CARMEN KASS

Carmen Kass is an Estonian supermodel, actress, and chess enthusiast, celebrated for her influential presence in the fashion industry and her multifaceted pursuits beyond modeling.

🧬 Early Life and Background

Born on September 14, 1978, in Paide, Estonia, Carmen Kass grew up in the village of Mäo, Järva County. Raised by her mother, Koidu Põder, alongside her older siblings, Victoria and Kutty, Kass's early life was rooted in modest beginnings. Her father, Viktor Kass, was a chess teacher, a passion that would later influence her own interests. 

🌟 Discovery and Modeling Career

At the age of 14, Kass was discovered in a Tallinn supermarket by an Italian modeling scout. Although her initial foray into modeling in Milan was short-lived, she relocated to Paris at 18, where her career flourished. Kass graced the covers of numerous international magazines, including Vogue (American, French, British, Italian), Elle (Australian), and Madame Figaro. 

She became the face of prestigious brands such as Chanel, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Givenchy. Notably, she was the muse for Michael Kors for a decade and represented the Narciso Rodriguez "For Her" fragrance line for 17 years. 

Kass's runway presence was marked by her distinctive walk and commanding presence. She opened and closed the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1999 and walked in subsequent shows in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2008.

🎬 Acting Endeavors

Expanding her artistic pursuits, Kass studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. She appeared in the 2001 film "Zoolander" as herself and played the female lead in the 2004 Estonian thriller "Täna öösel me ei maga" ("Set Point"). 

🏛️ Political Involvement and Chess Leadership

In 2004, Kass ventured into politics by joining Estonia's Res Publica Party and running for the European Parliament, though she was not elected. Her passion for chess, inherited from her father, led her to serve as the president of the Estonian Chess Federation from 2004 to 2011. During her tenure, she campaigned for Tallinn to host the 2008 Chess Olympiad. 

👩‍👦 Personal Life

Kass was in a relationship with German chess grandmaster Eric Lobron from 2004 to 2014. She is multilingual, fluent in Estonian and English. 

💼 Business Ventures

Beyond modeling, Kass is a part-owner of Baltic Models, the agency that played a pivotal role in launching her career. 

Carmen Kass's journey from a small Estonian village to international runways exemplifies her versatility and determination. Her contributions to fashion, film, politics, and chess reflect a dynamic individual whose influence extends beyond the catwalk.