could serve as a launchpad to broader fame from media to entrepreneurship.
Her boldness, business mindset, and ability to navigate the press transformed how the public perceived glamour models. She broke barriers, proving that models could have a voice, control their brand, and create empires beyond the pages of magazines.
She also anticipated the influencer era, where personal branding and multi-platform visibility are key to career growth.
How Is Katie Price’s Modelling Legacy Viewed Today?
Today, Katie Price’s legacy is a subject of both admiration and controversy. Some see her as a trailblazer who redefined celebrity culture in the UK, while others critique her for the sensationalism that often surrounded her image.
Regardless of opinion, her influence is undeniable. She remains a prominent figure in British media, and her modelling career is a foundational chapter in her journey to stardom.
Her evolution from “Jordan” to Katie Price exemplifies the power of reinvention in an industry where careers often have short lifespans. Her story highlights how early decisions, particularly in modelling, can shape a lifelong public identity.
Timeline of Katie Price’s Early Modelling Career
| Year | Milestone | Age | Notes |
| 1995 | First modelling photoshoot | 17 | Discovered by a photographer in Brighton |
| 1996 | Page 3 debut in The Sun | 18 | First used the name “Jordan” |
| 1997 | Rapid rise in tabloids | 19 | Became a popular Page 3 girl |
| 2001 | Reality TV appearances begin | 23 | Diversified career beyond modelling |
How Did Katie Price’s Childhood Appearance Foreshadow Her Modelling Career?
Even before stepping into the modelling world, Katie Price’s childhood appearance gave early signs of the glamour icon she would become.
Those who knew her growing up in Brighton often noticed her naturally striking features expressive eyes, a defined jawline, and a confident presence in front of the camera, even as a child.
She reportedly enjoyed experimenting with clothes and makeup from a young age, often posing for informal family photos and showing an interest in how she looked.
In many ways, her early behaviour resembled what we now associate with the curated self-image seen across social media long before platforms existed.
These early traits, combined with her strong personality, hinted at the media-savvy figure she would later become. Her formative years helped shape not just her appearance but also her self-image and comfort in front of an audience.
You can explore more about her early years and youthful features in this insightful look at Katie Price’s younger days on our site.
Conclusion
Katie Price’s early modelling career didn’t just launch her into fame it defined the path she would take for decades. From bold decisions like adopting the “Jordan” persona to navigating the demanding 90s glamour scene, her journey is a case study in media savvy, branding, and resilience.
For many in the UK, she symbolises the transformation of glamour modelling from a niche career into a stepping stone for full-fledged celebrity status. Her modelling years were not just a phase they were the foundation of a lasting legacy.
FAQs
When did Katie Price first become a glamour model?
Katie Price began glamour modelling at the age of 17, making her debut in The Sun’s Page 3 in 1996 under the name Jordan.
Why was she called Jordan in her modelling career?
“Jordan” was a professional alias adopted to create a bold persona separate from her real name. It became her brand in the modelling world.
What influence did Page 3 have on her rise to fame?
Page 3 gave Katie national exposure, instantly boosting her public profile and making her one of the most recognisable models in the UK.
Did Katie Price’s modelling career face any controversies?
Yes, her bold photo shoots, cosmetic surgeries, and media coverage often sparked public debate, but also contributed to her continued fame.
What made Katie Price different from other glamour models?
Her ability to build a media empire beyond modelling and embrace public attention strategically made her unique in the industry.
How did Katie Price transition from modelling to other media?
She leveraged her modelling fame to enter reality TV, publishing, and business, creating a diversified and long-lasting career.
What legacy has Katie Price left in the modelling industry?
Katie Price set a precedent for turning modelling success into a full media brand, influencing both the glamour and influencer industries.

