Estelle Lefébure: The Elegance of a Life Without Artifice

Estelle Lefébure on the steps of the Palais des Congrès in Cannes

Estelle Lefébure, an icon of the 90s, continues to captivate with her natural charm and refusal of aesthetic dictates. Invited on January 23, 2025, on France 5 in the show C à Vous, she presented her new book, Welcome: Embracing the Passage of Time, a hymn to self-acceptance and serenity in the face of aging. A look back at a legendary career and an inspiring message.

Buy now Welcome: Embracing the Passage of Time by Estelle Lefébure

The First Frenchwoman Among the Supermodels

Born in Rouen in 1966, Estelle Lefébure grew up in Normandy before being discovered at 19 by a Parisian agency. From the start, her charisma and radiant beauty captivated the big names in fashion. Quickly, she made her mark on international runways, becoming the first Frenchwoman to join the circle of supermodels, alongside figures like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford.

Her advertising campaigns for Thierry Mugler, Guess, Christian Dior, and Mixa established her as an icon. A loyal muse for the Mixa brand since 1998, she remains a symbol of natural and timeless beauty. With 37 covers of Elle France magazine to her credit, she holds a record that attests to her lasting influence in the fashion world.

A Career Marked by Legendary Collaborations

Among her standout moments, the 1992 campaign for Thierry Mugler’s Angel perfume redefined the advertising codes of the time. Simultaneously, her participation in the cult video Too Funky by George Michael, directed by Mugler, reinforced her aura as a glamorous muse.

In 1995, pregnant with her daughter Ilona, she defied conventions by walking for Jean Paul Gaultier. This bold moment embodies her free spirit and ability to transcend industry expectations.

Estelle Lefébure also graced the covers of major magazines: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Madame Figaro, collaborating with legendary photographers such as Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, and Richard Avedon.

Estelle Lefébure shines on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival, embodying the timeless elegance that has made her a beauty icon far beyond our borders
Estelle Lefébure shines on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival, embodying the timeless elegance that has made her a beauty icon far beyond our borders

A Model of Healthy Living and Acceptance

Unlike many icons of her generation, Estelle Lefébure refuses to succumb to the allure of cosmetic surgery. In a society where eternal youth is often seen as a norm, she advocates for a more authentic approach to beauty. "I prefer my face to remain alive, with its expression lines," she confides in an interview. She adds that she is not opposed to aesthetic medicine but will always favor a personal approach not dictated by others’ expectations.

Her book Welcome: Embracing the Passage of Time, published by Flammarion, shares her reflections on the art of aging gracefully. She critiques age-related injunctions, like the famous "You don’t look your age," which she considers a backhanded compliment. "Not looking your age means nothing. What matters is feeling good at every stage of your life," she asserts.

A Life in the Spotlight and Rooted in Intimacy

Estelle Lefébure shared part of her life with David Hallyday, son of Johnny and Sylvie Vartan, whom she married in 1989. Together, they had two daughters, Ilona and Emma Smet, who are now shining in their respective careers. After their divorce in 2001, she was married to producer-host Arthur from 2004 to 2008.

Despite media exposure, she has remained true to her values, prioritizing her family and personal balance. In 2010, she welcomed her third child, Giuliano, from her relationship with Pascal Ramette.

A Timeless Beauty

With her radiant smile and natural elegance, Estelle Lefébure continues to inspire generations of women. As an ambassador of natural beauty, she proves that aging is not a weakness but a strength. Her message of self-kindness resonates in an era where aesthetic dictates are omnipresent.

Estelle Lefébure, mother of three children, maintains a precious personal and family balance, the secret to her natural beauty, which is rare in the star system
Estelle Lefébure, mother of three children, maintains a precious personal and family balance, the secret to her natural beauty, which is rare in the star system

In 2020, she participated in the last show of Jean Paul Gaultier, once again affirming her status as a timeless icon. Today, between her editorial projects, personal commitments, and family life, she remains an essential figure in the media landscape.

Estelle Lefébure, the "Normandy Girl", has managed to combine international success with human values. She represents much more than a face: a symbol of freedom, authenticity, and beauty without artifice.

Comments

Related Posts