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Heidi Klum
overall rating
93
Heidi Klum is undoubtedly one of the most famous models in the world (and with no exaggeration, one of the most beautiful). Merely in her late-twenties, she seems poised for the kind of longevity in the business not often seen among the top fashion models, with endorsements and photo shoots coming at her as quickly as she jots them down in her Palm Pilot.
Her big break, of course, came thanks to the ultimate career-maker of covers: the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It launched her career into the stratosphere almost instantly, and was one of the most successful covers (in terms of sales) in recent memory for SI. Of course, not everyone was happy about her success; Caprice Bourret was rumored to have had the inside track to the cover (and a boost in her career), until the SI editors decided on Heidi.
Ever since, Heidi hasn't been far removed from the spotlight. As a regular Victoria's Secret model, she is certain to get plenty of media coverage. She is at most of the major fashion runway shows, and is a regular guest on David Letterman and Jay Leno's talk shows.
Heidi is also a part-time correspondent for several shows, most notably Entertainment Tonight. She has also started doing some acting, appearing on ABC's comedy Spin City and in the film Blow Dry.
She has come a long way from her little village in Germany, and from beating out 25,000 girls in a national modeling contest. After countless covers, Heidi is still a hot commodity among publishers, and we know why.
personality & talent
93
What is instantly likeable about Heidi is her personality. It is such a refreshing change from the norm of supermodels, that you can't help but feel she is putting you on. She is bubbly, not stuck-up, and making her laugh is as easy as sneezing.
Her joie de vivre is infectious, Heidi feels blessed at everything she has (as opposed to certain models who feel that they must have everything they want because they deserve it). She loves to joke, she's kind to her fans, and is self-deprecating (i.e. a fan asked, "How much longer will you stay in modeling?" Heidi answered, "Depends on how good the wrinkling cream is working!").
She is, without a doubt, the friendliest supermodel around, which makes her even more attractive. It is still a surprising personality trait, since she has also faced rejection from critical photographers, casting agents, and editors. You'd think she would be jaded, but she isn't since she loves being in the fashion industry. In fact, if modeling hadn't worked out (how couldn't it?), she would have tried her luck at being a designer.
sexiness
94
Heidi Klum definitely raises the temperature in any room she enters. Quite literally, even a photo of Heidi gets our hearts racing. Though her perky personality can rub the shine off her sex symbol status, it doesn't stop her from being one of the sexiest women in the world. When she married hairstylist Ric Pipino, a lot of men felt the quiet crunch of the hearts being broken (why do Australian men get all the beautiful women?).
As one of the members of our voting panel eloquently put it; "Magnifico."
accomplishments & fame
88
Heidi's recognition and fame are intricately related to her numerous jobs as a model. When you appear in Sports Illustrated 4 times, and on the covers of Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, L'Officiel, Vogue, Glamour, Self and Bride's, you are bound to become known.
Her recent move into acting has also included hosting duties for MTV's Fashionably Loud Europe. An acting career doesn't seem that far away, but Heidi, stick to your day job and don't forget how much you've accomplished in such a short time.
natural beauty
97
Only in 2001 did People magazine recognize Heidi Klum as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world, despite our yearly protests.
At 5'10", she is an imposing figure. She is all natural, with a 100-watt smile and a voluptuous figure that men really want. Curves, curves and more curves. We knew Germans are great at putting them on cars, but nobody mentions the impact of those same curves on a woman.
personal style
93
She has an elegant and sophisticated style. She definitely picked up a lot of fashion pointers on the catwalk. When on vacation, she likes to wear casual clothing and no make-up, and frankly it doesn't matter, she still looks fantastic.
quote
"You should spend your money on some nice lingerie. Big wool cotton pants, that just doesn't work. You have to feel sexy." -Heidi Klum, on her work with Victoria's Secret
biography
Heidi Klum (pronounced "Kloom") was born June 1st, 1973, in Bergische Gladbach, a small city in Germany. Practically destined to be a fashion model, Heidi's father, Gunther, worked for a cosmetics company, while her mother, Erna, was a hairdresser.
18 years old and still in high school, Heidi came across an ad for a model competition in her area while reading a magazine. While she was intrigued by the idea, she never even dreamed of the possibility of entering, much less of winning, but her friend had a different attitude and encouraged her to send in some photos.
model for all ages
The "Model '92" competition, organized by the Petra magazine and a New York Model agency, had a grueling selection process, where thirty to forty applicants arrived to Munich, hoping to be chosen as one of the three to appear on the Saturday Show of Gottschalk. While candidates were eliminated on a weekly basis, Heidi was one of the three finalists, and made the final cut to become "Model '92."
What began as a "just for fun" contest, turned into a life-altering event for the beautiful brunette. Heidi immediately signed a contract with the Metropolitan modeling agency, for a minimum of three years.
Heidi's first modeling gigs were for the Petrol catalogue. Before heading to the other side of the Atlantic, she modeled in fashion capitals such as Paris and Milan. When she finally did move overseas, Heidi found work in Miami before making the move to the highly competitive Big Apple.
With patience and effort, the work offers started to pour in for Heidi. She appeared in many print advertisements, including: Bonne Bell (which Denise Richards also modeled for), Finesse, Gerry Weber, Givenchy's Amarige, I-N-C, and she hit it big with the Victoria's Secret campaign.
angelic heidi
As one of the Victoria's Secret Angels, Heidi made the transition from model to supermodel, joining the ranks of Yasmeen Ghauri, Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen, and Stephanie Seymour.
While Heidi appeared on the covers of such magazines as Bride's, Cosmopolitan, Self, Glamour, and Mademoiselle, none could live up to the recognition Heidi received as 1998's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl, an honor that models Vendela, Elle MacPherson and Tyra Banks had previously claimed.
Having made the move from supermodel to actress, Heidi has appeared as herself several times on the ABC comedy Spin City and hit the big screen with a minor appearance in the feature film 54, as a V.I.P. patron.
always kissable klum
Presently signed with Elite Model Management, Heidi continues to model and pursue an acting career, which has blossomed in 2001. She made a cameo appearance in Sex and the City, sharing the runway with Sarah Jessica Parker. She also had a relatively large role in the 2001 comedy, Blow Dry (which she has a lot of experience with, thanks to her family, career and husband).
Known for her down-to-earth personality and her sense of humor (she even yodeled when she first appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman), Heidi married celebrity hairstylist Ric Pipino in 1997. The couple announced their separation in November 2002.
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