Heidi Klum's Best Modeling Throwbacks

Alexandra SchonfeldSun, May 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC

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Heidi KlumCredit: Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty

Since first breaking onto the scene in the 1990s, Heidi Klum has been strutting down runways and dazzling cameras for decades.

After winning a German modeling contest in 1992, Klum's career took off. In the late 1990s, she picked up a pair of wings and began her tenure as a Victoria's Secret Angel, and in 1998, she landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. From there, the gigs kept coming both on and off the runway, and in 2004, she began serving as both a host and judge on Project Runway — a job she held for 16 seasons before stepping away from the series. For the reality competition show's highly requested revival in 2025, Klum returned as host.

The mom of four has never stopped modeling, though, and even starred in a lingerie campaign — and on a magazine cover — with her eldest daughter, Leni Klum, who's now a model herself.

Take a look back at the supermodel's iconic career in modeling through some gorgeous throwback moments.

01 of 12

Cover Girl

Heidi KlumCredit: Ron Galella/Getty

After winning a modeling contest in Germany in 1992, Klum's career took off. In 1998, she landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue — which she's holding here during a press conference for the magazine.

02 of 12

Memory Lane

In 2022, Klum shared a behind-the-scenes moment from her time with the brand in an Instagram post captioned: "….. a long long time ago !! 🙃 Swimsuit fitting for @si_swimsuit"

03 of 12

Pass the Torch

Rebecca Romjin and Heidi KlumCredit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty

The year after her Sports Illustrated cover, she showed some love to her successor Rebecca Romjin at the Swimsuit Issue release party.

04 of 12

Woman in Black

Heidi KlumCredit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty

She made her Victoria's Secret runway debut in 1997, gracing the catwalk in a sultry black ensemble.

05 of 12

At the Beginning

Heidi KlumCredit: Evan Agostini/Liaison/Getty

The now famously blonde star was still rocking a darker ‘do in her early years as a Victoria's Secret fashion show model in 1999.

06 of 12

Advertisement

Feathered Friend

Heidi KlumCredit: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect/Getty

During her time with the brand, she had the chance to rock an assortment of Angel wing variations, as is the show’s tradition, including this feathered take in 2001.

07 of 12

Horsing Around

Heidi KlumCredit: Evan Agostini/Getty

Klum has been the Queen of Halloween for decades! Known for her over-the-top costumes, she's had the extravagance turned to 100 since the early aughts, when she rode into her annual party on horseback as Lady Godiva.

08 of 12

Baby on Board

Heidi KlumCredit: Bill Davila/FilmMagic

Klum revealed in 2021 that during the 2003 show, she was actually pregnant with her first child, Leni. In an Instagram post celebrating her firstborn's 17th birthday, Klum shared a video from the show along with a caption explaining, "I am not alone walking down that catwalk here."

She added: "If I look close enough then I can see you bumping right along at 4 months @LeniKlum."

09 of 12

Side by Side

Izabel Goulart, Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks and Alessandra AmbrosioCredit: Jason Nevader/WireImage

As an Angel, Klum shared the stage with the likes of Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima (all pictured here in 2005) and many more.

10 of 12

Leading the Pack

Heidi KlumCredit: NICK HUNT / PMC/ Getty

Klum walked the Victoria’s Secret runway for years following her debut in the 1990s. In 2009, she strutted down the catwalk for the brand’s show before hanging up her wings the following year.

11 of 12

Strike a Pose

Heidi KlumCredit: David Surowiecki/Getty

Of course, Klum landed numerous campaigns outside of Victoria's Secret — and continues to do so! One of those gigs was this Catherine Malandrino Fall/Winter 2003 Collection fashion show in New York City that same year.

12 of 12

Sparkle and Shine

Heidi KlumCredit: Thomas Iannaccone/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

As one of her ventures off the runway, Klum served as both a host and judge on Project Runway for 16 seasons from 2004 to 2018. She returned to the role seven years later for the show's 21st season, with a 22nd arriving in the summer of 2026. Here, she is seen taking the runway during season 10’s finale fashion show in 2013.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”