Renee Simonsen

About Renee Simonsen

Born on May 12, 1965, Renée Toft Simonsen is a Danish individual who transitioned from a highly successful international modeling career in the 1980s to becoming a published writer. Her ascent in the fashion world began in earnest in 1981 when fashion editor Birte Strandgaard recognized her potential and enlisted photographer Leif Nygaard for a photoshoot. This led Simonsen to participate in the Ekstra Bladet contest, securing second place. That same year, she graced the cover of the Danish magazine Fotokino in July. The following year, she not only won the Ekstra Bladet Contest outright but was also selected to represent Denmark at the Ford Supermodel competition, which she won in August 1982.

Her international breakthrough gained momentum in 1983, with an appearance in the American Vogue in April, followed by four more cover features for the prestigious publication. Her striking presence propelled her to rapid stardom, adorning the covers of numerous global fashion magazines. The German Vogue featured her on its cover in March, April, and September of that pivotal year. Also in 1983, her image was chosen for the cover of Roxy Music's album, Atlantic Years. Simonsen also ventured into acting, making her debut in Carlo Vanzina's 1985 film Sotto il vestito niente (known as Nothing Underneath in America), playing a model caught in a thriller. She collaborated with Vanzina again in 1987 for the comedy Via Montenapoleone.

Seeking a change, Simonsen stepped away from modeling in 1988. Despite a potential opportunity to audition for a role in a James Bond film, she opted to conclude her modeling career the following year, returning to Denmark to pursue journalism studies. After not passing her qualifying exams, she shifted her focus to psychology. In 1991, she re-entered the modeling arena, notably for Vichy cosmetics, and by 1993, she became the face of Biotherm. Throughout her career, she represented major cosmetic brands such as Clarins, Maybelline, Covergirl, and Lancel luggage, and also appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Her editorial experience expanded in 1997 when she served as a fashion editor for the Danish magazine Asschenfeldts Magasin, though the publication's run was brief. Simonsen completed her psychology degree in 2002, and in 2003, she signed a contract with French cosmetic company Clarins, appearing in advertisements for mature skincare.

Beyond her modeling achievements, Simonsen has established herself as a writer. In October 2003, she released her first children's book, Karlas kabale. Her 2006 children's book, Anthony Greenwood, earned a nomination for the Danish book