THE RED FLAME
Maxim|September - October 2020
How Karen Elson changed the way we think about supermodels and fashion
JARED PAUL STERN
THE RED FLAME

British supermodel Karen Elson is one of the world’s most iconic redheads; even if you don’t recognize her name at first, you’re sure to vividly recall her image. She cata-pulted to fame in the late ’90s when the legendary Steven Meisel photographed her for the cover of Vogue Italia on her 18th birthday, signaling a new aesthetic distinct from both the previous decade and the more conventionally beautiful supermodels of the era such as Cindy Crawford.

Since then she has graced over 60 magazine covers, including more than 40 international editions of Vogue, W, Dazed Numéro, Harper’s Bazaar UK, InStyle, and Nylon. In September 2008 she was dubbed “Fashion’s red queen” on the cover of British Vogue. Her position as the face of luxury cosmetics brand Jo Malone London is just one among dozens of lucrative contracts she has obtained over the years in addition to appearances in fashion shows for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino, and Gucci.

This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of Maxim.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of Maxim.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAXIMView All
Enzo on the Silver Screen
Maxim US

Enzo on the Silver Screen

Michael Mann’s new biopic of Enzo Ferrari starring Adam Driver is set to make the legend burn even brighter

time-read
6 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
Some Like it HОТ
Maxim US

Some Like it HОТ

We piloted Ferrari's fantastie new open-topped grand tourer through the craggy hills of Sardinia

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
THE LEGEND OF ENZO
Maxim US

THE LEGEND OF ENZO

DURING HIS LIFETIME FERRARI FORGED THE ENTIRE PANTHEON OF MOTORSPORTS

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
THIS SIDE of PARADISE
Maxim US

THIS SIDE of PARADISE

A landmark new exhibition of Ellen von Unwerth’s work is suitably playful and provocative

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA IN BELIZE 10-MS
Maxim US

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA IN BELIZE 10-MS

The famed director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now tells us why the Central American country has captured one of the world's greatest imaginations,

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
WEAPONS of WICK
Maxim US

WEAPONS of WICK

Meet master engraver Melissa McMinn, who created Keanu Reeves’ dueling pistols for the hit franchise

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
SUDDENLY This SUMMER
Maxim US

SUDDENLY This SUMMER

Model, influencer and actress Summer Soderstrom is the blonde bombshell we're keeping our eye on

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
VIVA LAS VEGAS
Maxim US

VIVA LAS VEGAS

We wade into the spectacle that was the reborn Las Vegas Grand Prix

time-read
3 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
DRINKING La DOLCE VITA
Maxim US

DRINKING La DOLCE VITA

From pioneering distilling methods to the massive success of Martini Racing, the story of the most iconic name in aperitifs

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024
FIVE-STAR STYLE
Maxim US

FIVE-STAR STYLE

With an impressive roster of ultra-high-net-worth clients, i design powerhouse Rigby Rigby is making waves Bei on the Riviera and beyond

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan Feb 2024