Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum Biography

Heidi Klum was born in Berisch Gladbach, Germany on January 1, 1973. She lived with her family in Bergisch Gladbach. Almost destined to be a fashion model, Heidi's father, Gunther, worked for a cosmetics company, while her mother, Erna, was a hairdresser.

Heidi, while still in high school and then 18 years old, saw an ad in "Petra" magazine for a competition called "Model'92". Her friend encouraged her to send in some photos, and Heidi then traveled to Munich to compete on TV. She was intrigued by the idea, and she never even dreamed of the possibility of winning. Her friend encouraged her to send in some photos. What began as a "just for fun" contest, turned into a life-altering event for this beautiful model when she won the competition.

She immediately signed a contract with a Metropolitan modeling agency, for a minimum of three years. Before heading to the American side of the Atlantic, she modeled in fashion capitals such as Paris and Milan. Heidi hates to fly, and lives out of expensive hotels, which cater to her every need. Her celebrity status affords her the best of life, and a constant demand for her talent.

With patience and effort, the modeling offers started to pour in for Heidi. She appeared in many print advertisements, including: Bonne Bell, Finesse, Gerry Weber, Givenchy's Amerige, I-N-C, and hit it big with the Victoria's Secret advertising campaign. 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 Klum 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 the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition's 1998 cover girl. She was one of the designers of the Victoria's Secret lingerie line "The Body", which was named after the nickname she received following her first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show appearance.

After winning the cover spot on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine, Heidi's goddess like looks would rocket her into super stardom. Appearances on the Letterman Show and Spin City would make her fans wonder if a second career is in the making. Heidi Klum is also an artist and has had several of her paintings appear in various art magazines in the U.S. In November 2006 Klum released her debut single "Wonderland," which was written for a series of television advertisements for the German retailer "Douglas."