Heidi Klum Celebrates Her 51st Birthday, A Look Back at Her Career Highlights: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model, Victoria’s Secret Angel and More

As Heidi Klum celebrates her 51st birthday on June 1, it’s the perfect time to reflect on her remarkable journey from a small-town girl in Germany to an international supermodel and television fixture. Klum’s career began with winning a modeling contest in 1992, and she quickly became a household name. Notably, she was the first German model to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and her influence extended beyond the runway to television, where she hosted “Project Runway” and judged “America’s Got Talent.”

Here, a closer look at some of her career highlights.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Star

In 1992, Heidi Klum’s career took a significant leap forward after she won a national modeling contest in Germany. This victory opened doors to the fashion world, and Klum soon became a familiar face in the industry. Her breakthrough came in 1998 when she landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, solidifying her status as a top model.

The Victoria’s Secret Angel

Klum made history as the first German model to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel. One of her most memorable moments with the brand was wearing the Millennium Bra in 1999, a $10 million piece adorned with over 2,000 diamonds and sapphires, designed to mimic a starry night sky. This appearance not only highlighted her modeling prowess, but also her ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Project Runway” Era

Klum’s charisma and fashion expertise made her a natural fit for television. In 2004, she began hosting the reality show “Project Runway,” a role she held until 2017. Her work on the show earned her an Emmy Award in 2013, recognizing her impact on fashion and entertainment. Klum’s ability to mentor and inspire aspiring designers was a key element of the show’s success.

“America’s Got Talent” and Beyond

Since 2013, Klum has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent,” bringing her keen eye for talent and vibrant personality to the show. Her role as a judge has showcased her versatility and commitment to nurturing new talent. Additionally, she continues to host “Making the Cut” on Prime.

Queen of Halloween

Since 2000, Heidi Klum has famously thrown her own extravagant Halloween bash, complete with a red carpet and A-list guests. Her costumes are legendary, often taking weeks of preparation with viral-level attention. Some of her most iconic Halloween costumes include Jessica Rabbit, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Werewolf and Princess Fiona.

“Germany’s Next Topmodel”

In 2006, she became the face of “Germany’s Next Topmodel,” a version of Tyra Banks’ hit show, “America’s Next Top Model,” bringing her expertise to aspiring models in her home country.

Below, Heidi Klum’s best runway and red carpet moments through the years.