Christie Brinkley, the renowned supermodel, celebrates her 70th birthday today, February 2. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Brinkley has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and luxury. From gracing the covers of over 500 magazines to collaborating with iconic brands, she has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the standards of beauty.
Born and raised in California, Brinkley’s journey to stardom started when she moved to Paris at the age of 18 to pursue her passion for art. It was there that she caught the eye of renowned photographer Errol Sawyer in a post office, catapulting her into the world of fashion. She soon landed a contract with Elite Model Management, which paved the way for a series of national ad campaigns upon her return to California. Brinkley’s work ethic and classic all-American look quickly propelled her to the forefront of the fashion industry in the late 1970s.
Brinkley is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking achievements as a swimsuit model. She made history by becoming the first model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue for three consecutive years, from 1979 to 1981. Her radiant beauty and natural charm captivated audiences around the world and solidified her status as an iconic figure.
Brinkley’s influence extended beyond magazine covers. Her partnership with CoverGirl cosmetics, spanning 25 years, remains one of the longest modeling contracts in history. She also appeared on the covers of esteemed publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour, showcasing her versatility and unparalleled appeal. Brinkley’s striking presence was not limited to print; she became the face of numerous campaigns, including Got Milk?, Revlon, and Chanel No. 19. Matchbox Toys even immortalized her, along with Cheryl Tiegs and Beverly Johnson, in The Real Model Collection of dolls.
Brinkley seamlessly transitioned from the runway to the silver screen, making her movie debut in the iconic 1983 film National Lampoon’s Vacation. Her memorable role as “the girl in the red Ferrari” propelled her further into the spotlight. She reprised the character in subsequent films, commercials, and fan conventions, showcasing her acting prowess and magnetic on-screen presence. The supermodel also made guest appearances in various television shows and competitions, solidifying her status as a multi-talented entertainer. Brinkley’s storied visual partnership with her ex-husband, Billy Joel, included a memorable appearance in the music video for his 1983 classic, “Uptown Girl.”
In 2011, Brinkley delighted audiences with her stage debut in the Broadway production of Chicago. She portrayed the character of Roxie Hart and later took her talents to the London production. Her portrayal of Roxie captivated audiences for a total of 182 performances during her time with the National Touring Company of Chicago.
Aside from her successful career, Brinkley is a devoted mother to three children. She welcomed Alexa Ray Joel, Jack Paris Brinkley, and Sailor Lee Brinkley Cook into the world, all of whom have followed in her footsteps. Alexa is a talented singer and performer, while Sailor has made a name for herself as a model. Brinkley has even shared modeling campaigns with her daughters, highlighting their undeniable talent and strong bond. In an interview, she revealed that spending time together and being there for her children have been the keys to building a strong relationship.
As Christie Brinkley celebrates her 70th birthday, the world reflects on her remarkable career and enduring presence as an icon. From her humble beginnings to her diverse achievements, she has exemplified grace, resilience, and timeless beauty. Christie Brinkley’s impact on the fashion industry and beyond will continue to inspire generations to come.