“I never planned to be a model at all. I moved to Paris to study art, and I was there working as an artist, taking classes, and I had a little sick dog that I was using up all of my money to try and heal. It was right at that point that this photographer, Errol Sawyer, saw me at the phoning office and convinced me to let him take my photo.”

American model

Christie Brinkley is an American model who came to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born Christie Lee Brinkley, she became widely known for her work in fashion and advertising, and for appearing on three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers in 1979, 1980, and 1981. She later spent 25 years as the face of CoverGirl, appeared on more than 500 magazine covers, and worked with major brands across fashion and beyond. Her public image is closely tied to modeling, commercial campaigns, and a long career in the spotlight.