There's a TikTok trend making waves, claiming that everyone's personal style can be summed up in just three words. According to the iconic supermodel Helena Christensen, her style can be described as “colorful, cozy, and confident.” With a career that includes being a supermodel, clothing designer, philanthropist, and co-founder of Nylon magazine, Christensen left an indelible mark on the fashion industry in the '90s.
Despite her experience wearing everything from lingerie as one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels to Versace's famous bondage dress, the legendary model prefers simplicity when it comes to her own fashion choices. She gravitates towards timeless staples, menswear-inspired silhouettes, and pops of color, prioritizing them over fleeting trends and excessive glamour. “I enjoy mixing colors and patterns with classic and edgy styles,” she explains. “I suppose my fashion formula doesn't adhere to a strict structure. However, I always have a soft spot for big, cozy, and comfortable pieces.”
This affinity for classics positions her perfectly as an ambassador for a brand like Gap, which has built its reputation on selling wardrobe essentials and versatile workwear for over 50 years. Today, the retailer unveiled its new fall campaign, featuring Christensen alongside familiar faces such as Sophia Roe, Lionel Boyce, Veneda Carter, and her daughter, Coco Pink Princess, all photographed by Bjorn Iooss.
Speaking to InStyle about the campaign, Christensen describes it as a celebration of self-expression and individual style. For her, personal style should reflect one's authenticity and self-belief.
Christensen's fashion philosophy centers around the art of mixing high and low fashion, reveling in unexpected pairings. “I'm a big fan of combining classic wardrobe staples with more eclectic pieces to create a unique look,” she shares. This philosophy extends to her Gap campaign, where she effortlessly combines trousers with sneakers, layers a white tank under an oversized blazer, and pairs jeans with an elegant overcoat. Naturally, Gap has been her go-to brand for comfortable and timeless pieces for as long as she can remember. “I've been wearing Gap for as long as I can remember—I adore their denim and classic button-downs,” she reveals.
Her sense of individuality has always been at the core of her personal style. “I've more or less stuck to what I loved to wear since the beginning,” the model confides. “As a teenager, I was already donning vintage ball gowns, silk slip dresses, corduroy pants, and long men's underwear—sometimes even pairing dresses with pants. I've always had a fondness for faded sweatshirts and oversized, vibrant sweaters.” And true to herself, she still rocks all of the above to this day.
When it comes to current fashion trends, there is one that has caught her eye: the vintage style trend. Christensen appreciates its ability to convey stories about the wearer. While trends come and go, the power of using clothing as a means of self-expression remains constant.
A case in point is her favorite Gap piece—the Icon Trench Coat. According to Christensen, this timeless garment offers endless styling possibilities, further solidifying the status of fashion staples as classics that stand the test of time.