Claudia Maria Schiffer, professionally known as Claudia Schiffer, is a German model, actress, and fashion designer who rose to international fame in the 1990s as one of the original supermodels.

With a striking resemblance to Brigitte Bardot, she became the face of Guess and soon thereafter a muse for Chanel under Karl Lagerfeld.

She has graced over 1,000 magazine covers—a Guinness World Record—and expanded into film, design, and philanthropic endeavours, establishing herself as an enduring icon in fashion and entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Claudia Maria Schiffer was born on August 25, 1970 in Rheinberg, Germany, to Gudrun and Heinz Schiffer—both lawyers. She grew up in an affluent household with three younger brothers (Stefan, Andreas) and one younger sister, Ann Carolin.

Claudia attended a Catholic primary school in the town and later graduated from Amplonius-Gymnasium in Düsseldorf. Initially planning to pursue law like her father, her aspirations shifted after being discovered at age 17 in a Düsseldorf nightclub by a modeling agent.

Multilingual and educated, she became fluent in German, English, and French. Her religious affiliation is not publicly known.

Career

Claudia Schiffer began her career at age 17, discovered dancing in a Düsseldorf nightclub by Metropolitan Model Agency’s Michel Levaton. Soon after, she moved to Paris for photoshoots, including an early Elle magazine editorial shot by Ellen von Unwerth.

Her breakthrough came in 1989 when she became the face of Guess jeans, capturing global attention. In 1990, she made her runway debut for Chanel as one of Karl Lagerfeld’s muses, launching her into supermodel status.

In the early years, she secured over 1,000 magazine covers, established herself as a defining figure of the ’90s fashion era, and earned Guinness recognition for most covers by a model.

In the mid‑1990s through early 2000s, Claudia expanded her professional scope. She walked runways for elite houses—Chanel, Versace, Dior, Valentino, Prada among others—and fronted campaigns for major brands.

She also acted in films including Richie Rich (1994), Prêt-à-Porter (1994), Zoolander (2001), and Love Actually (2003), and appeared in TV shows such as Dharma & Greg and Arrested Development. She transitioned into business ventures, launching Claudia Schiffer Cashmere in 2011 and designing capsule collections for brands like Être Cécile, demonstrating her entrepreneurial acuity.

Currently, Claudia balances occasional modelling with broader creative and philanthropic projects. She has returned to runway stages—most notably closing the Versace Spring 2024 show in Milan—reflecting her enduring legacy.

She continues involvement in UNICEF as a UK goodwill ambassador, supports Make Poverty History, and curates exhibitions including ’90s fashion photography shows. Though modelling reduced after starting a family, her influence spans design, activism, and media. Her brand work and public engagements continue to reinforce her global impact as an industry icon into her 50s.

Personal Life

Claudia Schiffer married film director Matthew Vaughn in 2002. The couple resides in Suffolk, UK—at Coldham Hall—and also maintains properties in Notting Hill and Northamptonshire.

They share three children: one son and twin daughters, whose names are Children: Clementine Poppy De Vere Drummond and Caspar Matthew De Vere Drummond. Schiffer leads a private personal life focusing on her family.

Filmography

Richie Rich (1994) – Special appearance in family comedy

Prêt-à-Porter (1994) – fashion-centric satire

Zoolander (2001) – cameo in fashion comedy

Love Actually (2003) – supporting role in ensemble romantic comedy

Net Worth

Claudia Schiffer has an estimated net worth of approximately $70 million USD. Her wealth is accumulated from decades of high-earning modeling contracts, editorial and advertising campaigns, runway fees, entrepreneurial ventures such as her cashmere line and fitness videos, acting roles, and executive producing credits.