The 90s were one of the best times for models. Cindy Crawford Claudia Schiffer or Naomi Campbell became great references in the general panorama, and the most prestigious brands fought over them. It was also the case of Helena Christensena Danish supermodel (December 25, 1968, Copenhagen) who swept all the catwalks from Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and a long etcetera; and continues to do so today. On the occasion of his 56th birthdaywe collected some surprising facts about her.
© Getty ImagesOf miss to supermodel
Both Helena and her family knew that she had potential as a model, which is why she decided to sign up with just 16 years old to a beauty pageantfrom which she emerged with the title of Miss Copenhagen. After a few years, the model entered a competition again, this time on a large scale, and which awarded her the designation of Miss Denmark at 18 years old. It was from here, when the big brands discovered her and began to feature her in their shows.
© Getty ImagesShe was one of the first generation of Victoria’s Secret Angels.
Along with other models such as Tyra BanksHelena Christensen had the opportunity to be part of the first generation of angels. He was present in the brand from 1996 to 1998, and walked in ’96 and ’97, before the show was broadcast on television. His time at the firm was brief but intense, so much so that, even though 26 years have passed, Christensen is still a true Victoria’s Secret icon. In 2020, she posed again for the lingerie brand.
© helenachristensenPhotography, his other great passion
Unlike many models, Helena Christensen has also always liked being behind the cameras. In 1999, he co-founded the magazine Nylonwhich published its last issue in 2017 and of which it was also photographer and editor. Apart from this, she has participated with numerous magazines to create their cover photos, becoming a renowned photographer and supermodel.
© Getty ImagesFrom not parading in 10 years to reappearing at the tribute to Gianni Versace
Helena Christensen retired from the catwalks for a few years to dedicate herself to her son, but what we didn’t know is that she would return in the way she did. In 2007, a parade in honor to the designer and founder of Versace, Gianni Versacein which she and the models Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford They starred in the emblematic photo moment. Dressed in similar pieces but with different silhouettes, this show went down in the history of the Italian house as one of the most successful.
© Getty ImagesAlthough she was born in Denmark, she is half Peruvian
His father was Danish and his mother was Peruvian, but he lived his entire childhood living with his family in Copenhagen. It wasn’t until 2023 when obtained Peruvian nationality to help his nephew, Oliver Sonne, get it. Sonne wanted to be a candidate for the Peruvian team, and to do so he had to have nationality, so Helena requested it.
© Getty ImagesStill present on international catwalks
Who said that at a certain age you can no longer parade? Helena Christensen is proof that the talent goes beyond age. The model walked in show of Elie Saab The 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab on November 13, 2024. There, she wore this spectacular dress embroidered with rhinestones and with a semi-transparent cape that shows that what once was, always will be.
© Getty ImagesShe has a son with actor Norman Reedus.
In 1999, their first and only child was born, Mingus Lucien Reedus; which is the result of his relationship with the actor Norman Reedusknown for starring in series such as The Walking Dead. The love relationship began in 1998 and a year later they had their son. It was not until 2003 when they decided to end their courtship, but they get along very welland on social networks they continue to show us photos of both on significant occasions, such as Father’s Day or their son’s graduation.
© Getty ImagesParticipated in the Dior 60th anniversary show
Christian Dior has always been one of the most important Haute Couture brands and, as such, its 60th anniversary In 2007 it had to be up to par. With the designer John Galliano and the Versailles Palace As a space, models such as Helena Christensen, Gisele Bündchen or Naomi Campbell wore spectacular designs that definitely marked a before and after for the brand.
© Getty ImagesWhat did Gianni Versace say about Helena Christensen?
With measurements of 89-61-88 and a height of 1.78 meters, the model has been one of the most sought-after in the industry. Her green eyes and the beauty of the Danish and Peruvian mix have made her reach the top. The proof of this is that great designers like Gianni Versace They have come to affirm that Christensen’s body was the most beautiful in the world.
© Getty ImagesShe was one of the supermodels of the 90s
Although it is not so present on catwalks now, it was one of the most influential supermodels in the 90s. Houses like Chanel, Dior, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent wanted to have her wear their designs. Furthermore, his legacy as muse of renowned photographers and her impact on popular culture established her as one of the most prominent figures in the industry.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesRed carpet vs. street style
We are used to seeing her on catwalks or on red carpets, always like a brush and with a makeup and a look of 10. But is the real Helena Christensen like this in her daily life? The answer is obvious, and it is that you can never look the same as on a red carpet. As we see in the second photo, the supermodel adopts a much more relaxed style in her daily life, opting for looser pieces. On the other hand, on red carpets it usually follows a pattern, and regardless of the piece it wears, it always highlights your waist and enhances her silhouette, as we can see with this dress she wore for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
© Getty ImagesStaerk and Christensen, your new business dream
The name comes from the union of her last name with that of the other founder, Camilla Staerk, a New York designer. The store is located in Manhattan and is defined as a New York studio with experience in fields such as fashion, interior design, architecture, photography and film. It is not the first time that the model has tried her luck in the business field, as she also launched a clothing line with her friend Leif Sigersen, under the name Christensen & Sigersen.
© helenachristensenIts most supportive facet
Another face of the model is the one that has a more supportive character. In 2016, he joined a non-profit association called look better, feel better with which she designed solidarity scarves designed to be worn by women who had lost their hair due to the cancer treatment. It is also UNHCR ambassadoras specified in her Instagram biography, and she has been seen in several of the organization’s campaigns as a photographer, another of her great hobbies.
© helenachristensenOne of the hardest moments of his life
There’s no such thing as a perfect life, but sometimes it’s hard to imagine people like Helena Christensen having problems. Unlike many public figures, she involves her Instagram followers in some of his worst moments. This is what happened on July 17, 2023, where he announced through a post that his father had passed away. The publication was accompanied by a text recalling how beautiful life had been with him and ended with the phrase: “You will always be with us, dad, and I will continue to say hello, always.” The publication accumulates thousands of likes and comments from supermodels supporting Christensen.