FASHION

The 10 German Models You Need To Know

From Berlin, with love
Heidi Klum

When you think of famous German models, Claudia Schiffer and Heidi Klum definitely spring to mind, however they’re certainly not the only ones. In fact, not only does Germany have some of the world’s most famous models, but it’s also the birthplace of some of the most recognisable up and coming faces in the fashion industry. 

From Munich to Australia and everywhere in between, German women are out in force on the international fashion show tour. 

Here’s our list of the top 10 German models to watch:

Lena Gercke

Gercke took home the title of Germany’s Next Top Model during the show’s first season back in 2006 and went on to host the Austrian version in 2009. Now aged 30, Gercke has worked with brands like Custo Barcelona, Maybelline and Esprit.

Vanessa Hegelmaier

Due to a brain concussion, Hegelmaier had to withdraw from the third season of Germany’s Next Top Model, finishing up in ninth place. But despite the setback, the now 31-year-old went on to have a successful career walking for designers including Missoni, Dolce and Gabbana, Moschino and Alberta Ferretti.

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Toni Garrn

Garrn got her big break in 2008 when she signed an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein when she was just 15. Since then, she has walked for designers such as Stella McCartney, Dior and Hermès as well as a number of high-profile fashion magazines. Last year, the now 26-year-old walked for Victoria’s Secret once again after a five-year hiatus.

Caro Daur

Although unknown in 2013 when she posted her first Insta post, 23-year-old Daur has become one of Germany’s top fashion influencers with a hefty 1.6 million following. The blogger is now the face of MAC Cosmetics’ Oh Sweetie collection and walked the runway on numerous occasions for Dolce and Gabbana.

Julia Stegner

Stegner’s big break came in 2003 when she opened the Yves Saint Laurent Show. Since then, she has walked for Chanel, Valentino, Alexander MacQueen and Christian Lacroix. Her advertising campaigns include Escada, Chloe and Hugo Boss. Now 34, Stegner is also a face of Maybelline and works with UNICEF.

Lorena Rae

Although rejected at first by Victoria’s Secret, Rae nabbed a coveted place on the lingerie firm’s runway in 2018. The 24-year-old, once linked to Leonardo DiCaprio, has also walked for Calzedonia and Shiatzy Chen. Watch this space as she is tipped for big things in the future.

Céline Bethmann

Hailing from Koblenz, Bethmann snared the top prize in the 2017 season of Germany’s Next Top Model. Since her win, the 20-year-old has walked for brands including Balmain, Yohji Yamamoto and Agnès B as well as appearing in campaigns for Bershka and Urban Outfitters.

Anna Ewers

Discovered by Alexander Wang and now considered his primary muse, Ewers appeared in the designer’s controversial Denim X campaign.  Since then, the 26-year-old model has walked the runway for more than 60 designers including Donna Karan, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Prada. In 2015, she was named Model of Year, and also appeared in the iconic Pirelli Calendar that year.

Hannah Sprehe

Sprehe debuted on the catwalk for Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Aged just 18, she has walked for Dior, Luis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, JW Anderson and Chanel. She also appeared in the advertising campaign for All Saints Fragrance.

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