Beyond the runway: how Helena Christensen redefined the life of a supermodel
In short: Helena Christensen rose to global fame in the 1990s as one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels and a member of the Magnificent Seven. Yet, her career extends far beyond the catwalk, encompassing roles as a magazine founder, a vintage clothing designer, and an accomplished photographer with international exhibitions.
Born in Copenhagen in 1968 to a Danish father and Peruvian mother, Christensen first gained attention by winning the Miss Universe Denmark crown in 1986. Her ascent to supermodel status was cemented in 1990 when she starred in the music video for Chris Isaak's Wicked Game, a visual that remains a cultural touchstone. By 1996, New York Times writer Frank DeCaro grouped her with icons like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford as the Magnificent Seven, defining the era of the celebrity supermodel.
Christensen’s professional life has been defined by a restless versatility. In 1999, she co-founded Nylon magazine, serving as its creative director. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to various fashion ventures, including the Christensen & Sigersen clothing line and a lingerie collaboration with Triumph. Simultaneously, she cultivated a serious photography practice. Her work, which often favors intimate, personal subjects, has been featured in publications like Marie Claire and exhibited at galleries in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. She has also used her lens for advocacy, documenting the effects of climate change in Peru for Oxfam in 2009.
Despite the high-profile nature of her early career, Christensen has maintained a multifaceted existence, balancing modeling—including a notable 2017 Versace runway return—with philanthropic work and global travel. She has served as a Global Explorer for Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts and championed breast cancer awareness through the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign. Whether she is walking for major fashion houses or capturing the landscapes of the Urubamba Valley, Christensen remains a figure who has successfully navigated the transition from being the subject of the camera to the one directing the narrative.
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