Who Is Amber Valletta?

Amber Evangeline Valletta was born on February 9, 1974, in Phoenix, Arizona, but grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her modeling career began by chance when her mother enrolled her in a modeling school at the age of 15. She was soon discovered by agents and signed with a renowned agency.

Rise in the Fashion Industry

At just 16, Amber became the face of Calvin Klein's Eternity fragrance, catapulting her into the spotlight. Throughout the 1990s, she worked with leading fashion houses such as Prada, DKNY, Valentino, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Jil Sander, Gucci, Versace, and Chanel. Her face graced over 40 Vogue covers across French, Italian, and American editions. Campaigns with Hugo Boss and Elizabeth Arden solidified her status as an international fashion icon. Known as a "modern muse," her natural beauty and ability to transform for different looks made her one of the most sought-after and highly paid models of her time.

Amber Valletta and Heroin Chic

Amber was a defining figure of the 1990s' heroin chic aesthetic—minimalistic, androgynous, and effortlessly raw. She worked with iconic photographers like Peter Lindbergh and Steven Meisel, embodying this cultural movement. Campaigns for Calvin Klein and Prada further highlighted her role in this stylistic revolution. She shared the spotlight with contemporaries like Kate Moss and Shalom Harlow, cementing her place as a muse of the era. While Amber has noted that this aesthetic was an artistic representation and not a reflection of her lifestyle, she candidly shared her struggles with substance abuse, overcoming them in the early 2000s.

Transition to Acting

In the early 2000s, Amber began pursuing a career in acting. She debuted in The Family Man (2000) alongside Nicolas Cage. She went on to star in successful films like What Lies Beneath (2000), a thriller with Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, and the sci-fi action movie Gamer (2009). While her acting career didn’t reach the heights of her modeling success, she proved her talent extended beyond the runway.

Activism and Environmental Awareness

Amber is also recognized for her dedication to environmental activism and sustainable fashion. She advocates for responsible consumption and has collaborated with initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices in fashion production. In recent years, she has focused on developing her brand with a strong emphasis on ethics and sustainability, while also speaking at international forums about climate change and its impact on the fashion industry.

Personal Life

Amber's personal life has often captured public attention. She was first married to model Hervé Le Bihan from 1994 to 1996. In 1998, rumors swirled about a secret romance with Leonardo DiCaprio, though neither confirmed the relationship. Later, she began a relationship with French volleyball player Christian McCaw, with whom she had a son, Auden, in 2000. The couple married in 2003 but divorced in 2014. Since 2016, Amber has been in a happy relationship with stylist Teddy Charles. The couple frequently attends events and travels together, showcasing a harmonious and supportive partnership.

Amber Valletta's legacy lies in her ability to transcend industries and eras, becoming a symbol of elegance, strength, and versatility. Her work in fashion, her advocacy for sustainability, and her openness about personal challenges make her an enduring and inspirational figure.