STELLA MAXWELL

Stella Maxwell is a Belgian-born, Irish-New Zealand model renowned for her dynamic presence in the fashion industry and her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights. Born on May 15, 1990, in Brussels, Belgium, to Northern Irish parents Stella Maynes and Maurice Maxwell, she spent her early years in Brussels before relocating to Canberra, Australia, and subsequently to Wellington, New Zealand. There, she attended Queen Margaret College and later the University of Otago, where she was scouted by a modeling agency, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. ​

Early Life and Education

Maxwell's upbringing was marked by international experiences, owing to her father's diplomatic career. She is multilingual, fluent in both English and French. Her diverse background has contributed to her adaptability and global appeal in the modeling world. ​

Modeling Career

Stella Maxwell's modeling career commenced in New Zealand, leading to her participation in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2014. She became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2015, joining the ranks of the brand's most prominent models. Throughout her career, she has worked with esteemed fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, H&M, Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, and Topshop. Maxwell has graced the runways for designers including Jeremy Scott, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Jacquemus, Tory Burch, Giles, Dsquared2, Mugler, Fendi, Chanel, Miu Miu, and Versace. ​

In addition to her runway success, Maxwell has appeared on the covers of various international editions of Vogue, including German, Turkish, Spanish, Thai, and Japanese publications. Her editorial work extends to magazines such as Elle, Glamour, i-D, Interview, Jalouse, and Purple. ​

Advocacy and Personal Life

Openly identifying as sexually fluid, Stella Maxwell is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. She has utilized her platform to promote inclusivity and support organizations like GLAAD. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of living authentically and encourages others to embrace their identities. 

In her personal life, Maxwell has been linked to high-profile relationships, including a brief romance with singer Miley Cyrus in 2015 and a relationship with actress Kristen Stewart from 2016 to 2018. ​

Recent Endeavors

Continuing to influence the fashion industry, Stella Maxwell remains active in modeling and advocacy. She has been featured in campaigns such as Roberto Cavalli's "Never without Denim," showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal. ​

Maxwell's commitment to her craft and her advocacy work solidify her status as a prominent figure in both the fashion world and the LGBTQIA+ community.