JOSEPHINE SKRIVER

​Josephine Skriver is a Danish supermodel and LGBTQ+ advocate renowned for her work with top fashion houses and her role as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Born on April 14, 1993, in Copenhagen, Denmark, she has graced over 300 runways and fronted campaigns for global brands, all while championing inclusivity and redefining modern family narratives.​

Early Life and Background

Josephine Skriver Karlsen was born to a lesbian IT analyst mother and a gay marine biologist father. Both she and her younger brother, Oliver, were conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF). Growing up in a non-traditional yet loving household, Skriver has openly discussed her upbringing, aiming to normalize diverse family structures. At 15, during a trip to New York with her soccer team, she was scouted by Unique Models. Choosing to complete her education first, she embarked on her modeling career in 2011. ​

Modeling Career

Skriver's debut season in Fall/Winter 2011 saw her opening for Alberta Ferretti and closing for Prada. She quickly became a runway favorite, walking for designers like Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Christian Dior. Her portfolio boasts campaigns for brands such as H&M, Dior, Gucci, Bulgari, DKNY, Michael Kors, Balmain, MAC Cosmetics, and Tom Ford. She has also graced the covers of magazines including Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, V Magazine, and various international editions of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. ​

Victoria’s Secret and Angel Status

Skriver began walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2013 and was officially named an Angel in February 2016. This role elevated her global profile, leading to appearances in catalogs, advertisements, and the brand's high-profile runway shows. ​

Advocacy and Activism

In 2015, Skriver became a celebrity ambassador for the Family Equality Council's Outspoken Generation Program, promoting awareness for LGBTQ+ families. She has expressed a desire for her story to become commonplace, reflecting societal acceptance of diverse family structures. ​

Personal Life

Since 2013, Skriver has been in a relationship with American musician Alexander DeLeon. The couple got engaged in November 2018 and married in April 2022 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aurora James, in August 2023. ​

Josephine Skriver's journey from Copenhagen to international runways exemplifies her dedication, resilience, and commitment to authenticity. Her influence extends beyond fashion, as she continues to advocate for inclusivity and redefine societal norms.