HEIDI KLUM

Heidi Klum: From Supermodel to Global Icon

🧒 Early Life and Discovery

Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergisch Gladbach, a city near Cologne in West Germany. Raised in a modest household, her mother was a hairdresser and her father worked in the cosmetics industry. At the age of 18, Klum entered and won the "Model 92" contest, a national modeling competition in Germany, which led to a contract with Metropolitan Models New York and marked the beginning of her illustrious career .​

⚡ Modeling Career and Breakthrough

Klum's modeling career skyrocketed after she appeared on the cover of the 1998 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her one of the most recognized models of the 1990s. She also became the first German model to be named a Victoria's Secret Angel, solidifying her status in the fashion world Wikipedia. Beyond runway shows, she has graced the covers of major fashion magazines and has been a spokesmodel for brands like H&M, Dannon, and Volkswagen .​

📺 Television and Entertainment Ventures

Transitioning from modeling to television, Klum gained international fame as the host and executive producer of Project Runway, a reality competition show for fashion designers. She received an Emmy Award in 2013 for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program Wikipedia. Additionally, she has hosted Germany's Next Topmodel since 2006 and has been a judge on America's Got Talent from 2013 to 2019, and again from 2020 to 2024 Wikipedia. In 2025, Klum announced her return to Project Runway for its 21st season after an eight-year hiatus .​

💍 Personal Life and Family

Klum has been married twice: first to stylist Ric Pipino, then to singer Seal, with whom she has three children. She later married musician Tom Kaulitz in 2019. Klum has four children in total, including Leni, her daughter from a previous relationship, who has followed in her mother's footsteps into the modeling industry .​

🌟 Legacy and Influence

Heidi Klum's journey from a small-town girl to a global fashion icon exemplifies her versatility and resilience. Her ability to seamlessly transition from modeling to television and business ventures has set a precedent for future generations in the entertainment industry. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, she continues to influence the fashion world and beyond, maintaining a strong presence in the public eye.​