Christy Turlington Burns is a celebrated supermodel, entrepreneur and maternal health advocate, born on January 2, 1969.
She began her modeling career at the age of 14 and quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry during the 1990s.
Known for her work with iconic brands such as Calvin Klein and Versace, Turlington became one of the most recognizable faces of her time, often regarded as one of the original supermodels alongside Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista.
In addition to her modeling career, Turlington is also a documentary filmmaker.
Parents
Christy was born to Dwain Turlington and María Elizabeth Parker Infante in Walnut Creek, California.
Her father worked as a pilot for Pan Am, while her mother was a flight attendant who had immigrated to the United States from El Salvador.
Turlington grew up with two sisters in a close-knit family and was raised in the Roman Catholic faith of her mother, which she continued to practice into adulthood.
Her parents played an influential role in shaping her values and priorities. Her mother, in particular, emphasized the importance of education and instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and achievement.
Career
Turlington has had a distinguished career as a supermodel and humanitarian, rising to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Discovered at the age of 14 while horseback riding in Miami, she quickly became a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
Turlington is best known for her long-standing partnership with Calvin Klein, which began with the iconic Eternity fragrance campaign in 1989.
Over her career, she has graced the covers of over 500 magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, and walked the runways for top designers such as Chanel, Valentino and Versace.
In addition to her modeling accomplishments, Turlington pursued academic endeavors, graduating from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 1999 with a degree in Comparative Religion and Eastern Philosophy.
She later obtained a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University, reflecting her commitment to education alongside her modeling career.
Beyond fashion, Turlington is recognized for her philanthropic work.
In 2010, she founded Every Mother Counts, an organization aimed at improving maternal health globally.
Her advocacy efforts have been acknowledged through various awards, including recognition at the 5th Annual CARE Impact Awards in 2022 for her dedication to making childbirth safer for women worldwide.
