Kristen McMenamy

Born:  Pennsylvania, U.S., 1966

Kristen McMenamy was born in 1966 in Pennsylvania and is one of the most successful models of her time. She is known for her unconventional, androgynous look.

Kristen on her unusual looks: «Since I couldn’t conform and look like the girl next door, I decided to go the opposite way and be a weirdo. Jobs happened right away.»

Kristen’s modeling career peaked between 1985 and 1998, during that time she worked for some of the most prestigious designers in the industry such as Chanel, Valentino and Versace. Kristen was also shot by some of the industries most respected photographers from Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel and Juergen Teller to Karl Lagerfeld.

After just a few months working as a model Kristen was featured in the book ‘A day in the life of America’ which was photographer by Santa D’Orazio. A few years later in 1994 Kristen also modeled in a memorable Verace campaign featuring Naja Auermann and Elton John.

In 1997, whilst five months pregnant, Kristen married British photographer Miles Aldridge, together they have four children. Kristen revisited modeling in 2011 by becoming the bride for Chanel couture.

In 2013, McMenamy was featured in the Pirelli Calendar, shot by renowned photographer Steve McCurry, alongside other influential women. The calendar celebrated the beauty and strength of women from different backgrounds, highlighting McMenamy’s enduring appeal and relevance.

In 2014, McMenamy was honoured with the CFDA Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award, recognising her contributions to the fashion industry and her influential presence as a model.

Kristen McMenamy Biography