EXCLUSIVES

Claudia Schiffer embodies the term super model. She's been on just about every magazine cover, is the face representing some of the largest cosmetic empires in the world, has written and acted. But Claudia Schiffer doesn't like the travel associated with modeling. "Having to travel so much ... I don't get to spend as much time with my friends and family as I'd like."

Claudia recently turned 30, and almost half her life has been spent walking from one photo shoot to the next. While the work is hard, Claudia is most remarkable for the longevity of her supermodel status.

"There are a few models whose careers have lasted quite a long time and continue to flourish, like Isabella Rosellini and Lauren Hutton. They both have a timeless quality to them. That, coupled with continued professionalism, are essential to maintain long-lasting careers."

For more than ten years Claudia has been a supermodel, commanding the top salaries and gracing the covers of over 500 magazines. Born in Rheinberg, outside Dusseldorff, Germany, Claudia now lives in New York, Monaco and Majorca.

"I spent several years devoting all of my time to work. I now realize that success is worth nothing if you can't enjoy it. I value learning to enjoy life."

Schiffer's career began when she was discovered in a German discotheque in 1987 by Aline Souliers of the Metropolitan modeling agency. She got her start modeling in Europe, but quickly captured the imaginations of Americans, with thanks to the immortal Guess ad campaign of early 1989.

After achieving supermodel status, Claudia branched out, building several successful careers in the process.

"I have been fortunate enough over the years to work with many of the most talented designers in the business ... and (I) have learned quite a lot from each person in different ways. But the most important thing that I've learned is that you have to keep evolving and reach past your comfort zone to be successful."

Her role as Greta in James Toback's 'Black and White' earned Claudia good reviews and offers for more acting roles. Starting an acting career was a huge gamble for the model. Reaching past her comfort zone paid off, but it just as easily could have backfired.

"It's a lot more difficult to learn a new craft when you have to do it in such a public way. I have so much to learn about acting, and I wanted to be more subtle in my approach. When you are known primarily for your work in another profession, people are a lot more critical of your work in other areas."

Whether a supermodel, a restauranteur, the author of two books on the fashion world or an independent film actress, Claudia continues to surprise. In playing Greta, an Anthropology graduate student dating Grant, she starts opposite by New York Knick Allan Houston in the role, Claudia reveals a thoughtful side.

"Greta has been my favorite roll so far. But I also really enjoyed doing a comedic short film recently with Steven Martin based on the television show, Blind Date ... I identify with the side of (Greta) that believes that you should always be true to yourself, but then again, she has an evil side and shows no loyalty - which is completely opposite from me."

Finally, we arrive at Claudia's most recent metamorphoses into an entrepreneur with a dotcom site (Claudiaschiffer.com) and the new Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition. Claudia has been compared in the press favorably to Martha Stewart, who launched a multimedia organization recently. "That's quite a compliment, but what (Martha Stewart) offers on her site is much more extensive as far as merchandise, and information on how to use her products."

Claudiaschiffer.com will become an ecommerce destination specializing in travel accessories, cell phones and even sexy t-shirts; in short, Claudiaschiffer.com will offer items which Claudia herself enjoys. Think of Claudiaschiffer.com as a destination portal for all things Claudia.

"The site is run by PTN Media, but in addition to that we have a designer for the site, and consultants. I have been very involved, however, in the creation and layout of the site. It's always been very important to me that I be very hands-on with the projects that I become involved with. If I don't have an interest in being personally involved, then I won't pursue."

"We are in the process of developing Palm carrying cases, which may be the next item offered on the site ... When I was developing my web site, Claudiaschiffer.com, I wanted it to be more than a visual site. I wanted to offer people cutting edge, innovative products, so I approached Palm about doing an exclusive edition."

The Aqua metallic blue Palm is sleek and aquiline, just like Claudia. Weighing in at just four pounds, the Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition exudes a cool elegance, holding 10,000 addresses, 3,000 memos, and the emails of 400 of your nearest and dearest friends.

"I go online quite often when I'm traveling. I like to research the different cities that I'm planning to travel to, to find hotels, restaurants and places to shop. I also love to shop on Ebay and Amazon.com ... I buy a lot of things online, but my favorite thing to shop for is books."

The thirty year old supermodel has done more things in her short time than many people accomplish in a their lives. Michael Gross, the author of 'Model,' once called Claudia Schiffer, "the model who doesn't make mistakes." Add onto that observation Schiffer's desire to take risks, and you have a most remarkable woman.

Special thanks to > Claudia Schiffer > Regan Cameron for all photography > John Rosen at Nucleus Imaging NYC > Stacy Wolfe at Polaris PR