Claudia Schiffer: Model, Actress, Designer, Philanthropist
Claudia Schiffer remains an influential presence in the fashion industry as an accomplished businesswoman, designer, and philanthropist.
She has graced numerous magazine covers such as Vogue, Rolling Stone, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar and has modeled for fashion heavyweights such as Chanel, Valentino, and Versace.
Claudia Schiffer’s Biography
Claudia Schiffer was born in Rheinberg, a small town 15 kilometers west of Duisburg. She grew up with three brothers and one sister – both parents were lawyers – as her mother worked from home while her father practiced law in Germany. Their family was wealthy; Claudia became popular at high school. Additionally, Claudia speaks three languages fluently – German, English, and French.
Schiffer started modeling at 17, when Michel Levaton, head of Metropolitan Model Agency, noticed her dancing at a nightclub. Soon thereafter she was signed by MMA and soon began appearing on magazine covers and fashion campaigns worldwide as well as appearing in television commercials for Guess? jeans and other clothing brands. Her beauty and talent earned her millions.
She became known for her beauty, curvier figure, and signature blue eyes. She has graced the runways of fashion houses such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Yves Saint Laurent and has become an endorser for various soft drink and car brands.
Schiffer is not only known as a model but she is also an Arts patron and active with various charities, supporting UNICEF as part of their Arts and Entertainment Support Committee and serving as UK Goodwill Ambassador. Additionally, she was one of Make Poverty History’s key spokespeople during their powerful ‘Click’ campaign.
In 2006, she hosted alongside Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell a charity event organized by The Times of London. Additionally, she accompanied Matthew Vaughn on public occasions such as Pele’s presentation of the World Cup trophy to her and the opening ceremonies of the Olympic 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Claudia Schiffer is an accomplished artist, working in both watercolors and acrylics. Her artistic focus includes both animals and people. For relaxation, Schiffer curls up with a good book at night – her favorite form of relaxation! Additionally, she enjoys contemporary art and collects works by Georgian painter Kako who specializes in figurative pieces; ski-ing and tennis are her other main sources of enjoyment, though. In her free time, she takes hot baths with champagne to relax!
Claudia Schiffer’s Relationship
Claudia Schiffer married film director Matthew Vaughn in 2002 and they now share three children. Living in Suffolk and owning Coldham Hall Stanningfield. Claudia previously appeared in fashion campaigns by Chanel, Versace, Giorgio Armani, and Karl Lagerfeld among others – as well as high street brands Mango and Accessorize.
She has also become well-known as a television presenter, hosting several shows and serving as a panelist on Loose Women. Additionally, she acts as an ambassador for several charities like UNICEF and Make Poverty History.
Since their marriage, German supermodel Julia Goring and her English husband have been enjoying happy lives with their three children: a son, daughter, and twin girls – at home or anywhere they may go together as a couple. The German supermodel can often be seen enjoying quality time with both of her partners while out and about enjoying spending quality time together.
Recently, actress Angelina Jolie has become increasingly engaged in charity work and now acts as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. She has voiced opposition against child pornography while supporting animal rights – she even serves as a spokesperson for an anti-AIDS campaign group named Make Poverty History!
Though her acting career may no longer be as fruitful, she remains a notable model and often graces the cover of international fashion magazines. At 46 years old, she has graced the runways of various designers; recently being seen wearing a Chanel couture gown.
Model Claudia is also an ambassador for several beauty and wellness brands such as L’Oreal Paris and Lancome, being featured in advertisements by Estee Lauder and Marc Jacobs among others. Additionally, in 2008 Claudia made history when she launched her own floral and feminine fragrance called Claudia – named after herself of course!
Over the decades, she has become an esteemed fashionista and source of style inspiration for current brides – most recently when Nicola Peltz Beckham turned to her for wedding hair ideas on her big day and as well as for inspiration behind Brooklyn Peltz Beckham’s bridal look.
Claudia Schiffer’s Children: Caspar, Clementine, Cosima
Claudia Schiffer is an activist and philanthropist, advocating for women’s rights, and breast cancer awareness, as well as campaigning on UNICEF’s behalf since 2005 to raise funds. Additionally, she co-founded the Make Poverty History Arts & Entertainment Support Committee as a founding member and appears in many of their films.
Matthew Vaughan and she have both taken an active part in various charities, such as Children’s Foundation UK and Save the Children. Additionally, the couple has given back to local causes in both London and Germany.
She is also the brand ambassador for luxury fashion designer Gucci, debuting their spring/summer 2015 collection in London. Additionally, she has been the face of various beauty and skincare products; appeared on magazine covers such as Vogue and Vanity Fair; presented various sporting events; was part of the team handing over the 2006 World Cup trophy to Pele; in 2011, launched eponymous cashmere line at Paris Fashion Week with a second collection released later that same year; additionally she posed for Guess?’s 30th Anniversary campaign that same year.
Claudia Schiffer’s Career
Claudia Schiffer began her modeling career at 17 after she was discovered dancing on a nightclub dancefloor by a modeling scout. Although Claudia wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursue law as she initially intended, after being offered representation by Metropolitan Model Agency she decided instead to give modeling a try and soon became a household name, appearing on over 1000 magazine covers worldwide.
Schiffer is known for her natural beauty and stunning blue eyes which she has used in many advertising campaigns for fashion brands including Chanel, Guess? and Dolce & Gabbana. Additionally, she has appeared at many fashion shows as well as being the face of several perfumes. In her career span of 30 years, she has become a well-known philanthropist supporting various charitable organizations like UNICEF.
As well as acting as UK Goodwill Ambassador, she hosted several television programs including “Europa Loves Coco”, produced for BBC, and the Make Poverty History Benefit Concert hosted alongside Sir Elton John. Furthermore, she serves on UNICEF Arts & Entertainment Support Committee.
Schiffer has successfully expanded her modeling and acting careers through various business ventures over time, such as her fragrance line sold internationally as well as her cashmere collection introduced during Paris Fashion Week which can now be found in high-end department stores and boutiques, jewelry, and watches designed for a French brand, among many others.
Schiffer is currently curating an exhibition of 1990s fashion photography featuring iconic works by Helmut Newton, Ellen von Unwerth, and Arthur Elgort. Set to open at Dusseldorf’s Kunstpalast museum on September 15th; Captivate! Fashion Photography from the ’90s will showcase over 150 photos that encapsulate this era of fashion photography.
Claudia Schiffer currently models on occasion but substantially reduced her modeling schedule after marrying film director Matthew Vaughn and having children together. She now lives in Oxfordshire with him and their three offspring.