Helena Christensen shares 8 defining career moments
From Chris Isaak's iconic Wicked Games video to that Versace supermodel reunion
Helena Christensen has had a career that most models could only dream of. As one of the original supermodels (and there are very few to whom that term can legitimately be applied), she climbed the ranks alongside her aesthetically gifted contemporaries - Naomi, Cindy, Claudia, Linda - becoming a household name by her early twenties.
One of her first ever campaigns was with Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel in 1989, which was soon followed by an exclusive booking with Prada, but it was her appearance in Chris Isaak's now-iconic Wicked Games video in 1991 which really launched her into the spotlight. Of course, the rest is history, and the Danish-born model went on to work with the biggest names and brightest talents in the industry - as well as keenly exploring her passion of being behind the camera, and even recently turning her hand to design, with a capsule collection in partnership with LA-based brand Anine Bing.
"More and more I am incredibly appreciative of all the knowledge I have absorbed during my years in the business," she told us. "In fact, I appreciate it even more now than I ever did. I realise I have been part of fashion history in a way that hardly anyone is; I’ve been so close to the real magic behind it all. I have learned so much from all the masters, the designers, the seamstresses, the photographers, the beauty teams, the creative teams. It’s been the most incredible education."
From her work as a UNHCR ambassador, to that supermodel-packed Duran Duran video and modelling the iconic Versace 'bondage' collection, the supermodel talks us through some of her career highlights:
Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Games' video, 1991
"I am forever grateful to Herb Ritts for this little miracle of a music video; I had no idea of the lasting impact it would have or how emotional people would feel about it. Especially when I was running on that burning lava beach with bleeding feet from all the sharp rocks!"
The Gianni Versace tribute show, 2017
"The moment that the curtains opened was spectacular. People went crazy! And stepping off of the runway into a backstage crowd of exalted and tearful people was so emotional. I love my girls and we all adored Gianni. It was such a beautiful way for Donatella to honour him."
First Chanel campaign, 1990
"I met Karl the first week I was in Paris as a 20-year old. He immediately took me under his wing and put me in the legendary Chanel campaign. I was flabbergasted and so excited – Chanel is such a prestigious brand. Even better, Karl was so witty, smart and exciting to work with; we went on to shoot together for years to come."
The new Victoria's Secret, 2020
"I just did the Victoria's Secret holiday campaign with Cass Bird. It felt so refreshing to do VS again, but in a totally different way to before. The mix of people, body shapes; Cass making it spontaneous and real... it all came together is such a free-spirited and joyous way."
Becoming a UNHCR Goodwill ambassador, 2015
"The high point of my career. It is such a great honour and responsibility to be given. Photography is truly my biggest passion and I don’t know what I’d do without that creative outlet. The fact I can use it to raise awareness for one of the most important and poignant causes ever is deeply humbling."
The Duran Duran music video and Harper's Bazaar cover, 2011
"Such a great concept. Such a great song. Such a great gang of girls! We grew up walking to the hits of Duran Duran and we were all friends just hanging out – it was so much fun. This cool video was the perfect way to pay tribute to those fantastic years and the cover with the girl gang was the cherry on top."
Becoming the first Prada campaign girl, 1991
"I loved Prada and was so honoured to be chosen as their first ever campaign girl. Walking the show in Milan and flying to a little Italian island with Albert Watson to shoot the campaign right after was a dream come true."
The Versace 'bondage' collection, 1992
"Such a beautiful dress; edgy, fun, iconic. It’s been really exciting to see so many beautiful women wear it over the years."
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