Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum was born on June 1, 1973, in Bergische Gladbach, a small city in Cologne, Germany. In 1991, while she was still in high school and doing well in mathematics and art, Heidi was encouraged by her friend Karin to participate in a modeling competition. Although Heidi was reluctant at first, she finally gave in. Heidi Klum was discovered when she participated in the Model '92 competition, organized by Petra magazine and a New York modeling agency.

The competition received 250,000 resumes from girls wishing to participate in the grueling selection process. As the winner of the Model '92 competition, Heidi appeared in the Petrol catalog and was offered a three-year modeling contract with Metropolitan worth $300,000. However, she passed on the offer in order to finish high school. Less than a year later, she was studying to be a fashion designer when she decided to drop it to pursue a modeling career.

After a couple of modeling gigs in Paris and Milan, Heidi crossed the Atlantic to come to the U.S. in 1993, but not before she obtained two things: a lawyer and worldwide insurance. She first landed on our shores in Miami, but she soon made the wise decision to relocate to the highly competitive Big Apple. With patience and effort, the work offers started to pour in for Heidi. She appeared in many print advertisements, including for Bonne Bell (which Denise Richards also modeled for), Finesse, Gerry Weber, Givenchy's Amarige, and INC. In 1996, Heidi founded Heidi Klum GmbH, helped design the firm's trademarked logo and secured the copyright to her name. By 1997, Heidi was snatched from regular model status and thrown into the supermodel ranks of Tyra Banks, Helena Christensen and Stephanie Seymour.

That year marked Heidi's first runway walk and the beginning of a long relationship with Victoria's Secret. Presently signed with Elite Model Management, Heidi continues to model and pursue the possible acting career. Known for her down to earth personality and her sense of humor, Heidi is married to hairstylist Ric Pipino.