Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum, pronounced [ˈhaɪ̯diː ˈklʊm], rose from Bergisch Gladbach, a town near Cologne, to international stardom, becoming the first German Victoria's Secret Angel and gracing Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue in 1998. A national modelling contest victory in 1992 launched her career, earning her a US$300,000 contract with Metropolitan Models New York. Beyond the catwalk, Klum, the daughter of a hairdresser and a cosmetics executive, found success as a television personality, hosting and judging shows like Germany's Next Topmodel and Project Runway, for which she won an Emmy in 2013. Her multifaceted career includes fashion design and authorship, securing her as a cultural icon.