Helena Christensen: Victoria’s Secret Angel
Helena Christensen shot to stardom after appearing in Chris Isaak’s music video for Wicked Games by Chris Isaak in 1991, an iconic moment that catapulted her to stardom and major fashion campaigns. Christensen co-founded Nylon magazine and supported breast cancer awareness among other philanthropic causes.
Fashion icon Irina Butik owns Butik in New York City alongside her life partner. Butik offers clothing, antiques, and furniture.
Helena Christensen’s Biography
Helena Christensen has been an icon in fashion since making her debut as a supermodel during the early 1990s. She quickly rose through the ranks alongside Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford to become one of the best-known models of that time. Helena Christensen has appeared on magazine covers and advertising campaigns on both sides of the Atlantic as well as numerous films and music videos since that time.
Her first modeling job began at age 9; later that same year she competed in Miss Denmark 1986 before heading to Paris to further pursue a modeling career. Soon thereafter she was recruited as one of Victoria’s Secret Angels, making their catalog and television commercial campaigns ever since; additionally, she has served as spokesperson for Revlon cosmetics for many years.
In 1991, she made headlines when she appeared in Chris Isaak’s video for his song Wicked Game where she plays an innocent victim of an unfaithful partner. Shot against Hawaii’s backdrop of dark sands and surf, this seductive music video stands as one of its finest examples.
Christensen co-founded Nylon magazine and is now an established photographer. Additionally, she launched a clothing line and participated in charity work; specifically as an advocate of funding breast cancer organizations as well as having strong links to Peru where she has made several travel and fashion films.
Christensen maintains homes in both New York City and Monaco and can often be seen at events like fundraisers, show openings, movie premieres, and fundraisers. She is best known for her longstanding relationship with actor Norman Reedus – with whom she shares their son Mingus – before they parted ways in 2003; seven years later she began dating Interpol singer Paul Banks before a reconciliation in 2007. Christensen still makes frequent guest appearances on television shows as well as fashion weeks worldwide, though she typically prefers monochromatic looks despite occasionally adding splashes of color!
Helena Christensen’s Modeling Career
Helena Christensen has become one of the original supermodels to emerge in the 1990s, attracting legions of fans as one of its original supermodels. A veteran of fashion runways and trade magazines alike, Helena has graced models’ catwalks including Prada, Hermes, Valentino, and Chanel models; founding member of Nylon magazine (founded 1999); both Gianni Versace and Karl Lagerfeld have described her body as one of their own; this sexy Danish beauty has graced numerous covers and advertising campaigns during her career – making her career one to watch!
Christensen was born on Christmas Day 1968 to a Danish father and Peruvian mother and relocated to Paris at 18 to pursue a modeling career. Within weeks she caught fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh’s attention and soon after was featured as one of his subjects on the cover of English Vogue shortly afterward. Following that success came editorials and ad campaigns in Portuguese “Vogue Italia,” French “Elle,” and British “Tatler.”
Christensen has become an esteemed fashion and style icon over time, frequently making appearances on television shows as well as being recognized for her impeccable taste and support of various charities. In 2009 she traveled to Peru where her mother hails from to document climate change effects on local farmers for Oxfam, who then made her one of their Global Ambassadors in 2010.
Helena’s passion for photography has seen her create several exhibitions and even publish a book. More recently, however, Helena has turned her focus to philanthropy work; specifically breast cancer awareness as well as sustainable lifestyle promotion. She has also supported various art projects and participated in fighting HIV/AIDS. Most recently, she collaborated with Det Kongelige Teateret of Denmark to raise funds for establishing a contemporary dance center in Lima Peru.
Helena Christensen’s Personal Life
Christensen first gained recognition as one of the original supermodels in the 1990s alongside Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, appearing on luxury runways around the world. Additionally, she gained notoriety as both an art photographer and fashion photographer with top publications like Vogue US, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Danish beauty Leigh began her modeling career after winning Miss Universe Denmark in 1986, eventually landing her breakthrough role as an original Victoria’s Secret Angel in 1992. Leigh appeared in magazines such as Vogue and Elle as well as numerous fashion campaigns with Chanel, Prada, and Revlon among other brands; film work included Inferno by BBC TV as well as appearing as a cameo role in Robert Altman’s Ready to Wear film.
She has also enjoyed many romantic relationships, such as those with American singer Chris Isaak and British actor Michael Hutchence. Additionally, she was married to director Herb Ritts from 1994 to 1996 before later dating actor Norman Reedus until 2003 – when the two shared Mingus.
Helena has recently focused her energies on photography and philanthropic efforts, holding an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art as well as volunteering with UNESCO Photo Library in New York City. Additionally, Helena founded Nylon Foundation with partners including breast cancer charities as a founding partner, making donations towards various philanthropic efforts.
Helena may be known for her black clothing, but she’s never afraid to add color or patterns to her wardrobe. Helena stunned at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party by wearing a hot pink dress paired with sneakers and her signature heels – adding a pop of pink with sneakers! In NYC she can often be found sporting polka dot looks as well as pairing jeans with pink leather jackets for a night on the town.
Helena Christensen’s Awards
Helena Christensen has become one of the world’s best-known supermodels, appearing on magazine covers and walking runway shows for top designers. Additionally, she is an accomplished photographer and fashion designer herself and supports numerous breast cancer organizations as well as other charitable causes through donations.
Christensen first found success as an original Victoria’s Secret Angel and is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the modeling industry. She is revered for her beauty, grace, and elegance; leaving a legacy for future generations of models.
At the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards held recently in Madrid, Spain, the 53-year-old model looked ageless wearing an exquisite black trouser suit featuring an oversized satin collar and pockets, combined with a strapless top and high-waisted flared trousers – she finished the look off with simple black glittery heels to complete her ensemble.
Helena is an international brand ambassador for UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. Using her creative abilities to share refugee stories and amplify their voices and platforms. Recently she visited Jordan’s Azraq camp to meet refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Somalia – documenting their experiences on social media while raising awareness for this cause.
Helena is known for her work with UNHCR as well as being an accomplished photographer and fashion designer. In 2004, she launched Staerk&Christensen clothing line which has since been showcased at fashion shows and boutiques around Europe and North America. Additionally, Helena’s photographs have been published in many prestigious publications as well as winning several photography awards.
Personality-wise, she has had numerous high-profile relationships with acclaimed actors and musicians such as Michael Hutchence and Norman Reedus, with whom she shares a son named Mingus whom they co-parent together. In 2013, she purchased a luxury loft apartment for $2.24 million in Soho New York as well as owning property upstate in upstate New York; during her free time, she enjoys traveling as well as spending quality time with family.
