Stephanie Seymour

Last updated

Stephanie Seymour
Stephanie Seymour.jpg
Seymour in 2008
Born (1968-07-23) July 23, 1968 (age 56) [1]
San Diego, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Model
  • actress
Years active1983–present
Spouse
  • Tommy Andrews
    (m. 1989;div. 1990)
    (m. 1995)
Children4; including Peter II
Modeling information
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Hair colorBrown
Eye colorBlue/Gray
Agency

Stephanie Michelle Seymour (born July 23, 1968) [1] is an American model and actress. During the 1980s and 1990s, she was one of the most popular supermodels, being featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and the cover of Vogue, as well as being a former Victoria's Secret Angel. She had a book published about beauty tips and has participated in advertising campaigns for clothing and cosmetic products. In 2017, Seymour launched her own line of lingerie. She has ventured into acting with one appearance in each medium of film, television, and video games.

Contents

Early life and career

Born in San Diego, California, the middle child of a California real estate-developer father and hairstylist mother, Seymour started her modeling career working for local newspapers and department stores in her hometown at the age of 16. In 1983, at 15, she was a finalist at the inaugural Elite Model Management Look of the Year modeling contest (now called Elite Model Look). [3]

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Seymour appeared in numerous issues of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and on the cover of Vogue as well. During the same period, Seymour was a primary lingerie and hosiery model for the relatively new Victoria's Secret company in its mail-order catalogs and retail stores. In March 1991, and again in February 1993, Seymour posed for Playboy . [4] She was one of the most famous supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s along with Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford, and Claudia Schiffer. Vanity Fair would later have several of these models appear on the cover of an issue photographed by Mario Testino, called "—A League Of Their Own".

In the 2006 book In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine, the editors cite the "original supermodels" and Seymour when quoting Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who said, "Those girls were so fabulous for fashion and totally reflected that time ... [They] were like movie stars." The editors name famous models from previous decades, but explain that, "None of them attained the fame and worldwide renown bestowed on Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Stephanie Seymour, Claudia Schiffer, Yasmeen Ghauri, and Karen Mulder in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These models burst out beyond the pages of the magazines. Many became the faces of cosmetics brands and perfumes, had their own television programs and physical-fitness videos and their own lines of lingerie. Their lives, activities, influences, and images were the subjects of all types of sociological and historical analysis."

In 1998, Seymour wrote Stephanie Seymour's Beauty Secrets for Dummies. [5] [6] In 2000, Seymour was ranked #91 on the North American FHM 100 Sexiest Women of 2000 list. In 2006, she appeared in a campaign for Gap with her children. [7]

Salvatore Ferragamo's creative campaign for his fall/winter 2007/2008 collection featured Seymour and Claudia Schiffer, shot on location in Italy with Mario Testino. In the promotional photos, the supermodels play film stars protected by bodyguards and pursued by the paparazzi. [8] Seymour was joined by other fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Daria Werbowy, Christy Turlington, and Amber Valletta for the September 2013 issue of Interview magazine titled "Model". [9]

In 2014, Seymour was named a global spokesmodel for Estée Lauder. [10]

Seymour co-founded and launched the lingerie line Raven & Sparrow in 2017. The line features high end vintage inspired pieces designed for comfort, ranging from camisoles and rompers to silk robes and nightgowns. It is available exclusively at Barneys New York. [11]

Acting

Seymour's first acting role was as explosives expert Cynna Stone in the video game Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller . She played the unusual part of a live actor in a game whose characters and scenery were nearly all CG renders.

In 2000, Seymour played Helen Frankenthaler in the movie Pollock . In 2002, she played the role of Sara Lindstrom in the "Crazy" episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent .

Personal life

At the age of 14, she began dating 42 year old John Casablancas, the head of Elite Model Management, who was, at the time, married to model Jeanette Christiansen. The couple lived together before Seymour broke off the relationship. [12]

From 1989 to 1990, she was married to guitarist Tommy Andrews. [4] They have a son named Dylan together.

By mid-1991, she had become involved with Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N' Roses. She appeared in two music videos by Guns N' Roses: "Don't Cry" and "November Rain". The couple were engaged, but they broke up in February 1993. [13] [14] In August 1993, Rose sued Seymour claiming she assaulted him and stole more than $100,000 worth of jewelry. [13] Seymour countersued claiming he was physically abusive. [15] Seymour subpoenaed Erin Everly, Rose's ex-wife, to testify that she was also abused by him. [16] The lawsuits were eventually settled.

Shortly after her breakup with Rose, Seymour began dating businessman Peter Brant, who was married and the father of five children. [17] She gave birth to the couple's first son, Peter II, in December 1993. Seymour and Brant married in July 1995 in Paris. Seymour gave birth to a second son, Harry, in 1996, and a daughter in 2004. [4] In March 2009, Seymour filed for divorce from Brant after almost 14 years of marriage. The couple reconciled in 2010. [18] In January 2021, Harry died at age 24 from an accidental prescription medication overdose, after struggling with addiction for several years. [19]

Filmography

Video game
YearTitleRoleNotes
1994 Hell: A Cyberpunk Thriller Cynna Stone
Film
YearFilmRoleNotes
2000 Pollock Helen Frankenthaler
Television
YearTitleRoleNotes
2002 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Sara LindstromEpisode: "Crazy"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supermodel</span> Highly paid fashion model

A supermodel is a highly paid fashion model who has a worldwide reputation and background in haute couture and commercial modeling. The term became popular in the 1990s. Supermodels usually work for prominent fashion designers and clothing brands. They may have multimillion-dollar contracts, endorsements, and campaigns. Supermodels have branded themselves as household names and worldwide recognition is associated with their modeling careers. They have been on the covers of leading fashion magazines. Claudia Schiffer stated in 2007 that, "In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognise the girls."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Claudia Schiffer</span> German model (born 1970)

Claudia Maria Schiffer is a German model and actress based in England. She rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the world's most successful models, attaining supermodel status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cindy Crawford</span> American model (born 1966)

Cynthia Ann Crawford is an American model. During the 1980s and 1990s, she was among the most popular supermodels and a ubiquitous presence on magazine covers and runways, as well as fashion campaigns. She subsequently expanded into acting and business ventures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linda Evangelista</span> Canadian model (born 1965)

Linda Evangelista is a Canadian fashion model. She is regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential models of all time, and has been featured on over 700 magazine covers. Evangelista is primarily known for being the longtime muse of photographer Steven Meisel, as well as for the phrase: "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elle Macpherson</span> Australian model and actress (born 1964)

Eleanor Nancy Macpherson is an Australian model, businesswoman, television host, and actress.

Bridget Hall is an American model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eva Herzigová</span> Czech model and actress (born 1973)

Eva Herzigová is a Czech model and actress. Her career took a major turn in 1994 when she became the face of the Wonderbra campaign. The famous "Hello Boys" ad became iconic and contributed to her worldwide popularity. Her height and elegant appearance made her a sought-after model for fashion shows and campaigns of various renowned brands. Throughout her career, Herzigová has worked with leading designers and fashion houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Versace, Louis Vuitton and many others and has appeared on the covers of many prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and many others. She became one of the prominent figures of the 1990's modeling and was one of the so-called supermodels along with other famous names such as Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christy Turlington</span> American model

Christy Nicole Turlington Burns is an American fashion model. She initially attracted fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a supermodel. She represented Calvin Klein's Eternity campaign in 1989 and again in 2014, and also represents Maybelline. Grace Coddington, the long-time creative director of American Vogue magazine, has described Turlington as "the most beautiful woman in the world."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liya Kebede</span> Ethiopian model, fashion designer and actress

Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian-born model, maternal health advocate, clothing designer, and actress. She has appeared on the cover of Vogue 20 times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helena Christensen</span> Danish fashion model

Helena Christensen is a Danish fashion model. She is a former Victoria's Secret Angel, co-founder and original creative director for Nylon magazine, and she is a supporter of funding for breast cancer organizations and other philanthropic charities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tatjana Patitz</span> German fashion model (1966–2023)

Tatjana Patitz was a German fashion model. She achieved international prominence in the 1980s and 1990s representing fashion designers on runways and in magazines such as Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Vogue. She was one of the big five supermodels who appeared in the 1990 music video "Freedom! '90" by George Michael, and she was associated with the editorial, advertising, and fine-art works of photographers Herb Ritts and Peter Lindbergh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Lindbergh</span> German photographer and film director (1944–2019)

Peter Lindbergh was a German fashion photographer and film director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raica Oliveira</span> Brazilian model

Raica Oliveira is a Brazilian model known for her work with numerous companies, including Emanuel Ungaro, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Chanel, Lancôme, Victoria's Secret, Pepe Jeans, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, JLO, H&M, Elle, Marie Claire, TNG, Ann Taylor and XOXO. As of 2008, she has been working as a fashion reporter for Jornal Record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hilary Rhoda</span> American model

Hilary Hollis Rhoda is an American model. She is perhaps best known for her work with the brand Estée Lauder and her 2009, 2010 and 2011 appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irina Shayk</span> Russian fashion model (born 1986)

Irina Valeryevna Shaykhlislamova, known professionally as Irina Shayk, is a Russian fashion model. She received international recognition when she appeared as the first Russian model on the cover of the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 2022, the website Models.com placed her on their list of the New Supers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naomi Campbell</span> British model (born 1970)

Naomi Elaine Campbell is a British fashion model. Beginning her career at the age of eight, Campbell was one of six models of her generation declared supermodels by the fashion industry and the international press. She was the first black woman to appear as a model on the covers of Time and Vogue France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enikő Mihalik</span> Hungarian model

Enikő Mihalik is a Hungarian model who rose to prominence after placing 4th in the Elite Model Look 2002 and is known for her work with Dutch photography team Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Catwalk is a 1995 American documentary film by Robert Leacock, following model Christy Turlington during Spring Fashion Week in Milan, Paris and New York City. Despite being filmed in 1993, it premiered in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Big Four (fashion)</span> Four most notable Vogue covers

The Big Four, sometimes referred to as The Big 4, is the name given in fashion to the four most notable Vogue covers; American Vogue, British Vogue, Vogue France and Vogue Italia. The term is commonly used when a model completes all four covers and is considered one of the biggest achievements in the fashion industry.

Stephanie, Cindy, Christy, Tatjana, Naomi, Hollywood is a black and white photograph taken in 1989 by photographer and director Herb Ritts. The subject of the photograph is a group of five women coyly entwined together in an embrace.

References

  1. 1 2 "Stephanie Seymour: Model Profile". nymag.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  2. "Stephanie Seymour - Model". MODELS.com.
  3. "Stephanie Seymour". People.com. May 9, 1994. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 "Stephanie Seymour Biography". nymag.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  5. Seymour, Stephanie (September 25, 1998). Beauty Secrets for Dummies. Wiley. ISBN   0764550780.
  6. "Mother's Day Is for Moms, So Pamper Yourself!". Business Wire. May 7, 1999. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  7. "Common and a Star Studded cast Rock 'Peace Love Gap' In Gap's New Holiday Marketing Campaign". gapinc.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  8. "javno.com". Javno – Lifestyle. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved July 15, 2007.
  9. "Interview Magazine – The Model Issue featuring 7 Supermodels on 7 Covers". Freshness Mag. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  10. "Stephanie Seymour is Estée Lauder's Newest Face". Harper's BAZAAR. February 5, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  11. Fuller, Gillian. "Stephanie Seymour's New Lingerie Line Is Both Sexy AND Comfortable". Allure. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  12. Gross, Michael (2003). Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women. HarperCollins. pp. 449, 452, 456. ISBN   0-06-054163-6.
  13. 1 2 "Axl's Christmas Surprise". People. September 13, 1993.
  14. Gross, Michael (2003). Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women. HarperCollins. pp. 456–457. ISBN   0-06-054163-6.
  15. Dougherty, Steve (July 18, 1994). "Bye Bye Love". People . Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
  16. Dougherty, Steve (July 18, 1994). "Bye Bye Love". People.
  17. Dumenco, Simon (June 11, 2007). "A Celeb-Loving Mag Out of Sync With a Celeb-Loving Culture". adage.com. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
  18. "Stephanie Seymour's 'tough' divorce". lifestyle.sg.msn.com. May 7, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  19. Friedman, Vanessa (January 18, 2021). "Harry Brant Is Dead at 24". The New York Times .