Danish Supermodel

By: Editor | Photography by Steven Lippman. | April 01, 2009 | Fashion

Denmark native May Andersen started her modeling career at a very young age, and before she knew it, she was gracing the covers of French and Italian Vogue. As her popularity grew across Europe, Anderson quickly became a favorite runway girl for Valentino, Chanel, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent.

Her debut in the 2003 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue introduced her to America — and a bona fide super model was born. A year after that, Andersen was asked to appear in SI again, which pushed her career even further, as she signed on to appear in worldwide campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, CoverGirl and Clinique. Despite her whirlwind success, Andersen still enjoys the simple things in life like hiking in Los Angeles or hanging out with friends and family.
How did you get into modeling?
I was a 14-year-old living in Copenhagen. I was skinny, a bit of a tomboy, always hanging out with skaters. Not a lot has changed. A young photographer approached me, and he linked me up with a booking agent from 2pm [modeling agency in Copenhagen]. He is still my manager and best friend in Europe to this day. He sent me to New York City, and I opened the show for Marc Jacobs a year later. I had no idea where it would take me.

What is the best advice anyone has given you about modeling or life
in general?
You only get to do it once, so you better do it right.

Where is the most exciting place that your modeling career has
taken you?
I love the Orient! Japan is definitely a favorite destination.

What’s the most interesting thing that has happened to you on a
photo shoot?
It’s really hard to pinpoint one particular thing. I feel like my professional life is very interesting and action-packed most of the time. It’s like living inside a comic book. My friends call me Business Barbie, but I’d like to think I’m more like Wonder Woman — only blonde.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Well, I reached one of my personal goals when I launched my clothing line Chicks With Guns, so that is definitely my most recent highlight.
Describe what would be your perfect date.
Just to get lost in conversation. If there’s a connection it doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing.

What kind of activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, it’s spent at a friends
house in the backyard next to the pool, day or night, or hiking the
beautiful canyons of Los Angeles.

Are you involved in any other business ventures?
As I mentioned before, I launched my own clothing line in Denmark in 2006. The new collection is amazing, and I’m very proud of it. It’s done very well in Scandinavia. This year, we’re expanding it to the States, and the response from all my favorite boutiques, like Curve and Arcade, has been really great.

Where is home?
Los Angeles, at the moment. I love it here, but home will always be in Denmark. If I could, I’d have my beach house there airlifted to California, preferably with my family in it, so I’d have the best of both worlds all the time.

How did it feel to go back home after appearing in Sports Illustrated?
It was insane! I could not walk down the streets without being stopped. Everyone knew me. It was kind of cool.

What makes you happy?
Loyalty, honesty, driving a BMW very fast — and a really good cheeseburger.

Have you accomplished all of your goals in life yet?
More than I ever could have imagined. I feel very lucky.

What is next for May Andersen?
Lots of love and family!

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