Heidi Klum’s rise began in Germany when she won Model 92 in 1992. From Sports Illustrated’s 1998 swimsuit cover to becoming a Victoria’s Secret mainstay, and then transitioning into TV with Project Runway, America’s Got Talent, and Germany’s Next Topmodel, she
When Heidi Klum first started out, it wasn’t Hollywood that claimed her—it was a contest in her native Germany. In 1992, the young aspiring model won Model 92, beating out 25,000 other hopefuls to take the victory.
That win helped open doors fast. Her facial features brought her to the cover of various editions of Vogue across Europe in the mid-90s, including France, Spain and Germany.
By 1998, the momentum crossed the Atlantic. At 24 years old, she landed on the cover of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. In that spread. she knealt down in the sand wearing a black one-piece with a plunging white knit top. a look that would lead to more appearances in SI’s annual swimsuit issue—and. just as importantly. to her becoming the face and figure of Victoria’s Secret.
Her Victoria’s Secret era began early. She first appeared in the lingerie brand’s annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show when it was still in its infancy. for the third ever show in 1997. The association became so strong she later hosted the event in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. She stopped working with Victoria’s Secret in 2010.
The shift toward television happened without fully leaving modeling behind. Heidi was the original host of Bravo’s Project Runway, which debuted in 2004. Alongside mentor Tim Gunn. she became the face of the Emmy-winning fashion competition series. staying with it for 16 seasons before departing in 2018. She later reunited with Gunn for Amazon’s Making the Cut. and eventually returned to the Project Runway franchise following its revival.
Now 53, Klum has been an American television mainstay for more than two decades. In 2013. she joined the judging panel of America’s Got Talent and has remained a fan favorite on the NBC competition series. apart from a brief hiatus during season 14. She also continues to host Germany’s Next Topmodel, described as one of the most successful reality shows in Europe.
The photos across the gallery capture how her stardom has endured—and how it’s changed. Whether it’s her elaborate Halloween costumes. turning heads at events like the Met Gala and Cannes Film Festival. or appearing on screens around the world. she’s remained as captivating today as she was when she first broke through as a young model.
Heidi Klum Model 92 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Project Runway Tim Gunn Making the Cut America’s Got Talent Germany’s Next Topmodel Met Gala Cannes Film Festival Halloween Party